A Connecticut woman at the center of a disturbing case claims she is the victim of a shocking miscarriage of justice.
Kimberly Sullivan, accused of imprisoning and starving her stepson for two decades, has spoken out through her lawyer, insisting the allegations are completely false.
Lawyer Denies Abuse Claims
Kimberly Sullivan, 56, appeared in court in Waterbury, Connecticut, facing charges of torture and abuse of her 32-year-old stepson.
Her attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis, strongly refuted the claims, describing them as “outlandish.”
“She completely maintains her innocence,” Kaloidis told NBC Connecticut.
“These allegations are not true. She was blown away when she heard them. We look forward to proving her innocence and showing that she has done nothing wrong.”
According to Kaloidis, Sullivan provided her stepson with food and shelter, and at no point was he restrained or locked away.
“The accusations are shocking,” he added. “What’s even more shocking is how someone can be falsely accused of something so horrific.”
Desperate Escape Leads to Discovery
Authorities were alerted to the case after the alleged victim set fire to the home last month in what police say was a desperate attempt to escape.
Weighing only 68 pounds at the time of his rescue, the man told officials he had been held captive since the age of 11.
According to investigators, Sullivan allegedly confined her stepson in an 8-by-9-foot room without heat or air conditioning, subjecting him to years of neglect and starvation.
Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo described the suffering endured by the victim as “heartbreaking and unimaginable.”
Prosecutors Compare Case to Holocaust Horror
Prosecutors revealed horrifying details of the victim’s ordeal, comparing his condition to that of a Holocaust survivor.
Assistant State’s Attorney Don Therkildsen did not mince words, stating, “The facts of this case are, quite frankly, something out of a horror movie—without exaggeration.”
The victim told authorities he was given just two cups of water per day and sometimes had to drink from the toilet.
Desperate to escape, he reportedly set fire to a small upstairs bedroom in Sullivan’s Waterbury home on February 17, using hand sanitizer and paper from a printer.
A Cry for Help Ignored for Years
This case has reignited concerns about the failures of child protective services.
Tom Pannone, the former principal of the victim’s elementary school, expressed deep frustration over the system’s inaction.
“The tragedy of the whole thing is that we knew it. We reported it. Nothing was done,” Pannone said.
He and his staff had long been concerned about the child’s welfare.
Teachers had noticed the boy stealing food or eating out of trash cans and frequently brought him lunches.
Pannone stated that he personally reported the situation to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) at least 20 times.
What Happens Next?
Sullivan remains in custody on a $300,000 bond as the legal battle unfolds.
Authorities are committed to ensuring justice is served, while her defense team is determined to clear her name.
As the case progresses, the truth behind this shocking story will finally come to light.