CA - 13 victims, ages 2 to 29, shackled in home by parents, Perris, 15 Jan 2018 #11

[DakotaMayi]

I'm wishing the siblings all the best in their new lives! Lots of ice cream, puppy kisses, Star Wars movies, and all their hearts desire! And here's to college, careers, and relationships in their futures.

California has so much good Mexican food (after all we were once a part of Mexico) that it's a shame anyone would get the idea of "Mexican Food" from Taco Bell! Even Chipotle is at least real food with fresh ingredients.

It sounds like there are people who continue to be there for them, and the siblings are sweethearts who are well liked. I just hope there are enough good people looking out for the siblings that no-one tries to take advantage of them, especially financially or sexually, because they are still so naive and have been shut off from the world.

So glad to hear the survivors are doing so well!!

(Damnnnnn, I want Chipotle now!)

 

[DakotaMayi]

Also did anyone notice that toward the end of the ABC news story they said that the 17 year old had been communicating with someone online before her escape who told her that what was happening in the house was wrong and that she should escape and tell authorities? That is first time I had heard that.

It sounds as if they may have thought what was going on in the house with captivity was 'normal.'

Oh hell. I didn't hear that... that's interesting.

It seems as if they needed it to be told to them before realizing what they were enduring was wrong.

 

[Kankan]

Also did anyone notice that toward the end of the ABC news story they said that the 17 year old had been communicating with someone online before her escape who told her that what was happening in the house was wrong and that she should escape and tell authorities? That is first time I had heard that.

It sounds as if they may have thought what was going on in the house with captivity was 'normal.'

I missed this. But it does make sense. If that was the only life they knew I suppose it would seem “normal”. Glad someone online urged her to get help.

 

[gitana1]

I agree. I don't understand why or how if they have separate legal representation, they would be allowed to communicate at all!

Ooh, new charge possible - witness tampering? :thinking:

I would think, inmate mail, would be read before the inmate would get it. It is done in prisons so it most likely done in jail. However, an inmate may beable to give a letter to their lawyer saying it is “court business”. The first lawyer could give it to another lawyer. This 2nd lawyer could let his client/inmate read it at their meeting saying it was “court business” but not let the client/inmate keep it. A sly way and maybe illegal way to communicate.

Any lawyer on here that can put in their knowledge?

I asked my law partner who does criminal law. He said: "They're not supposed to exchange notes between each other. Custody deputies would think that they were plotting to escape or do some other nefarious act."

 

[gitana1]

While I agree that this cousin (who has been silent) has clearly not shown any inclination to exploit the kids, I think that the same (no signs of trying to exploit) could be said about the cousin’s father, Randy Turpin, and his parents (the kids’ grandparents).

Please don’t get me wrong. I don’t think Randy Turpin (a fundie pastor who among other things has written in favor of fasting for spiritual cleansing) is particularly interested in protecting his nieces and nephews. And the grandparents obviously were not able to recognize that the grandchildren were being abused and instead were impressed that the kids “wanted” to memorize huge chunks of the Bible. So they don’t win any awards either.

However, given the way Louise’s sisters (and to a lesser extent, her half brother and cousin) have gotten on the “fame train” over this tragedy, the Turpin side of the family should be given credit for not pushing themselves into the limelight. In fact, they seem to have opted for discretion or even silence.

When the news broke and DT’s parents were first contacted, their immediate response was outrage at the accusation because they apparently had no clue that DT and LT had crossed the line from “strict” to torture. When it became clear that the evidence was overwhelming that DT and LT had starved and tortured their kids, they seem to have decided to be quiet about the case. Since about the second week I have not heard that they are trying to contact the grandkids (though it is likely they did) or even “praying for their son and grandchildren” much less challenged the foster placement of the younger ones. If they were trying to get attention or just justify themselves in the eyes of the world, we would have heard from them more.

And as for Randy Turpin, I believe that he would have preferred to have remained under the radar and not been identified by the press as DT’s brother. The man had to step down from his job as president of a fundie college, and he was obviously asked a lot of embarrassing questions. He is possibly under investigation.

His only public statements about the kids were early in the case and they ranged from the expected, “shocked and praying for them,” to a statement that he would want to adopt the minor kids. To the best of my knowledge, however, he has not come forward again. I am sure that like LT’s siblings, he has been offered opportunities to be interviewed and sell family pictures, etc. but he doesn’t seem inclined to go in that direction. (At least, not yet. He may be quietly writing a religious memoir about the experience, his soul searching, what the Lord said to him, etc., for all we know.)

Given his position as a fundie preacher and his background (Southern and Pentecostal) he pretty much “had” to say he wanted the kids. He didn’t say it to “exploit” their circumstances to get attention. On the contrary, he probably said it to take attention away from himself. (If he hadn’t indicated that he wanted the kids, he would have been harshly criticized by his community.) I fervently hope he doesn’t try too hard to get them.

Anyway, I just wouldn’t call all the relatives inclined to exploit the kids. So far there is a real difference between the two sides of the family.

Yes you're right. There are some crazies on the other side though. Like this uncle and the grandparents though. I think the kids should be kept away from all of them. One side has exploiters and the other has deniers or people with intensive religious views that could cause PTSD in the siblings or be used to "excuse" the abuse.

 

[gitana1]

There were actually three different ceremonies in a short period, but the kids weren't at the first one, just DT and LT. That was in 2011, if I remember correctly. Then in 2013 was the second one, which would be the one with the 12 kids, then in 2015 was the third one, with the 13 kids. Three different vow renewals in just over four years. That is odd, to me. Just seems to me to have been done because LT and DT (and yes, in this case I think it was more her than him) loved the spotlight.

It's not important but the Elvis impersonator said that the kids were at all three
ceremonies. Just not filmed for the first one.

 

[msphilosopher]

I don't think any of the extended family should be allowed to see or associate with these kids.

Extended family may not have known exactly what was happening inside their walls but I can tell you for certain that there were red flags and "odd" behaviors that were recognized but ultimately ignored.

 

[gitana1]

I'm wishing the siblings all the best in their new lives! Lots of ice cream, puppy kisses, Star Wars movies, and all their hearts desire! And here's to college, careers, and relationships in their futures.

California has so much good Mexican food (after all we were once a part of Mexico) that it's a shame anyone would get the idea of "Mexican Food" from Taco Bell! Even Chipotle is at least real food with fresh ingredients.

It sounds like there are people who continue to be there for them, and the siblings are sweethearts who are well liked. I just hope there are enough good people looking out for the siblings that no-one tries to take advantage of them, especially financially or sexually, because they are still so naive and have been shut off from the world.

I hope so too.

For now i believe they are in an assisted living situation. I hope their lawyer and social workers are making sure the people assiting them are great and trustworthy people.

 

[SkipperKey3]

Also did anyone notice that toward the end of the ABC news story they said that the 17 year old had been communicating with someone online before her escape who told her that what was happening in the house was wrong and that she should escape and tell authorities? That is first time I had heard that.

It sounds as if they may have thought what was going on in the house with captivity was 'normal.'

There were hints of that on her twitter account before it was shut down - things like "you have the right to decide for yourself who you are" or something like that, and I believe there was a post by her at one point saying she was going to take that advice. I can't remember for sure, and there is no way to verify it now.

 

[SkipperKey3]

Oh hell. I didn't hear that... that's interesting.

It seems as if they needed it to be told to them before realizing what they were enduring was wrong.

Not so sure they needed to be told so much as they needed validation. They said they had been discussing an escape plan for two years, so they knew something wasn't right.

 

[SkipperKey3]

It's not important but the Elvis impersonator said that the kids were at all three
ceremonies. Just not filmed for the first one.

That's probably true. I know the clip I saw of the first ceremony didn't show any kids.

 

[Satch]

This is good news. And there are a few new details. I hope that they have assistance available quickly whenever they need it because as we knew, they spent very little time outside their house, so there will still be a need for an adjustment period. They are still under state care.
One thing I was not surprised to hear was that none of them had ever driven. That means the person who thought s/he had seen one of the daughters driving would have been mistaken. I wondered about that, as that would have seemed to be more control than DT/LT would be willing to give them, and would have required a lot of outside road time.
We also found out that what little they did get to eat was frozen. So frozen dinners, eggos, etc., I guess. So there was no actual cooking going on, at least not for the siblings.

Having some experience with Home Health Care I would assume the following:

1.) The adult siblings probably have a case worker supervisor who visits them at least once a week. Additionally an occupational and physical therapist, probably up to three times a week for occupational and physical therapy. Both will be very important in the recovery process.

2.) I am sure they have at least a state social worker to psychologist or maybe even a psychiatrist who probably comes twice a month.

3.) They have been trained in the use of emergency contacts for sure, and I am sure the whole Home Health Care staff will work with them on grooming, shopping, money management, visiting restaurants and movies. All of the siblings seem so well-behaved and appreciative, that I think there manners skills may be better than most adults!

4.) Best guess is that they are in a multi-room assisted living complex for people with special needs. The difference is that they are out of a hospital environment, but certainly not out of medical assistance and psychological support. There will be experts in their home regularly. They are not just in a seven room house in a California suburb without help. The siblings have made remarkable progress, but are not ready for a totally independent, unsupervised life.

5.) I think that their attorney, who specializes in cases for people with special needs, consoles them at least once a week.

Satch

 

[ElizabethAnne]

I missed this. But it does make sense. If that was the only life they knew I suppose it would seem “normal”. Glad someone online urged her to get help.

Yes toward the end of the video here http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/News/excl...tive-experience-freedom-1st/story?id=53837445 they mention it. Also, when I was looking at the Youtubes of the 17 year old in the aqua room, I was surprised. I had assumed she had been held in captivity in the front bedroom where she cut the screen that is painted white inside. Those Youtubes were shot in one of the back bedrooms near the parents room that is behind the garage. If she had gone out that window, she would have had to climb a wall or fence to get out.

You have to wonder whether all of the siblings were held captive in the 2 bedrooms toward the back of the house. Maybe noone was living in the front bedroom and the girl had to sneak in there to the front bedroom to go out the window.

 

[SkipperKey3]

Yes toward the end of the video here http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/News/excl...tive-experience-freedom-1st/story?id=53837445 they mention it. Also, when I was looking at the Youtubes of the 17 year old in the aqua room, I was surprised. I had assumed she had been held in captivity in the front bedroom where she cut the screen that is painted white inside. Those Youtubes were shot in one of the back bedrooms near the parents room that is behind the garage. If she had gone out that window, she would have had to climb a wall or fence to get out.

You have to wonder whether all of the siblings were held captive in the 2 bedrooms toward the back of the house. Maybe noone was living in the front bedroom and the girl had to sneak in there to the front bedroom to go out the window.

My opinion of this is that the front bedroom was for the youngest girls (siblings #10, #11, #12), and that it was the 12-year old (sibling #11) that escaped with #8 but returned out of fear. I think it might well have been her room. But either way, it would mean #8 would have had to sneak through the house to that room before implementing the escape plan.

 

[ClockworkSecret]

Also did anyone notice that toward the end of the ABC news story they said that the 17 year old had been communicating with someone online before her escape who told her that what was happening in the house was wrong and that she should escape and tell authorities?

ElizabethAnne, that information was not in the text of the ABC article linked above. Can you please link to the story that says that? I would be interested to read it.

 

[MaryG12]

Am very happy the Turpin siblings are doing well - I too agree they should not have any contact with extended family, either.

Whoever does eventually take them in - I hope they can all stay together, because they will need each other's support - as they say, "all they've got right now".

 

[ClockworkSecret]

Also, Eneiram, I don't see mention anywhere of the 2 dogs though being reunited, although that would be great news!

Did I read right that the family dogs are back with the adult siblings? That's great!!!

The seven adult children are now living together in at an undisclosed location in rural California, and have been reunited with their family dog, Osborn told ABC.

http://time.com/5205200/house-of-horrors-siblings-freedom/

 

[KaaBoom]

ElizabethAnne, that information was not in the text of the ABC article linked above. Can you please link to the story that says that? I would be interested to read it.

[video=youtube;5DoqIbTVJvs]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DoqIbTVJvs[/video]

 

[dyannaON]

Ok I know a silly thought but I'm picturing how excited the pups were when reunited. I know my Ziggy goes crazy when daddy comes home everynight or when my son comes home. He goes crazy. The pups must have been so happy [emoji2]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ClockworkSecret]

Also did anyone notice that toward the end of the ABC news story they said that the 17 year old had been communicating with someone online before her escape who told her that what was happening in the house was wrong and that she should escape and tell authorities? That is first time I had heard that.

ElizabethAnne, that information was not in the text of the ABC article linked above. Can you please link to the story that says that? I would be interested to read it.

[video=youtube;5DoqIbTVJvs]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DoqIbTVJvs[/video]

Ah, thank you. I had not watched the video, just read the accompanying article. For others who prefer reading to watching, the exact quote by the news anchor is

That 17-year-old sibling had only been on social media for a few weeks when she began chatting with a man who told her what's happening in her home was wrong, encouraged her to escape and alert authorities.

I wonder why they left that out of the text version of the article? As new information, it would have been one of the most important parts.

The obvious questions: Who was this man? What was their specific exchange?