DA details physical and emotional abuse in Perris imprisonment case

New details have been revealed on how the children were treated, with Riverside County prosecutors saying it was worse than they initially thought. District Attorney Mike Hestrin revealed yesterday horrific and chilling details of the physical and emotional abuse he says the children of David and Louise Turpin were subjected to.

Some of the details were so disturbing reporters tweeted out hearing audible gasps in the room where Hestrin gave his press conference.

Hestrin revealed what started out as neglect by the Turpins developed into full-fledged quote “pervasive” and “severe” child abuse.

The children were found to be malnourished to the point they looked younger than their actual age. Some of the abuse Hestrin said included buying toys but not allowing the children to open and play with them. They were punished for playing in the water if they washed their hands above their wrists. That punishment was being chained to their beds and not being allowed to leave even to go to the bathroom. The parents would buy food, let the children look at it but not eat it.

He also mentioned there was cognitive impairment among them to the point they lacked basic knowledge of life.

“Supposedly homeschooled, the children lacked even…they lack a basic knowledge of life. Many of the children didn’t know what a police officer was.,” Hestrin said. “The 17-year-old, when asked if there was medication or pills in the home, didn’t know what medication or pills were.”

The attorneys for David and Louise Turpin say they were surprised the district attorney revealed so many details yesterday and said their clients should not be judged by public opinion. Both are charged with 12 counts of torture as Hestrin said the two-year-old child did not appear to be malnourished.

The Turpin’s next court date is February 23. They could face 94 years to life in prison if convicted.