I am having so many thoughts on this case! The emotional impact is stunning! I have some general questions:
1.) Do you think that there should be a trial? Or should a plea bargain be arranged to avoid a trial? In this case, the parents could plead guilty to the worst charges and probably be sent to prison for life. Remember right now, both have pleaded Not Guilty to everything. As much as I would love to hear the kids testify against their parents for what the children have gone through, I think a trial may be too traumatic for them.
2.) Do you think there WILL be a trial?
3.) Do you think the outcome of a trail will be guilty as charged? Not guilty by reason of insanity? or a hung jury?
Satch
I tend to think there will be a trial, but I suspect the defense is going to ask for a change of venue, as they often do in high-profile cases. That may take time. I think most southern California court rooms have a fairly full schedule already on their calendar, so it's going to be finding a court that can free up time on their calendar to accommodate the Turpin trial. They may have to go north to Kern County, or west to Ventura County or Santa Barbara County, or south to Imperial County. I know of one court house that is completely open and it would be an excellent choice.
As far as the parents are concerned.......I can't see them pleading guilty to some charges if the end result is still life in prison. I doubt they would do anything to spare the children from having to testify.
I think being a witness in a high profile trial is stressful for anyone, but so much more stressful for a victim. A trial will be traumatic for these victims as they seem so vulnerable. But, it's up to the victims to decide if they want to testify. Some may want to testify because it's a means of closure and having the courage to confront their torturers.
As far as outcome of the trial is concerned.............if it's proved that these 12 children were falsely imprisoned and tortured, and that malnourishment has left them with any long-term disability, I'm sure they'll get life in prison without parole. I can't see anything less than that.
I don't think DT and LT will qualify as insane. They knew what they were doing was wrong and made all sorts of attempts to hide it. When law enforcement was on their doorstep, banging on the door, they were attempting to undo the chains/padlocks from three of their children. They were able to get two free before the police entered. That shows they were well aware of how the police officers would view three children being held in chains/shackles. I'm sure these details are in the initial police reports. At trial, those police officers who were the first to enter the Turpin home, will be on the witness stand.