An emaciated 32-year-old Connecticut man was held in squalid conditions by his stepmother for over two decades, in what police on Thursday called "the worst treatment of humanity."

Police in Connecticut say a house fire revealed a man being held against his will by his stepmother for decades. Police in Waterbury say on February 17, the victim, who is a 32-year-old man, set fire to the room he was allegedly being held in.

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."

"Everyone really was concerned with this child since he was 5 years old. You knew something was wrong. It was grossly wrong," the man's former principal told NBC Connecticut of the alleged abuse

The man who was held captive for 20 years was rescued after setting fire to his room and told first responders he did it to gain his freedom.