A 32-year-old Connecticut man reportedly escaped two decades of captivity by setting fire to the small room where his stepmother allegedly held him prisoner, according to officials.
Emergency responders arrived at the burning home and rescued the severely malnourished man from a 72-square-foot room. Weighing just 68 pounds when found, the man received treatment for smoke inhalation after his escape.
Police in Waterbury, Connecticut said the man admitted to starting the fire after enduring “prolonged abuse, starvation, severe neglect, and inhumane treatment” for years. When asked why he set the fire, he simply told police: “I wanted my freedom.”
The man’s stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, 56, faces kidnapping and cruelty charges. She has denied all allegations against her.
Prosecutors claim Sullivan provided the victim with only a sandwich and two small water bottles daily for years. He was allegedly permitted just two hours outside the room each day to complete chores while under Sullivan’s supervision.
According to prosecutors, the man used hand sanitizer, paper and a lighter to start the fire on February 17, fully aware he might die in the process. Sullivan was home during the incident but did not speak with authorities at the scene.
Sullivan’s attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis, strongly contested the accusations: “He was not locked in a room. She did not restrain him in any way. She provided food; she provided shelter. She is blown away by these allegations.”
Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo described the case details as “both heartbreaking and unimaginable.” According to police, the victim reported being held captive in his family home from approximately age 11.
“He had been locked in the room for 20 years, and for 20 years he’d been trying to get out of that room,” the prosecutor stated in court.
Authorities noted that the man’s living conditions reportedly deteriorated after his father’s death, though the timing remains unclear. When discovered, the man had a body mass index of 11, well below the National Health Service’s healthy range of 18.5-24.9.
Police reported that throughout his captivity, the unnamed man received neither medical nor dental care.
About the author
Musk Declares War On Trump Over Spending Bill And Threatens New Political Party
Tech billionaire Elon Musk has intensified his opposition to President Donald Trump's tax cuts and spending legislation while calling for the creation of a new political party. Musk's criticism targets Trump's 940-page "Big, Beautiful Bill," which includes tax breaks alongside significant reductions to healthcare and food programs. The legislation has drawn opposition from Democrats and some Republicans. In early June, Musk, who served as a major Trump campaign donor and former key adviser, labeled the bill a "disgusting abomination," triggering a public dispute with the president. The two appeared to reconcile temporarily, with Trump expressing goodwill toward Musk and the billionaire posting on X that he regretted going "too far." However, as senators prepared to vote on bill amendments Monday, Musk renewed his attacks. He declared that lawmakers who campaigned on spending cuts but supported the bill "should hang their […]
Saudi Arabia Stuns Manchester City With Historic Club World Cup Victory
Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal delivered the biggest upset of the Club World Cup tournament, defeating Manchester City 4-3 in extra time to advance to the quarterfinals. The match concluded 2-2 after regulation time on Monday, with Marcos Leonardo scoring the decisive goal in extra time to secure what many consider one of the greatest victories in Middle Eastern football history. Al Hilal will now face Brazilian club Fluminense in the quarterfinals, guaranteeing a non-European team reaches the semifinals. Manchester City opened the scoring in the ninth minute through Bernardo Silva, who converted from Rayan Ait-Nouri's cross. Al Hilal protested that Ait-Nouri had used his arm in the buildup, but the goal was allowed to stand. City created numerous opportunities to extend their advantage before halftime, but poor finishing and outstanding goalkeeping from Moroccan keeper Yassine Bounou maintained the narrow lead. […]
Iran Refuses Trump Nuclear Talks Until US Promises No More Attacks
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has dismissed the possibility of immediate nuclear negotiations with the United States, despite President Trump's suggestion that talks could begin within days. Speaking on CBS Evening News Monday, Araghchi responded to Trump's timeline while G7 foreign ministers simultaneously issued statements supporting renewed dialogue on Iran's nuclear program. Iran and the US were previously engaged in nuclear discussions when Israel conducted strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities. The US subsequently participated in attacks on Iran's Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan nuclear sites on June 21. While Tehran maintains its nuclear program serves peaceful purposes, both the US and Israel express concerns about potential weapons development capabilities. Araghchi indicated negotiations would require more time than Trump suggested, emphasizing Iran's need for security guarantees before reengaging. "In order for us to decide to reengage, we would have to […]
Senate Battles Through Night Over Trump’s Massive Spending Bill That Could Strip 12 Million of Healthcare
The US Senate has conducted a marathon overnight voting session on a comprehensive budget bill central to President Trump's legislative priorities. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, spanning nearly 1,000 pages, proposes increased spending for border security, defense, and energy production, balanced by reductions to healthcare and food-support programs. The legislation's future remains uncertain as Republicans, controlling both congressional chambers, are divided over the extent of welfare program cuts needed to fund tax break extensions. Following Senate approval, the bill would return to the House of Representatives for final passage before reaching Trump's desk. Senators have engaged in a "vote-a-rama" process since Monday night into Tuesday, debating and voting on individual amendments. The session has exceeded 22 hours. Vice President JD Vance arrived at Capitol Hill after 06:00 EST, suggesting Senate Republicans may require his tie-breaking vote. Republicans can afford […]
Trump Aid Cuts Could Kill 14 Million People By 2030 Says New Study
Research published in The Lancet medical journal suggests that President Donald Trump's cuts to US foreign humanitarian aid funding could result in more than 14 million additional deaths by 2030. One-third of those projected deaths would be children, according to the study. The research indicates that low- and middle-income countries face disruption "comparable in scale to a global pandemic or a major armed conflict," said co-author Davide Rasella from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced in March that over 80% of all US Agency for International Development (USAID) programmes had been cancelled. The Trump administration has characterized these cuts as eliminating wasteful spending. The reductions were overseen by Elon Musk, who was leading an initiative to reduce federal workforce size at the time. Trump has consistently stated his intention to align overseas spending […]
Major Charities Demand Shutdown of Gaza Aid System After 500 Deaths
Over 130 international charities and NGOs are demanding the closure of the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which operates with Israeli and US backing. The organizations report that more than 500 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid since the GHF began operations in late May, following Israel's three-month Gaza blockade. Nearly 4,000 people have been injured during the same period. Major organizations including Oxfam, Save the Children, and Amnesty International claim Israeli forces and armed groups "routinely" fire on Palestinians seeking assistance. Israel denies its soldiers deliberately target aid recipients and defends the GHF system as providing direct assistance while bypassing Hamas interference. The joint statement from leading global charities alleges the foundation violates humanitarian work principles by forcing two million people into overcrowded, militarized zones where they face daily gunfire. Since GHF operations began, near-daily reports have emerged […]
Related
Musk Declares War On Trump Over Spending Bill And Threatens New Political Party
Tech billionaire Elon Musk has intensified his opposition to President Donald Trump's tax cuts and spending legislation while calling for the creation of a new political party. Musk's criticism targets Trump's 940-page "Big, Beautiful Bill," which includes tax breaks alongside significant reductions to healthcare and food programs. The legislation has drawn opposition from Democrats and some Republicans. In early June, Musk, who served as a major Trump campaign donor and former key adviser, labeled the bill a "disgusting abomination," triggering a public dispute with the president. The two appeared to reconcile temporarily, with Trump expressing goodwill toward Musk and the billionaire posting on X that he regretted going "too far." However, as senators prepared to vote on bill amendments Monday, Musk renewed his attacks. He declared that lawmakers who campaigned on spending cuts but supported the bill "should hang their […]
Iran Refuses Trump Nuclear Talks Until US Promises No More Attacks
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has dismissed the possibility of immediate nuclear negotiations with the United States, despite President Trump's suggestion that talks could begin within days. Speaking on CBS Evening News Monday, Araghchi responded to Trump's timeline while G7 foreign ministers simultaneously issued statements supporting renewed dialogue on Iran's nuclear program. Iran and the US were previously engaged in nuclear discussions when Israel conducted strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities. The US subsequently participated in attacks on Iran's Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan nuclear sites on June 21. While Tehran maintains its nuclear program serves peaceful purposes, both the US and Israel express concerns about potential weapons development capabilities. Araghchi indicated negotiations would require more time than Trump suggested, emphasizing Iran's need for security guarantees before reengaging. "In order for us to decide to reengage, we would have to […]
Trump Aid Cuts Could Kill 14 Million People By 2030 Says New Study
Research published in The Lancet medical journal suggests that President Donald Trump's cuts to US foreign humanitarian aid funding could result in more than 14 million additional deaths by 2030. One-third of those projected deaths would be children, according to the study. The research indicates that low- and middle-income countries face disruption "comparable in scale to a global pandemic or a major armed conflict," said co-author Davide Rasella from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced in March that over 80% of all US Agency for International Development (USAID) programmes had been cancelled. The Trump administration has characterized these cuts as eliminating wasteful spending. The reductions were overseen by Elon Musk, who was leading an initiative to reduce federal workforce size at the time. Trump has consistently stated his intention to align overseas spending […]
Major Charities Demand Shutdown of Gaza Aid System After 500 Deaths
Over 130 international charities and NGOs are demanding the closure of the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which operates with Israeli and US backing. The organizations report that more than 500 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid since the GHF began operations in late May, following Israel's three-month Gaza blockade. Nearly 4,000 people have been injured during the same period. Major organizations including Oxfam, Save the Children, and Amnesty International claim Israeli forces and armed groups "routinely" fire on Palestinians seeking assistance. Israel denies its soldiers deliberately target aid recipients and defends the GHF system as providing direct assistance while bypassing Hamas interference. The joint statement from leading global charities alleges the foundation violates humanitarian work principles by forcing two million people into overcrowded, militarized zones where they face daily gunfire. Since GHF operations began, near-daily reports have emerged […]
US Cuts Tariffs on UK Cars and PlanesโBut Steel Industry Left Behind
Tariff reductions for UK automotive and aerospace sectors have taken effect following Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's completion of negotiations for relief from US import duties. UK car manufacturers exporting to America now face a reduced 10% tariff quota, down from the previous 27.5%, while aerospace companies will see a 10% levy eliminated completely. Sir Keir described the agreement as a "historic trade deal" with the US, secured after President Donald Trump implemented import taxes as part of his "liberation day" tariffs affecting countries globally. The Prime Minister and US President finalized the sectoral agreement during the G7 summit, though steel tariffs remain at 25% instead of being reduced to zero as initially negotiated. Discussions continue regarding securing 0% tariffs on core UK steel products destined for US markets. Trump's executive order indicates the US seeks guarantees regarding UK steel […]
Teen Killer Faces Murder Trial After Fatal School Stabbing
A 15-year-old defendant is scheduled to stand trial for murder charges following the fatal stabbing of Harvey Willgoose, also 15, at All Saints Catholic High School in Sheffield on February 3. The accused teenager, whose identity remains protected by law, has entered a guilty plea to manslaughter charges but maintains innocence regarding the murder charge. The trial will commence Monday at Sheffield Crown Court. The defendant has also acknowledged possession of a bladed weapon in connection with the incident. Harvey Willgoose sustained fatal injuries after being stabbed through the heart during the February incident at the Sheffield school. The event generated widespread shock throughout Sheffield and across the country. The victim has been admitted guilty to possessing a bladed article as part of the charges. At Harvey's February funeral service, family and friends remembered him as a "social butterfly" who […]
Be the first to leave a comment