Man escapes 20 years of captivity in Connecticut

A 32-year-old man recently escaped a burning house in Waterbury, Connecticut, revealing he had been held captive for over 20 years. The house, now referred to as "the house of horrors," has drawn significant media attention since he set the fire to gain freedom from his abusive stepmother. The man's stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, 57, has been arrested. She faces charges including kidnapping and assault. Sullivan's lawyers say she plans to plead not guilty and maintain her innocence. Meanwhile, neighbors express shock and concern about the situation, with many visiting the site to understand what happened. Local authorities have faced scrutiny for their past interactions with the family. Former educators recalled contacting the Department of Children and Families multiple times regarding the boy's well-being when he was a child. However, the agency reported no records of any ongoing investigations concerning the family. Emergency responders described the fire incident as extraordinary. The deputy fire chief shared that the man, who was severely underweight, expressed a desire for freedom while being rescued. Detectives found evidence corroborating his story after investigating the house. Community leaders, including the mayor and police chief, have acknowledged the need for better protections and protocols for children, especially those who are homeschooled. Calls for reforms have increased since Sullivan's arrest. Local residents continue to rally behind the survivor, organizing fundraisers and offering support. A nonprofit has raised over $134,000 to assist in his recovery. The community is committed to ensuring that this tragic chapter leads to positive changes for child safety in the future.