Man escapes decades of alleged captivity in Connecticut

A young man recently escaped from a home in Waterbury, Connecticut, where he claimed he was held captive for over 20 years. He managed to flee the house, which is now dubbed the “house of horrors,” by starting a fire. This incident has sparked outrage and concern in the local community. City leaders are facing pressure from residents who want answers regarding the allegations of abuse. Many community members are shocked that such suffering happened right in their neighborhood. Reports indicate that the stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, has been arrested and charged with serious crimes, including kidnapping and assault. Sullivan plans to plead not guilty. The escapee, now 32 years old, endured years of neglect and abuse, only allowed outside for chores or on Halloween. Former classmates remember him as a small and timid boy who often appeared hungry. The community has rallied to support him, with fundraising efforts collecting over $134,000 to aid in his recovery. Local authorities have stated that they had previous contact with the family regarding concerns for the boy's well-being but found nothing alarming at the time. This has led to calls for investigations into how state agencies oversee child welfare, especially regarding homeschooled children. Firefighters who rescued the young man expressed their disbelief at the circumstances of his escape. As the community processes this tragic event, many residents reflect on their shared memories of the nearby park where they grew up, highlighting the stark contrast between their childhood experiences and the survivor’s reality.