FRESNO , CA (KMJ) – 13 brothers and sisters held captive, some chained to beds in Perris, California are now receiving treatment.
The California couple, 57 year-old David Allen Turpin, and his 49-year-old wife Louise Anna, is being held on nine-million-dollars’ bail after police found the children at the family’s home in Riverside County.
Riverside County officials said six of the children found Sunday are younger than 18-years-old and all were malnourished.
Dr. Sophia Grant of Riverside University Health System says they have a long road ahead of them
“The long-term needs of these kids are going to be the psychological and psychiatric needs due to prolonged periods of starvation and maltreatment.” -Dr. Sophia Grant of Riverside University Health System.
Neighbors say the children rarely left the home and when they did, appeared small and pale and acted strangely.
Their parents face charges of child endangerment and torture, and a court appearance is set for Thursday morning, on January 18th.
Both are facing a slew of charges as authorities investigate claims the children had been physically and mentally abused for years.
Their Facebook page showing photos of a seemingly happy family.