Locals who lived near a Connecticut house where a man was allegedly held captive and abused by his stepmother for two decades remain stunned at the reported shocking hidden abuse that occurred in the midst of their community.

A man in western Waterbury, Connecticut intentionally set his home on fire to escape after allegedly being held captive by his stepmother for more than 20 years. Police said the 32-year-old man was “extremely emaciated” and the Waterbury Chief of Police called it “the worst treatment of humanity” he has witnessed in his 33 year career.