Woman arrested in US for allegedly holding stepson captive for 20 years

Police say the man, who set a fire to escape, was held captive by his stepmother from age 11. He weighed 68 pounds when he was freed.

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Authorities responded to the fire and rescued the emaciated 32-year-old man from a 72 sq-foot (6.7 sq metre) room. The alleged captive weighed 68 pounds (30 kilograms) upon his escape and was treated for smoke inhalation.

The man confessed to setting the fire after enduring years of "prolonged abuse, starvation, severe neglect, and inhumane treatment", police in Waterbury, Connecticut, said.

His stepmother, who is accused of holding him captive and starving him, was charged with kidnapping and cruelty. She has denied the allegations.

When explaining his reasoning for setting the fire, the man told police: "I wanted my freedom."

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c05m01mp999o

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