A Connecticut man who officials say was held captive by his stepmom for more than two decades is speaking out publicly for the first time since the fire that led to his freedom.
“I am a survivor of more than 20 years of captivity and domestic abuse,” the 32-year-old who identified himself only as “S” said in a prepared statement Tuesday. “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.”
The Waterbury Police Department confirmed the statement came from the person who was rescued late this winter.
The man added that “S” was not the name he was given at birth, but said deciding to be addressed that way marks “the first of many choices” he will make now that he’s free.
S told authorities who responded to the Waterbury home on Feb. 17 that he purposely set a fire in his room. He was carried out of the home by first responders.
His stepmother, 56-year-old Kimberly Sullivan, has been charged with first-degree assault and second-degree kidnapping. She’s pleaded not guilty to the charges.
An attorney for Sullivan did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.
S said in his statement that he’s speaking out so that he can begin to reclaim his life and have a say in how his story is told.
“Much has already been said that tells part of the story of the abuse I endured,” S said. “Someday, perhaps my whole story will be told.”
The man also provided an update on his condition, saying that he is “much better and stronger” than he was when was carried out of his home. He added that he had his “first ever birthday party to celebrate turning 32.”
“I ask everyone involved in my story to fully cooperate with the authorities who are helping me seek justice for these crimes,” S said. “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.”