'S' Tells His Side After Alleged 20-Year Captivity by Stepmom

It started with a fire. At first glance, it looked like a tragic accident inside a Connecticut home. But what first responders discovered that day was far from ordinary — it was chilling. Inside the smoke-filled house, a severely emaciated man emerged with a story that would stun authorities and spark national attention and outrage. He says he set the fire in a desperate bid for freedom. Now, the man — who asks to be identified only as "S" — is breaking his silence.

The Case So Far

In February 2025, emergency crews responded to a blaze at a home in Waterbury, Connecticut. What they found shocked them. A 32-year-old man, weighing just 68 pounds, was pulled from the house. He reportedly told responders he had set the fire to escape. Authorities now allege he'd been held captive by his stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, for more than 20 years.

Police say the abuse began when "S" was only 11 after being pulled from school and confined to a small, locked room. The conditions detailed in the arrest warrant are harrowing — he allegedly ate out of the trash, drank from the toilet, and defecated on newspaper, as reported by PEOPLE.

Sullivan, 56, was arrested in March and charged with multiple counts, including assault, kidnapping, unlawful restraint, cruelty to persons, and reckless endangerment. She has pleaded not guilty and was released on $300,000 bond, pending trial.

'S' Breaks His Silence

This week, "S" released a public statement through the advocacy group Survivors Say. It marks the first time he's spoken directly to the public since his escape. In the statement, he asked to be called "S" — not the name he was born with — as part of what he calls a step toward reclaiming his identity and future.

The statement reads, "I am a survivor of more than 20 years of captivity and domestic abuse. 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," as reported by PEOPLE.

"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 health care professionals who have helped and nurtured me, thank you. In addition to all of your care, I appreciated the chance to have my first ever birthday party to celebrate turning 32."

He expressed gratitude to emergency personnel, hospital staff, his conservator, and supporters from around the world.

But "S" also issued a clear message to those watching his case unfold, saying, "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."

A Divided Legal Front

While the victim's statement paints a vivid picture of life in captivity, Sullivan's attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis, has firmly denied the allegations. In a public statement reported by NBC News, he said, "The accuser's public narrative, put forth by his handlers — lacks both specifics and credibility. It appears timed to sway public opinion and its only purpose can be to poison the well of a future jury panel rather than seek justice through proper legal channels."

In court filings, however, police detailed extensive evidence that supported the abuse claims, including descriptions of confinement and starvation, and testimony from "S" about enduring prolonged isolation and neglect.

The Road Ahead

Though the legal proceedings are just beginning, "S" appears focused on healing. He asked anyone with information to cooperate fully with the authorities. He didn't promise to tell his full story anytime soon, but he did leave the door open.

"Much has already been said that tells part of the story of the abuse I endured. Someday, perhaps my whole story will be told," he wrote, according to PEOPLE. Until then, "S" says he's concentrating on recovery — mentally, physically, and emotionally — after decades of isolation. "Thank you all for your thoughts and messages, your support and your continued prayers as I recover," he said.

References: He Was Allegedly Held Captive by His Stepmom for More than 20 Years | Connecticut Man Says He Was Held Captive for 20 Years | Mother Allegedly Held Stepson Captive for 20 Years | Details of Alleged Captivity and Abuse Emerge | BBC Coverage of the Alleged Captivity Case