A Californian Turpin couple has pleaded guilty of 'chaining' and 'torturing' 12 of their 13 children. The case gained international attention when a 17 year old daughter of David Allen Turpin, 57, and Louise Anna Turpin, 50, escaped from the house from a window and called the emergency services after reaching the town of Perris which is 2 hours Southeast of Los Angeles.
The charges filed on the couple include one count of torture and three counts of wilful child cruelty. The 13 children's age ranges between three years to 30 years.
“This is among the worst, most aggravated child abuse cases that I have ever seen or been involved in in my career as a prosecutor,” said District Attorney Michael Hestrin after completing the court hearing.
“We needed to determine whether proceeding to trial was worth having the victims testify in this case that has received worldwide media attention,” he said.
The 17 year old daughter of the couple told the court that their house was so dirty that they couldn't even breathe and the couple would never let her siblings to take baths.
“We decided that the victims have endured enough torture and abuse. I personally met with the victims and, rest assured, they all are relieved to know this case has been resolved.” added the District attorney.
“They have a zest for life and huge smiles and I’m optimistic for them. And I think that how they feel about their future.” said Hestrin wishing the children a better future.
The reason for the prolonged torture is still unknown as told by the investigators.