The shocking “House of Horrors” case in Waterbury, Connecticut continues to unfold, sending ripples across the nation. Prosecutors have charged 57-year-old Kimberly Sullivan with long-term imprisonment of her stepson for over twenty years, depriving him of his freedom since he was a teenager. It wasn’t until earlier this year that the victim managed to escape by setting fire to the house. The extreme abuse and prolonged violation of human rights exposed in this case have sparked outrage in society.
According to records from the prosecution and police, the victim, now around 32 years old, has been forcibly isolated from the outside world by Sullivan since he was 11 years old. For many years, he was confined to a storage room measuring only 8×9 feet, with limited mobility, surviving on minimal water and food each day, causing his weight to drop to a mere 68 pounds (about 30 kilograms) and displaying severe malnutrition and physical weakness when rescued.
In February 2025, feeling desperate, the victim set fire to household items in an attempt to draw attention from the outside world. When the local fire department arrived to extinguish the fire, they were astonished to find the emaciated man, leading to the unveiling of the dark secret of the stepmother imprisoning her stepson for years.
Photos taken by the fire department and police revealed a filthy and trash-filled environment inside the house, earning it the moniker “House of Horrors.”
Sullivan was arrested on the spot and charged with multiple serious crimes, including kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, abuse, and grievous bodily harm. Following the exposure of the case, there has been widespread public demand for severe punishment.
However, to the discontent of many, the court approved Sullivan’s release on bail of 300,000 dollars. She was allowed to return to her residence, raising concerns among residents that she might tamper with evidence or pose a threat to the community.
A protection order has been issued by the judge, prohibiting Sullivan from approaching or contacting the victim. The victim has been placed under the care of the Department of Social Services and is receiving medical and psychological treatment. The prosecution emphasizes its commitment to ensuring his safety and continuing to investigate other possible individuals involved in the case.
This harrowing case has once again drawn attention to “hidden abuse” in American society. The victim remained isolated from the outside world for years without being noticed by neighbors, schools, or social institutions, raising questions about oversight failures and insufficient social safety nets.
A representative of the prosecution stated, “This is the cruelest deprivation of humanity. We must ensure that the victim receives justice and prevent the next tragedy from happening.”