Half-sister demands justice for Connecticut abuse victim

A woman named Heather Tessman is demanding justice for her half-brother, who was rescued from a house in Waterbury, Connecticut. He had been subjected to years of abuse and neglect. Tessman described the situation as resembling a "horror movie." The victim, now 32 years old, was found in poor condition after he set his home on fire to escape. Authorities say he was held captive for over 20 years, starved, and forced to drink from a toilet bowl. His stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, 56, has been charged with cruelty and kidnapping. Tessman has expressed her anger towards those responsible. She believes Sullivan and her two daughters, who lived in the house, should face severe punishment. "They deserve solitary confinement for the rest of their lives," she said. Heather shares a biological mother with the victim. She only met him once when she was three years old and has been searching for him ever since he turned 18. Tessman alleges that people in the house lied about her brother's whereabouts during her search. When she learned the truth, Tessman was horrified. She wants her brother to know she was looking for him all along. He is currently recovering in a hospital, and she hopes they can connect soon. Sullivan has denied the charges against her. She is scheduled to appear in court on March 26.