RIVERSIDE – (INT) – District Attorney Mike Hestrin outlined his case Thursday against David and Louise Turpin, the Perris couple accused of holding their 13 children captive.

“It started as negligence and became a case of severe abuse. It was torture over time, beatings and strangulation. They were chained to their beds,” Hestrin told a packed news conference about the children who were freed last Sunday after one escaped from the family’s home and used a ‘disabled’ cellphone to call police.

Hestrin summarized the Turpin’s conduct as ‘depraved’ that resulted in “severe, emotional and physical abuse” of their children “who slept all day and were up all night”.

Prosecutors said the children were allowed to shower once a year, were restrained by ropes and later chains as a form of punishment. The parents bought toys, videos, and food items but did not allow the children access to any of them. One of the victims, who is 12 years old, has the weight of an average 7-year-old and the 29-year-old victim weighed just 82 pounds when found.

Turpin was employed and bought food “but didn’t share it with the children”, Hestrin said.

As for the siblings, who range in age from 2 to 29, Hestrin said they are “relieved and in good hands”.

Evidence seized at the Turpin home includes a journal and Hestrin urged anyone acquainted with the family to step forward to share what they know about the Turpin's activities.

Hestrin vowed to “seek justice” as the Turpin’s go through court proceedings. The couple was arraigned Thursday. Bail on each was increased to $12 million.

Story Date: January 21, 2018