Inside the House of Horrors: The Tragic Turpin Family Case

The Turpin family case remains one of the most harrowing accounts of abuse and control to come to light in modern times. The story of David and Louise Turpin and their 13 children, held captive in their home in Perris, California, shocked the world when it broke in January 2018. The systematic abuse and imprisonment of their children over decades earned their residence the grim nickname “House of Horrors.”

Early Lives of David and Louise Turpin

David Allen Turpin, born on October 17, 1961, in West Virginia, was a computer engineer with an impressive academic background. He graduated from Virginia Tech, where he studied electrical engineering, and went on to work for prominent defence contractors, including Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. He was known as a studious and devout individual during his youth, participating in multiple academic clubs, including the Bible Club and Science Club. A childhood friend, Mike Gilbert, described him as “kind of nerdy” and “a homebody,” qualities that seemed harmless but later hinted at his penchant for control and isolation.

David Turpin in the Princeton High School yearbook, 1979.

Louise Ann Turpin (née Robinette) was born on May 24, 1968, in Princeton, West Virginia. Her childhood was marred by severe abuse. According to her sister Teresa Robinette, their mother, Phyllis, sold the two girls to a wealthy paedophile who routinely molested them. Teresa recalled, “He would slip money into my hand as he molested me. I can still feel his breath on my neck as he whispered, ‘Be quiet.’” Despite this, Teresa believed Louise retained a sense of innocence and described her as “a good girl who never drank, smoked, or did drugs.” However, Louise’s other sister, Elizabeth Flores, painted a darker picture, revealing in her book Sisters of Secrets that Louise’s later years were consumed by witchcraft, gambling, and alcoholism.

David and Louise met in high school, and despite an eight-year age difference, they began a relationship. At 16, Louise eloped with David. The couple’s families intervened, leading to a formal wedding in 1985. Louise’s father, a preacher, approved of the union, which set the stage for their eventual move to Texas and the birth of their first children. “My mom allowed Louise to date David secretly because she trusted him,” Teresa explained. “When they ran away, my father’s only concern was having a proper church ceremony.”

The Turpin Family’s Life

The Turpins initially identified as devout Pentecostal Christians, believing that God had called upon them to have many children. Between 1988 and 2015, they had 10 daughters and three sons. Over time, they abandoned their religious roots and dabbled in alternative lifestyles, including witchcraft, swinging, and extreme control of their children.

The family lived in Fort Worth, Texas, until 1999 before relocating to Rio Vista. By 2007, the conditions worsened as David and Louise moved their children into a dilapidated trailer. The older children were left to fend for themselves with minimal food. Jordan Turpin later recalled, “There was a lot of starving. I had to eat ketchup, mustard, or ice to survive.” A neighbour discovered the abandoned property littered with rubbish, feces, and makeshift restraints.

In 2014, the family settled in Perris, California. Neighbours observed the children’s malnourished appearances and peculiar behaviour, describing them as pale, silent, and walking in synchronised motions. Despite this, the Turpins maintained a façade of normalcy through orchestrated outings to Disneyland, a place the couple adored. Vanity plates on their cars even read “DSLAND” and “DL4EVER.”

The Escape and Rescue

By January 2018, the Turpin children had been planning their escape for two years. On January 14, Jordan Turpin, then 17, climbed out of a window and called 911 using a deactivated mobile phone. She described the horrifying conditions to the dispatcher, mentioning her siblings were chained to beds, malnourished, and living amidst filth. “They wake up at night crying,” she told police. “I wanted to call you so you could help my sisters.”

Police arrived at the residence for a welfare check. David and Louise appeared perplexed by their presence, but inside, authorities discovered a scene of unimaginable neglect. The home reeked of human waste, decaying garbage, and mouldy food. The children were gaunt, covered in dirt, and dressed in soiled clothing. Police initially mistook the adults for minors due to their stunted growth from chronic malnutrition.

Bodycam footage of Jordan Turpin approaching police and footage inside the Turpin home.

The discovery included journals kept by the children, documenting years of abuse. Some were so isolated they didn’t know what medicine or police were. “We didn’t know what the outside world was like,” Jordan later said in an interview. “I thought I was the only one who had ever gone through something like this.”

The Nature of the Crimes

The abuse inflicted by David and Louise Turpin was systematic and severe. The children were chained to their beds, beaten, and strangled. They were fed once a day and allowed to bathe only once a year. Their physical development was stunted; for example, the eldest child, a 29-year-old woman, weighed just 82 pounds. Another child’s arm circumference matched that of a four-month-old infant. The parents controlled every aspect of their lives, denying them education, freedom, and proper care. Louise’s obsession with control extended to enforcing bizarre rules, such as banning certain words and limiting interactions between siblings.

Legal Proceedings

David and Louise Turpin were arrested and charged with multiple counts of torture, false imprisonment, and child abuse. David faced an additional charge of a lewd act on a child under 14. In February 2019, the couple pleaded guilty to 14 felony counts, avoiding a trial. They were sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 25 years, though experts believe they are unlikely to be granted parole.

“This is among the worst, most aggravated child abuse cases that I have ever seen,” said Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin. “The victims have shown incredible resilience, but the scars of this abuse will last a lifetime.”

David and Louise Turpin in court

Aftermath

Following their rescue, the children were hospitalised and treated for physical and psychological trauma. The six youngest siblings were placed in foster care, while the older children began the challenging transition to independence. However, their struggles continued. Some foster homes were later found to be abusive, subjecting the children to further trauma. Legal action against the foster care agencies is ongoing.

Jordan Turpin, who has become an advocate for abuse survivors, shared her journey on TikTok and in interviews. “I want people to know they’re not alone,” she said. “Even in the darkest moments, there is hope.”

Despite the challenges, the Turpin siblings are striving for independence and healing. Attorney Jack Osborn, who represents some of the children, noted, “They are incredibly resilient. They’re looking forward, working on their education and building a brighter future.”

Reflections on the Case

The Turpin family case exposed deep flaws in systems meant to protect vulnerable children. It highlighted the resilience of survivors and the enduring impact of prolonged abuse. While David and Louise Turpin will likely spend their lives behind bars, their children continue to rebuild their lives.

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