The Connecticut man who authorities say was held captive in his own home for more than 20 years has broken his silence, saying he is “much better and stronger” than the day first responders rescued him in February.
The 5-foot-9 man, who weighed just 68 pounds when he was discovered, was found severely malnourished in a Waterbury residence on February 17. Emergency crews were responding to reports of a fire when they found the man, who told them he had intentionally started the blaze in his room to escape years of alleged abuse and confinement by his stepmother.
In his first public statement, released Tuesday through volunteer spokesperson David Guarino of the advocacy group Survivors Say, the now-32-year-old man described himself as 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,” he 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.”
The man, whose name has not been publicly disclosed, identified himself simply as “S” in the statement. He explained that the name is of his own choosing, a symbol of his newfound autonomy.
“This is not the name given to me by my parents when I was born,” he said. “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.”
The case has shocked the local community and drawn national attention. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of his confinement and the alleged abuse. Meanwhile, S says he is focused on healing and rebuilding his life on his own terms.
The Connecticut man known publicly as “S,” who was allegedly held captive in his home for over two decades, has released a heartfelt message thanking those who helped him begin his journey to recovery.
In a statement shared through his volunteer spokesperson, S expressed deep gratitude to the first responders, law enforcement officers, and medical professionals who have supported him since his rescue in February.
“To everyone who has helped and nurtured me, thank you,” he said. “In addition to all of your care, I appreciated the chance to have my first ever birthday party to celebrate turning 32.”
S also thanked the public for their support and generosity toward a GoFundMe campaign organized by the nonprofit Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury. The fundraiser has raised nearly $270,000, which will be used to cover medical and dental treatment, therapy, housing, daily living needs, and legal assistance.
“Much has already been said that tells part of the story of the abuse I endured,” he said. “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 media to respect those investigations—and my privacy—as this process plays out. This isn’t just a story. It’s my life.”
His stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including kidnapping, assault, reckless endangerment, and unlawful restraint. She has pleaded not guilty.
Sullivan’s attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis, has denied the allegations against her, placing the blame on the victim’s late father. “He was not locked in the room. She did not restrain him in any way,” Kaloidis told WTNH. “She provided food. She provided shelter. She is blown away by these allegations.”
As legal proceedings unfold, S continues to focus on rebuilding his life and finding healing after what he describes as a lifetime of captivity and abuse.
