BAKERSFIELD, California – Sheriffs in Perris, California are investigating a distressing case where two parents stand accused of shackling their children to their beds.
57-year-old David Allen Turpin and 49-year-old Louise Anna Turpin were arrested after one of their kids called the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and warned authorities of the situation.
The girl escaped who was actually 17 but “appears to be only 10-years-old,” told police her 12 brothers and sisters were all chained to their beds in dirty conditions.
According to authorities an emaciated teenager led them to a home where they found 12 sisters and brothers were locked up in dirty conditions. Some of them were underfed and chained to beds.
Riverside County deputies arrested the parents Sunday at the home in Perris east of Los Angeles.
Further investigation revealed the parents were unable to give a logical reason why their children were restrained.
Deputies found 13 of the couple’s children inside the home, including seven adults, all ranging in age from 2 to 29.
Both parents were arrested and booked into jail on child endangerment charges.
Their bail is set at $9,000,000 each.
If you know a situation where a child is in danger, do not hesitate to contact child protective Servies. Don’t be afraid and call them at (800) 540-4000. You can find their website to learn more about how you can help a child in need.