Featured Image Credit: Waterbury Police Department
Topics: US News, Crime, True crime, Parenting, Health
Poppy Bilderbeck
Topics: US News, Crime, True crime, Parenting, Health
Warning: This article contains discussion of domestic violence which some readers may find distressing
A man who was allegedly held captive by his stepmom from the age of 11 to 31 has spoken out to 'have his say in how his story is told'.
In February earlier this year, a man was discovered severely malnourished following a fire he started in the house of his stepmom, Kimberly Sullivan, in Waterbury, Connecticut.
The man had rarely been seen since he was taken out of school 'in fourth grade' and is reported as having lit the fire in a bid to escape, with Sullivan being accused of imprisoning him for 20 years.
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Reports state the man claimed he was kept in a small box room in Sullivan's house and was allowed two sandwiches and two glasses of water per day, only granted access outside the room if it was to do chores.
The man - who wishes to be temporarily called 'S' - has since made a public statement for the first time since he was rescued.
S has spoken out via a statement obtained by News 8 reading: "Please call me ‘S.’ This is not the name given to me by my parents when I was born. I am choosing a new name for myself, and I will use that name as I reclaim control over my life and my future. My name is my choice, and it is the first of many choices I will make for myself now that I am free."
S alleges he was 'held prisoner' in his home from when he was taken out of fourth grade at the age of 11 'until two months ago at the age of 31' when he 'purposely set the fire that helped set [him] free'.
"I am speaking out today to begin the process of reclaiming my life and to have my say in how my story is told," he continued.
S noted he's feeling 'much better and stronger' than the day he was rescued and is 'beyond grateful for the care' he's received since then, thanking the health care providers who've 'helped and nurtured' him.
S also had 'the chance to have [his] first ever birthday party,' recently turning 32.
Sullivan has been charged with second-degree kidnapping, first-degree assault, cruelty to a person, first-degree unlawful restraint, and first-degree reckless endangerment.
According to an arrest warrant, a slide bolt lock was discovered on the door of the room from the outside, however the stepmom's lawyer, Ioannis Kaloidis, has refuted these claims, insisting she's 'not the villain she is being made out to be' - Sullivan pleading not guilty to the charges on March 28.
Kaloidis added: "He was not locked in a room. She did not restrain him in any way. She provided food, she provided shelter. She is blown away by these allegations."
UNILAD previously contacted Kaloidis for comment.
S' statement continued to thank 'the first responders, the law enforcement investigators and everyone who is working to hold those responsible for [his] abuse accountable' alongside 'everyone at Safe Haven Waterbury and everyone who has given to the GoFundMe page that will help cover some of the overwhelming expenses [he] will face in the weeks, months and years to come'.
He resolved: "This isn't just a story. It's my life. Thank you all for your thoughts and messages, your support and your continued prayers as I recover."
If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence 24 hours a day to the national domestic violence helpline on 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) 24/7. You can find a list of local resources here.