Connecticut
Connecticut man allegedly held captive for over 20 years speaks out: ‘I reclaim control’
Connecticut woman arrested for holding stepson captive for 20 years
A Connecticut woman, Kimberly Sullivan, 56, was arrested after being accused of keeping her stepson captive for two decades.
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The man who police say was held captive in his Connecticut home for more than two decades is speaking out, saying in a public statement on Tuesday that he is “much better and stronger” after his rescue.
Kimberly Sullivan, 56, was arrested in March after Waterbury police said she held her 32-year-old stepson in captivity and subjected him to “prolonged abuse, starvation, severe neglect, and inhumane treatment.” She has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, first-degree unlawful restraint, cruelty to persons and first-degree reckless endangerment.
The stepson, who identified himself only as S, said in the statement that he was “choosing a new name for himself.”
“Please call me ‘S.’ This is not the name given to me by my parents when I was born … I will use that name as I reclaim control over my life and my future,” the man said in a statement posted on Facebook by his representation, David Gaurino of Survivors Say.
Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury set up a GoFundMe to help S with medical and dental care, as well as legal fees and housing expenses.
Here’s what else S had to say.
S: ‘I am much better and stronger’
In the statement posted on Facebook, the man said he was a survivor of more than two decades of abuse after being taken out of school in the fourth grade when he was 11 and held against his will until he was 32.
He was freed by firefighters after he managed to set his house on fire back in February.
While being treated, the stepson told first responders that he intentionally set the fire in his upstairs room using a lighter, hand sanitizer and paper, stating: “I wanted my freedom,” police said.
“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 said in Tuesday’s statement. “I am much better and stronger than I was the day the first responders carried me out of my home.”
Police: A long time of abuse
Waterbury police’s investigation determined that the stepson was found in a “severely emaciated condition” and had not received medical or dental care throughout his captivity, the department said. Investigators also concluded that the man had been given “minimal amounts of food and water,” which contributed to him being extremely malnourished, police said.
According to an arrest warrant obtained by USA TODAY, upon exiting the home, the stepson’s hair was matted, “he was very dirty,” and all of his teeth were rotten. The stepson told police officers that Sullivan was able to keep him locked inside his bedroom because there was a lock on the outside of his door, the warrant continued.
In Tuesday’s statement, S said that “much has already been said that tells part of the story of the abuse I endured.”
“Someday, perhaps my whole story will be told.”
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
NEW CANAAN, Conn. — An elderly driver was rescued from his vehicle after he accidentally crashed into a swimming pool in on Tuesday.
It happened just after 10:30 a.m. at the Steve Benko Pool at Waveny Park in New Canaan, Connecticut.
The Tesla plowed through a fence and set of trees before plunging into the water. Police say he was trying to park at the time.
The community pool was closed when it happened, so no one was swimming or in the path of the vehicle.
Lifeguards and first responders entered the pool to help the driver out of the vehicle.
Lifeguard Mike D’Urso, 18, described what happened.
“Me and my coworker were setting up the umbrellas when we heard a loud crash and we turned around and there was a car right in the middle of the pool,” D’Urso said.
D’Urso said the man was conscious and alert, but the vehicle began to take on water.
“The car began to sink a couple minutes in, and my concern was that the water would rise above his head and wouldn’t be able to breathe,” D’Urso said.
D’Urso and EMS workers pulled the victim out through the passenger side window. The driver said he wasn’t injured, but he was taken to a local hospital for evaluation.
The pool will have to be drained, cleaned and refilled. Officials hope to have it reopened by the weekend.
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One person is dead after a double shooting in Hartford, police said.
ShotSpotter notified police of shots fired around 7 p.m. on Magnolia Street.
When officers got to the scene, they found a woman unresponsive in the driver’s seat of a vehicle.
Police identified the victim as 46-year-old Diana Tirado of New Britain. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
There was another woman in her 30s with a gunshot wound on the sidewalk. She was taken to the hospital, where she is listed in stable condition. Her identity has not been released.
Police have not identified a suspect at this time.
More than 200 people gathered May 28 in Norwalk for a night of food and entertainment supporting Connecticut Foodshare’s mission to fight food insecurity.
The second annual Taste of SoNo brought together local restaurants, business leaders, community partners, volunteers, donors, and supporters to celebrate Fairfield County’s vibrant culinary community.
The event took place in The Magnificent Room at the SoNo Collection.
Guests sampled offerings from more than a dozen local restaurants, distilleries, breweries, and other exhibitors.
They also learned more about Connecticut Foodshare’s work through its network of community partners, mobile pantries, and other hunger-relief programs.
Community Impact
The evening featured live music and a silent auction with dining, music, and sports experiences, along with artwork and sports memorabilia.
“We are extremely thankful to everyone who attended and supported Connecticut Foodshare through this event,” said Connecticut Foodshare president and CEO Jason Jakubowski.
“The generosity of our restaurant partners, sponsors, volunteers, and guests helps us continue our mission.”
Connecticut Foodshare’s Jason Jakubowski
“The generosity of our restaurant partners, sponsors, volunteers, and guests helps us continue our mission to end hunger in Connecticut and ensure that families facing food insecurity have access to the nutritious food they need.”
Connecticut Foodshare hosted the event for the second year and has already started planning next year’s Taste of SoNo.
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