“Wicked stepmother” accused of staggering abuse of stepson over many decades.
In a case that has gripped the nation, new developments have emerged regarding the 32-year-old Waterbury, Connecticut, man who was allegedly held captive by his stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, for over two decades. The victim’s biological mother has come forward, shedding light on her perspective and the family’s ongoing ordeal.
The victim’s biological mother, who has chosen to remain anonymous, recently broke her silence, expressing profound anguish over her son’s suffering. She revealed that she relinquished custody when her son was just six months old, believing it was in his best interest. In a statement, she lamented, “This was the most painful, emotional decision any mother can make, but I thought he would have a better life. In retrospect, this did not come to pass.” She further disclosed that for the past three decades, her family attempted to reconnect with him but were consistently rebuffed.
The victim’s half-sister echoed their mother’s sentiments, detailing their relentless but futile efforts to locate him. She recounted, “I’ve been looking for him for over a decade… There was nothing. No social media, no court records, no ancestry information, nothing.” Their collective frustration underscores the isolation imposed upon the victim during his captivity.
Kimberly Sullivan, 56, faces multiple charges, including first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, and cruelty to persons. She was released on a $300,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on March 26. Sullivan maintains her innocence, with her attorney stating, “She completely maintains her innocence… These allegations are not true. They are outlandish.”
The harrowing details of the victim’s ordeal have prompted an outpouring of support from the community. Organizations like Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury have initiated fundraising campaigns to assist in his recovery, reflecting a collective desire to aid in his rehabilitation and healing process.
This case has ignited discussions about potential systemic failures. Reports indicate that as early as 2005, school officials observed signs of malnutrition and reported their concerns to the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Despite these red flags, effective intervention never materialized, allowing the abuse to continue unchecked for years. An editorial criticized DCF for failing to protect the victim, urging Governor Ned Lamont and legislators to address the department’s deficiencies. The editorial also supported suggestions that abuse interviews be conducted outside the presence of alleged abusers and called for investigations if homeschooling follows abuse allegations.
As the victim embarks on the arduous journey of physical and emotional recovery, his biological mother expressed a heartfelt message: “We all love him. I love him… He’s so strong, and I’m so proud of him for doing what he needed to do.” The family’s resilience and the community’s support stand as testaments to the human spirit’s capacity to heal and overcome even the most harrowing circumstances.