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‘House of Horrors’ Unveiled: Disturbing Images Emerge in Connecticut Captivity Case
New images reveal the grim interior of a Waterbury, Connecticut, residence, described as a “house of horrors,” where a woman allegedly held her stepson captive for two decades. Kimberly Sullivan, 56, faces accusations of confining her stepson to a small room beginning when he was just 11 years old. Authorities allege she deprived him of sustenance and subjected him to prolonged abuse. The disturbing photographs, released by Waterbury police, provide a chilling glimpse into the conditions of the home.
Inside the ‘Filthy Property’: Walls, Fire Damage, and Confinement
Photographs from inside the dilapidated property depict crumbling and decaying walls and blackened areas resulting from a fire. This blaze, police reports indicate, was intentionally set by the victim in a desperate bid to escape his alleged confinement. The images chronicle the squalor and disrepair of the dwelling where the man claims he was held against his will for twenty years.
Decades of Alleged Captivity and Deprivation
According to his statement to authorities, the man’s ordeal began around the age of 11. He was reportedly locked in a room without proper heating or cooling for the majority of each day and night. His access to food and water was purportedly severely restricted.
- Limited sustenance and hydration were allegedly provided.
- Confined without bathroom access, forcing him to devise makeshift solutions for waste disposal.
- Lack of dental care led to his teeth breaking; he reportedly saved portions of his meager water rations for washing.
‘Akin to an Auschwitz Survivor’: Victim’s Emaciated Condition
Police described the emaciated state of the victim upon rescue as “akin to an Auschwitz survivor,” highlighting the severity of the alleged neglect. The man recounted instances of begging classmates for food, resorting to stealing, and eating from garbage bins while he was still attending school.
Later, confined to the house full-time, his food intake purportedly consisted of just two sandwiches daily, along with limited water, while locked in his room.
Disrepair and Clutter: Visual Evidence from the ‘House of Horrors’
The recently released photographs further illustrate the state of disrepair within the home. The interior appears cluttered and disorganized, with junk and debris accumulated in virtually every room. One bathroom is shown in a particularly unhygienic state. In another room, clothing and containers are piled high, obscuring the floor and filling the space.
Glimmers of a Functioning Home Amidst the Chaos
Despite the pervasive squalor, some areas suggested a semblance of normal domestic life. A small painting hung in the kitchen, and a dog picture affixed to the refrigerator. A room seemingly belonging to Sullivan displayed jewelry hanging from a door.
Escape and Rescue: The Fire and its Aftermath
The alleged years of cruelty culminated on February 17 when the man deliberately ignited a fire at the Waterbury residence as an act of self-preservation. Responding police officers and firefighters were alerted to his story, as detailed in the arrest warrant. Fire damage is evident in numerous police photographs. However, it is also clear that the fire did not extend to sections of the house seemingly occupied by Sullivan.
Sullivan’s Denial and Legal Defense
Sullivan has pleaded not guilty to charges of assault, kidnapping, and cruelty. She was released on bail after posting a $300,000 bond. Her attorney, Ioannis A. Kaloidis, asserted to news outlets that Sullivan’s late husband, the victim’s father, Kregg, was responsible for decisions concerning the stepson’s upbringing.
Sullivan maintains her innocence, reportedly claiming to have encouraged better hygiene but could not “force” it. She acknowledged being “aware” of his weight but denied responsibility for his condition. Her lawyer described her reaction to the allegations as one of disbelief and shock, stating they are “outlandish” and “not true.”
Victim’s Reaction to Release on Bail
Following Sullivan’s not guilty plea and subsequent release, her stepson reportedly questioned the fairness of her freedom while he endured two decades of confinement.
Medical Condition: Starvation, Wasting, and Psychological Trauma
Medical personnel who examined the man upon his rescue determined he was near starvation and suffering from wasting syndrome. Despite being five feet nine inches tall, he weighed a mere 69 pounds. He received treatment for smoke inhalation and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.