A man who was allegedly held captive by his stepmum for 20 years in a 'house of horror' has spoken out for the first time since she was arrested.
Kimberly Sullivan was arrested after a fire at her home was started by a man identified as her stepson, resulting in him being rescued from the property.
He told police he'd intentionally started the fire, saying 'I wanted my freedom' and claimed he'd been kept in captivity for more than 20 years.
The Waterbury Police Department said 'detectives determined that the victim had been held in captivity for over 20 years, enduring prolonged abuse, starvation, severe neglect, and inhumane treatment'.
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The man hadn't been seen by others since he was a child, and pictures from inside the property appear to show the horrific conditions in which he was kept.
Sullivan was arrested on charges of assault, kidnapping, and unlawful restraint, with her lawyer Ioannis Kaloidis claiming: "These allegations are not true. They are outlandish. She was blown away when she heard these allegations."
The 56-year-old has since been released on bail and has been fitted with a GPS tag, prompting the man to ask: "Why is she out walking around when I was locked up in a room for 20 years?"
He has since released a full statement, his first official one since he left the house, where he spoke more about his situation and asked people to call him 'S'.
In a statement released via the group Survivors Say, he said: "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."
He went on: "I am a survivor of more than 20 years of captivity and domestic abuse," the man said in the statement. I was held prisoner in my home from the time I was taken out of the fourth grade at age 11 until two months ago at age 31 when I purposely set the fire that helped set me 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.
"I am much better and stronger than I was the day the first responders carried me out of my home. I am beyond grateful for the care I have received since then.
"To all the healthcare professionals who have helped and nurtured me, thank you. In addition to all your care, I appreciated the chance to have my first ever birthday party to celebrate turning 32.
"I also want to thank the first responders, the law enforcement investigators and everyone who is working to hold those responsible for my abuse accountable.
"Thank you to everyone at Safe Haven Waterbury and everyone who has given to the GoFundMe page that will help cover some of the expenses I will face in the weeks, months and years to come.
"I am grateful to the conservator and my attorney, who will help guide me through the legal process ahead. They have been invaluable to me, and I am grateful for their tireless support.
"Much has already been said that tells part of the story of the abuse I endured. Someday, perhaps my whole story will be told. I ask everyone involved in my story to fully cooperate with the authorities who are helping me seek justice for these crimes.
"I also ask the public and the media to respect those investigations and my privacy as this process plays out. This isn’t just a story. It’s my life. Thank you for your thoughts and messages, your support and your continued prayers as I recover."
A GoFundMe has been set up to help S. If you want donate, click here.
Joe Harker