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Decades Unseen: The Waterbury Captivity Case

Decades Unseen: The Waterbury Captivity Case

By: NBC News NBC Connecticut
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 For decades, was a man hiding in plain sight? In Waterbury, Connecticut, a house on Blake Street seemed like just like any home, maybe a little unkept, but nothing too out of the ordinary. But in 2024, everything changed when a fire—and a stunning allegation—brought national attention to a home few had questioned. A Waterbury man we'll refer to as "S" now claims he was held captive for 20 years by his stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan. Prosecutors say the abuse began when he was a child and continued for decades, unseen and unheard. Sullivan, however, says he was allowed to roam the house and denies allegations that she held him captive. This podcast unpacks the case episode by episode: the early warning signs, the reports that raised red flags, what investigators say they discovered inside the house, and the moment authorities say the truth finally emerged. Through court documents, exclusive interviews, firsthand accounts, and expert insight, we examine not only what happened—or what may have happened—but how a person can allegedly disappear while still living in a neighborhood full of people. And as the legal process moves forward, one question remains: What will this case look like in the court room when it goes to trial? This is Decades Unseen: The Waterbury Captivity Case by NBC Connecticut.2026 NBCUniversal Media LLC, all rights reserved True Crime
Episodes
  • 7. The Road Ahead

    7. The Road Ahead
    Apr 21 2026
    In the final episode of Decades Unseen: The Waterbury Captivity Case, we break down the latest in the Kimberly Sullivan case, including recent court proceedings, and what’s happening in the discovery phase. Criminal defense attorney Trent LaLima joins us to explain possible plea deals, trial timelines, and the challenges of prosecuting decades-old allegations. Catch up on where the case stands now—and what could happen next. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    14 mins
  • 6. Life After the Fire

    6. Life After the Fire
    Apr 14 2026
    In this episode of Decades Unseen: The Waterbury Captivity Case, we focus on what happened after firefighters carried S from the home — and what we actually know about S’s condition today. Since the fire in February 2025, details about his recovery have been scarce — by design. Court records have been sealed. His care is being managed by a conservator. And those closest to him say his story will be told — only when he’s ready. We take you through the limited updates from investigators, legal filings, and the only statement S has released — in his own words. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    13 mins
  • 5. The Accused

    5. The Accused
    Apr 7 2026
    In this episode, we turn the lens toward the woman at the center of the case: Kimberly Sullivan. While “S” alleges he was held captive for two decades, Sullivan’s defense tells a very different story—one of wrongful accusation, weak evidence, and a rush to judgment. From her attorney’s forceful denials to a former coworker’s memories, this episode explores the stark divide between accusation and defense. Who is Kimberly Sullivan beyond the headlines? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    15 mins
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