Parents accused of torturing, starving, imprisoning children take plea deal
David and Louise Turpin have accepted a plea deal and will not go to trial. The Turpins are accused of imprisoning, starving, and torturing 12 of their 13 children in their Perris home.
The Turpins pleaded guilty to 14 counts each. Sentencing is set for April 19. They each pleaded guilty to 14 counts; one count of torture, four counts of false imprisonment, six counts of cruelty to an adult dependent and three counts of willful child cruelty.
The Turpins were in Riverside Court today for a hearing which was followed by a news conference held by Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin.
The Turpins will each serve an “indeterminate life sentence;” they will not be eligible for parole unless a parole board affirmatively decides that they should be released. Without that decision, they will serve life in prison. They are eligible for a parole hearing after 25 years.
“This is among the worst, most aggravated child abuse cases I have ever seen or been involved in,” said Hestrin.
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David Allen Turpin, 56, and Louise Anne Turpin, 49, were first arrested on Jan. 15, 2018 after their 17-year-old daughter managed to escape their home the previous day and called 911 to report the abuse.
Sheriff’s Capt. Greg Fellows said when officers arrived at the home three children were found chained to furniture.
Investigator: Kennel cages used to punish Turpin children in Perris Prison home
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According to Hestrin, the children were only allowed to shower once a year, and would be subject to punishment if they washed their hands above the wrists. Hestrin added that the siblings suffered severe neglect and the alleged prolonged harm left them physically and cognitively impaired.
D.A.’s office Investigator Wade Walsvick testified that all but one of the victims were severely malnourished, with the average weight deficit at 32 pounds.
In August, the Turpins entered not guilty pleas for 88 criminal charges. The Turpins would both face 94 years to life in prison if convicted. They are being held on $12 million each at Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside.
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