"The house of terror": the couple who tortured 12 children was sentenced to life imprisonment

A California court on Friday sentenced the couple who confined and tortured 12 of their 13 children in their house to life imprisonment.

Judges Bernard J. Schwartz sentenced: David Turpin, 57, and Louise Turpin, 50, at a hearing attended by two of their biological children, victims of abuse and ill-treatment , who had read testimonials.

The Turpin pleaded guilty from February 22 to 14, including torture, child abuse and kidnapping, and was arrested for life.

"My parents have taken all my life, but I'm recovering," said one of the girls, identified as Jane Doe 4. "Everything is going for a reason and what could be very bad has made me stronger."

"I can not describe in words what we experienced as we grew up," said another of the children, who identified himself as Joshua. "Sometimes I have nightmares about the things we've been through, my brothers being chained, but it's the past and it's the present."

"I love my parents and I forgive them for all that they have done to us," he continued.

David Turpin, dressed in a brown shirt and purple tie, and Louise, dressed in black, were crying while listening to the testimonials.

The couple was arrested in January 2018 after one of their daughters, then 17, managed to escape from the "horror house" located in Perris, south-east. is from Los Angeles, and to call the police. Both can apply for parole in 25 years.

The parents were charged with torture, kidnapping and child abuse of 12 of their 13 biological children, who beat and strangled them, in addition to having malnourished them, allowing them to take a shower for one year and not never take them to the doctor or dentist.

"I'm sorry for everything I've done to my kids, I love them a lot," she said, holding back her tears in a statement before hearing her sentence.

"I never wanted to hurt them," he said. "I pray that you stay together and take care of each other because dad and mom can not be here."

The 13 brothers are supported by County and Child Protection Departments.

The prosecutor said that he had asked the Turpin to plead guilty to prevent the 12 children from testifying against their parents.

Source: Telefe News