The case against a Waterbury woman accused of starving and imprisoning her stepson for two decades went before a judge briefly at Waterbury Superior Court Tuesday without the defendant present. Kimberly Sullivan, 56, had her appearance excused since the hearing was a procedural update.

“It's something that really started with the pandemic when they were trying to limit the number of people coming to court, so in situations where nothing is going to happen, and someone's physical presence isn't required, it's not uncommon that we do request that,” explained Sullivan’s attorney Ioannis Kaloidis.

During the two-minute hearing, Kaloidis updated the judge on where the discovery process stands, saying he met with the State’s Attorney’s Office and appears to be “up to speed so far” with getting the evidence in the case. Kaloidis told the court he anticipates more being turned over to the defense in the coming weeks.

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“We've gotten some initial reports, initial video. We do believe there's some additional video and records we're waiting for,” Kaloidis told reporters outside the courthouse, specifying that includes medical records. “Once we have all the discovery and all the documents, then the case can really proceed from there. But we need to get this stuff. There are experts that both sides are going to retain, so once we have the discovery, we'll probably move on to that step.”

Kaloidis declined to elaborate on what experts he’s consulted since Sullivan’s arrest in March. She’s pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges including kidnapping, assault and cruelty to persons and is out on a $300,000 bond with court-ordered GPS monitoring.

The case has drawn world-wide attention because of the extent of what Waterbury police said occurred inside the "house of horrors" and how they uncovered the alleged abuse.

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Sullivan is accused of locking her stepson in an 8’ X 9’ room for 20 years with barely any food or water and no toilet. Waterbury police said it started when he was 11 after Sullivan and her husband, who died last year, pulled him out of elementary school. Police began investigating after responding to a fire at Sullivan’s home on Blake Street on Feb. 17. Her stepson, who was 31 at the time, later told police he started the fire in a bid to escape. When firefighters rescued him, police said he weighed just 68 pounds.

“I want him to know he's not alone and people do care and want to have justice for him,” said Aly Price, who came from Middletown for the hearing, despite never meeting the now 32-year-old. “He's the same age as me. We were only 20 miles apart this whole time and that just—it breaks my heart thinking of everything he was robbed of the last 20 years.”

Sullivan’s attorney has denounced the allegations against her, calling them lies.

The case is back before a judge on Wednesday, July 2, for another procedural update. Sullivan’s appearance has been waived for that hearing as well. The judge said he may require she be present for the following one.

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