I can't help thinking that the way both LT and DT were raised, has had a lot of influence on this whole bizarre, tragic mess.
Both come from very religious families, and I think at least in their life together (but possibly also back in their own childhoods) this religion became an extreme, distorted version. I see slivers of Mormonism, with the need to keep producing babies. I see slivers of Exclusive Brethren with the no TV, the separation from the outside world, the children dressed identically with similar haircuts.
I think their young age when getting together, combined with some variety of mental/personality disorders, combined with religious fanaticism, resulted in their own weird cult like form of religion.
I hope that none of the extended family get custody of the children, because personally I believe that the family on both sides are extremely messed up, with a lot of religious bullcrap, compulsive lying, and attention seeking. I believe that these people will smile and praise God, but would sell their own souls for a dollar. And please note - I am using the word "religious" NOT "christian". There is a difference. These people will claim to be good christians, but nothing in their character reflects Christ.
I also recall reading one of the family members (and I have a feeling it was one of DT's parents) where quoted as having all kinds of denial about what has happened, but then actually said something like "This is so embarrassing for the family"
Embarrassing????? WTF???? Your family members have abused and starved, and tortured their own children ... and you are worried about how it looks? This is the kind of thing I hate. When people who play the part of "good christians" and it's all just for show. Makes me sick.