A man who claimed to have endured nearly two decades of captivity in a Connecticut residence under the watch of his father and stepmother has expressed gratitude to medical staff for throwing him what he described as his very first birthday celebration upon turning 32. In a public statement on Tuesday, he conveyed his determination to see those responsible held accountable and shared plans to adopt a new name as he begins to regain control over his life and continues his physical and mental recovery.
In a statement facilitated by the nonprofit group, Survivors Say, the man, identified now as “S,” recounted his traumatic experience after being rescued by firefighters on February 17. Escaping from a burning house in Waterbury, a fire he reportedly ignited in a desperate bid for freedom, marked his liberation. The organization supporting him offers resources to individuals and families impacted by similar adversities.
“Please call me ‘S,’” his statement begins. “This is not the name my parents gave me at birth. I am choosing a new name for myself, and it represents the first step in reclaiming control over my life and future. My name is my choice, and it is one of the many choices I will now make for myself now that I am free.”
Following his rescue, “S” was hospitalized, where he disclosed that he had been confined to a small room, poorly nourished since the age of 11, and weighed a mere 69 pounds (31 kilograms) when brought in. Medical professionals identified malnutrition and various health and developmental issues.
His stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, faces multiple charges including kidnapping, felony assault, and cruelty. She has pleaded not guilty and refuted claims of confinement. According to an arrest warrant, Sullivan insists the man was free to roam the house, though his father passed away last year.
“I am a survivor of more than 20 years of captivity and domestic abuse,” S revealed. “I was imprisoned in my home from the time I was withdrawn from school at age 11 until recently, at age 31, when I started the fire that led to my freedom.”
“S” shared his ordeal with law enforcement following his rescue, narrating the harrowing conditions of being locked away without heating or cooling, receiving little food, and being deprived of medical and dental care, leading to severe tooth decay.
He was pulled out of Waterbury’s public schools in 2004 after his parents complained about school authorities’ concerns to the state Department of Children and Families. Despite multiple visits from police and the department, no immediate action ensued, although “S” claims he was coerced by Sullivan to maintain that he was fine, under threat of further food deprivation.
Authorities are now investigating how such prolonged abuse could persist, with calls for tighter homeschooling regulations and a review of previous agency actions. Meanwhile, “S” reports feeling stronger and on the path to recovery. He extended thanks to first responders, healthcare workers, and those assisting in his recovery. His caregivers organized a recent birthday celebration for him.
Additionally, “S” expressed gratitude for support from Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury, a group advocating for domestic abuse victims, which has amassed almost $270,000 through a crowdfunding campaign to cover his medical and dental needs, therapy, living expenses, and upcoming legal costs.
“I urge everyone involved in my story to fully cooperate with the authorities who are aiding in my pursuit of justice,” he said. “I ask the public and media to honor these investigations and my privacy throughout the process. This isn’t merely a story—it’s my life.”
He concluded by thanking the public for their ongoing messages of solidarity and prayers.