WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — Dozens of photos obtained by Nexstar's WTNH show the living conditions authorities found in the Waterbury, Connecticut, home where a man says he was held captive by his stepmom, Kimberly Sullivan, for over 20 years.
According to authorities, the victim was starved, abused, and locked in a small room for most of his life. In February, he admitted to setting his room on fire to escape the alleged captivity.
When he was examined, according to court documents, the 5’9″ man weighed under 70 pounds, and he was malnourished and emaciated.
PHOTOS FROM INSIDE THE HOUSE
Waterbury Police shared the photos seen in the slideshow below with WTNH. They were taken inside the home but authorities did not clarify which room the victim was allegedly held in. Some doors do, however, have locks on them.
Many of the photos also show what appears to be damage caused by February's fire.
Kimberly Sullivan was released two weeks ago after posting bond and has been on intensive pretrial supervision. She pleaded not guilty on Friday to multiple charges, including assault and kidnapping.
The presiding judge decided Sullivan would be outfitted with a GPS tracking monitor/bracelet but would not be subject to house arrest.
Sullivan’s attorney Ioannis Kaloidis said he was fighting to keep court proceedings impartial.
“I know everyone wants to crucify her, everyone has already convicted her, but that’s not how this works, and it’s not how it’s going to work," Kaloidis said. "The burden is not going to shift to the defense. The burden rests on the state. They’ve got to prove these allegations in court, and we’re a long way from that.”
The victim has received an outpouring of support from the Waterbury community and beyond, with more than $200,000 raised for him.