The house in Waterbury, Connecticut, where a man says his stepmother held him captive for 20 years is being shown to us for the first time.
Numerous images of the interior of what some have called a “house of horrors” were made public by police on Monday.
What the pictures depict
Every unsettling image shows the appalling living circumstances in the house where a 32-year-old man claims his stepmother held him captive for 20 years, from the kitchen to the bedrooms and toilets.
The victim informed police he ignited the fire on February 17 in an attempt to escape, and images also show damage from that incident.
The son is seen being carried into an ambulance by first responders on body camera footage from that day.
The son informed detectives that he had been imprisoned in a small room since he was eleven years old, without access to a doctor or dentist, and with little food to sustain him. The fresh photographs reveal dirty stairs leading to the second story.
Although some of the doors in the photos are locked, it’s unclear whose room he was in.
“We think he might have left the room he was in by walking through the fire. However, he weighed 68 pounds and stood 5 feet 9 inches tall. Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo remarked, “It’s incredible that he’s still alive.”
The stepmother is being charged with several offenses.
Kimberly Sullivan, the son’s stepmother, entered a not guilty plea on Friday to accusations of felony assault and kidnapping. The 57-year-old was put under electronic observation.
Ioannis Kaloidis, her lawyer, stated unequivocally that she is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
“I am aware that everyone wants to have her crucified. “Everyone has already found her guilty, but that isn’t how this works and it won’t work,” Kaloidis stated.
In court, Tracy Vallerand, the victim’s biological mother who gave up custody over 30 years ago, demanded justice for her son.
“Just as she kept my son, she ought to be behind bars. It’s repulsive,” Vallerand declared.
Sullivan’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 22.
Photos show inside of Connecticut home where man says he was held hostage for 20 years.
