who are the turpin family

The Turpin family refers to David and Louise Turpin and their 13 children, whose case became internationally known in January 2018 after shocking, long‑term child abuse was uncovered in their home in Perris, California.

Who are the Turpins?

• David and Louise Turpin were a married couple originally from the U.S. who lived with their 13 children in Perris, a small city in Southern California.

• The children ranged from young kids to adults in their 20s, but many appeared much younger than their age because of severe neglect and malnutrition.

• Outwardly, the family sometimes appeared “quirky but normal” in photos and rare public appearances, which made the later revelations even more disturbing.

What happened inside the house?

• For years, the children were subjected to extreme abuse: starvation, imprisonment, beatings, and being chained or shackled to beds for long periods.

• They were severely restricted from bathing, had limited access to food, and were reportedly allowed little or no education or contact with the outside world.

• The home was later described by authorities as filthy, with evidence of prolonged neglect and conditions unfit for habitation.

How the case came to light

• In January 2018, a 17‑year‑old daughter, Jordan Turpin, escaped the house through a window and called emergency services, telling them her parents were abusive and some siblings were chained up.

• Police responding to the call found several siblings restrained and quickly realized the scale of the abuse, leading to the arrest of David and Louise that same day.

• The case rapidly became a global news story, often referred to as the “House of Horrors” case in Perris, California.

Legal outcome and latest news

• David and Louise Turpin were charged with multiple counts, including torture, false imprisonment, child cruelty, and abuse of dependent adults.

• They eventually pled guilty and received long prison sentences (effectively life terms), ensuring they will likely spend the rest of their lives incarcerated.

• In recent years, attention has shifted to how the Turpin children are doing as adults, including reports about challenges they faced in the social services and foster systems after their rescue.

Why this case is still discussed

• The Turpin family case is frequently cited in discussions about child protection failures, mandatory reporting, and how extreme abuse can remain hidden “in plain sight.”

• Commentators, academics, and true‑crime communities still examine the case to understand warning signs, systemic gaps, and how to prevent similar situations in the future.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.