On February 17, 2025, firefighters responded to a house fire in Waterbury, Connecticut. But what they discovered was far more shocking than the flames—a severely emaciated 32-year-old man, the unmistakable victim of years of neglect and abuse.

Authorities now allege that he had been held captive in that home for over two decades, since the age of 11. As more details emerge, disturbing accounts of his ordeal paint a grim picture of a system that failed him. Evidence suggests that officials had a chance to intervene 20 years ago, yet he tragically slipped through the cracks of a massively broken system.

His stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, now faces multiple felony charges. In this episode, we delve into the harrowing details of the case, her defence, and why this story serves as a stark reminder of the critical role child welfare organizations play in protecting vulnerable children.

If you're in Canada, and you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse of any kind, call 1-800-668-6868 to access confidential and anonymous support through Kids Help Phone.  Or, text CONNECT to 686868.

In the US, call 800-422-4453 to speak with a counsellor through the ChildHelp National Child Abuse Hotline. Or text HELP to 800-422-4453.

RESOURCES:

"Waterbury fire with stepmother bodycam" (Dashcam Footage from February 17, 2025)

Connecticut House of Horrors: Victim's Biological Mom Talks to Court TV

Man Allegedly held captive for 20 years: What we know about Kimberly Sullivan's case (USA Today)

Harrowing Bodycam Footage Shows Woman’s Reaction as Her Alleged Victim Escapes After 20 Years in Captivity: Watch

Connecticut woman accused of holding stepson captive for 20 years pleads not guilty, judge orders GPS monitoring

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