Man In Waterbury Captivity Case Issues First Public Statement

WATERBURY, CT — A man who police say was held captive for 20 years in a Waterbury house issued his first public statement Tuesday, thanking those who have helped him since his rescue.

“Thank you all for your thoughts and messages, your support and your continued prayers as I recover,” he said, in the statement, which he issued through Survivors Say, an organization dedicated to helping survivors of high profile tragedies.

The man, who is going by the initial “S,” was rescued following a Feb. 17 fire at 2 Blake St.

According to police, the man, who weighed just 68 pounds, told them he purposely set the house on fire because he wanted freedom. He told police his stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, 56, had been holding him captive in the house since he was about 11 years old.

Here is the man’s complete statement, issued through David Guarino, founder and president of Survivors Say:

“Please call me ‘S.’ This is not the name given to me by my parents when I was born. I am choosing a new name for myself, and I will use that name as I reclaim control over my life and my future. My name is my choice, and it is the first of many choices I will make for myself now that I am free.

“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.

“I am speaking out today to begin the process of reclaiming my life and to have my say in how my story is told.

“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.

“I also want to thank the first responders, the law enforcement investigators and everyone who is working to hold those responsible for my abuse accountable. Thank you to everyone at Safe Haven Waterbury and everyone who has given to the GoFundMe page that will help cover some of the overwhelming expenses I will face in the weeks, months and years to come.

“I am grateful to the conservator and my attorney, who will help guide me through the legal process ahead. They have been invaluable to me, and I am grateful for their tireless support.

“Much has already been said that tells part of the story of the abuse I endured. Someday, perhaps my whole story will be told.

“I ask everyone involved in my story to fully cooperate with the authorities who are helping me seek justice for these crimes. 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.

“Thank you all for your thoughts and messages, your support and your continued prayers as I recover. Please forward any inquiries about my recovery, requests for information or interviews, or the process ahead to David Guarino at Survivors Say, who has volunteered to serve as my spokesman

“Thank you.”

Sullivan faces charges of first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, first-degree unlawful restraint, cruelty to persons and first-degree reckless endangerment. She has denied wrongdoing through her legal counsel, and she entered a “not guilty” plea in court. Sullivan is next due to appear in court on April 22.

Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury Inc., which helps victims of domestic violence, has an ongoing GoFundMe fundraiser to help the man. As of Tuesday afternoon, it had raised about $270,000.

Read more:
Man In Waterbury Captivity Case In ‘Next Phase Of Recovery’
Crime Scene Photos, Videos Released In Waterbury Captivity Case
Friend Claims Woman In Captivity Case Never Mentioned Stepson: State
Waterbury Woman Charged In Captivity Case Appears In Court
Waterbury Man Held Captive Faces ‘Long Road’ To Recovery
GoFundMe Campaign Launched For Waterbury Man In Captivity Case
Waterbury Woman Accused of Keeping Stepson Captive For 20 Years: PD