Connecticut man held captive by stepmom for 20 years weighed only 68 pounds: Police
abcnews.go.com
A woman allegedly held her “severely emaciated” stepson in captivity for over 20 years, since he was 11 years old, and forced him to endure “prolonged abuse."

A woman allegedly held her “severely emaciated” stepson in captivity for over 20 years, since he was 11 years old, and forced him to endure “prolonged abuse."

  • CmdrShepard42@lemm.ee
    41·
    4 days ago

    Sullivan’s lawyer defended his client and said it was the victim’s late father who was responsible.

    “He was not locked in the room. She did not restrain him in any way. She provided food. She provided shelter. She is blown away by these allegations,” her lawyer, Ioannis Kaloidis, told New Haven ABC affiliate WTNH.

    Kaloidis said the stepson’s late biological father “dictated how the boy would be raised.”

    “We think as the evidence comes out, you will see she’s not the villain she’s being made out to be,” Kaloidis added.

    Except the father died 9 months ago and was wheelchair bound in this two story house and this man was still being trapped inside. She also at no point in the past 20 years thought of reporting this to the authorities. What is this lawyer thinking making such ridiculous statements?

    • 4am@lemm.ee
      28·
      4 days ago

      They’re grasping at straws because it is their job to defend her as best they can.

      It really just goes to show that this is pretty much indefensible, but regardless of that it is their job to defend her. I’m glad I’m not a defense lawyer.

    • tischbier@feddit.orgEnglish
      4·
      3 days ago

      As a lawyer who has had meetings about our client’s case hitting the news—they’re probably thinking about getting a narrative out there before the DA or some other agency does. There might not be an option to negotiate not talking to the media. This isn’t normal everywhere though.

      As they say: If the facts aren’t on your side, pound the law. If the law isn’t on your side, pound the table.

      I think the lawyer is pounding the table. It’s ok to hate lawyers for this. We will still defend you if you get in trouble even if you deservedly hate us haha