Connecticut Man Reveals His Identity After Two Decades of Captivity

A man from Waterbury, Connecticut, has made his first public statement after enduring 20 years of alleged captivity at the hands of his stepmother. Identifying himself simply as "S" to protect his identity, he has chosen this name to signify a fresh start and a restored sense of control over his life.

In his heartfelt message, S described his past as a survivor of severe domestic abuse and captivity that began when he was just 11 years old. He emphasized that he was confined in his home until he orchestrated a fire two months ago that allowed him to escape at the age of 31. Speaking out now marks a crucial step in his journey to reclaim his narrative and identity.

S conveyed his gratitude to the medical professionals who have supported him since his escape, including providing him with his first birthday celebration in years. He also expressed appreciation for the first responders and investigators committed to holding his abuser accountable. He extended his thanks to organizations like Safe Haven Waterbury and the donors of his GoFundMe page, which will aid him in managing upcoming expenses.

In his statement, S acknowledged that while only parts of his story have been shared so far, he hopes to tell his full experience in the future. He urged those involved in his situation to cooperate with authorities and requested that the public and media respect his privacy as legal processes unfold. He emphasized that this is not merely a news story, but rather a significant chapter of his life. For any inquiries or interview requests regarding his recovery, he directed them to his spokesman, David Guarino.

The release of his statement comes alongside the police’s unveiling of distressing images depicting the home where S was allegedly held captive, showing the conditions within and the aftermath of the fire that facilitated his escape. His stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including kidnapping and felony assault, while she awaits trial under electronic monitoring.