Mother Allegedly Held Stepson Captive for 20 Years Before He Lit Fire to Escape: 'Something Out of a Horror Movie'

Mother Allegedly Held Stepson Captive for 20 Years Before He Lit Fire to Escape: 'Something Out of a Horror Movie'

"He lit that fire very well knowing he could die, but he had been locked in the room for 20 years," prosecutors said during Kimberly Sullivan's arraignment

A Connecticut woman was arrested this week after a man identified as her stepson told police he started a house fire at their shared residence to escape decades of her alleged abuse.

Kimberly Sullivan, 56, is accused of holding her 32-year-old stepson captive since he was 11, the Waterbury Police Department said in a statement. She was taken into police custody on Wednesday, March 12.

“The suffering this victim endured for over 20 years is both heartbreaking and unimaginable. This case required relentless investigative effort, and I commend the dedication of our officers and the Waterbury State’s Attorney’s Office,” Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo said.

“Their unwavering commitment ensured that justice is served, and the perpetrator is held fully accountable for these horrific crimes," Spagnolo continued.