‘House of Horrors’ Children Finally Enjoy Everyday Life—Lasagna, Basketball, and Harry Potter

‘House of Horrors’ Children Finally Enjoy Everyday Life—Lasagna, Basketball, and Harry Potter
Petr Svab
3/3/2018
Updated:
10/5/2018

Six weeks after 13 Turpin family children were rescued from a life of abuse allegedly imposed by their parents, news came from the older ones about how they are adjusting to a new life.

While the parents, David and Louise Turpin, allegedly allowed the children only one meal a day, one bath a year, and dished out beatings for small infractions, the seven adult siblings want people to know they are now enjoying some treats of everyday life—like sports, movies, and regular meals, according to Jack Osborn, whose law firm was appointed by the court to represent the older siblings, USA Today reported.
David Allen Turpin (L) and Louise Ann Turpin as they appear in booking photos provided by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department in Riverside County, Calif., Jan. 15, 2018. (Riverside County Sheriff's Department/Handout via Reuters)
David Allen Turpin (L) and Louise Ann Turpin as they appear in booking photos provided by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department in Riverside County, Calif., Jan. 15, 2018. (Riverside County Sheriff's Department/Handout via Reuters)

At the Corona Regional Medical Center, where they’re treated, the adult siblings enjoy lentil soup, lasagna, and fish but they’re not fond of burritos, according to Osborn.

They’ve been allowed to use iPads, play basketball and soccer outside, listen to CDs, and read books. They particularly enjoy country music and books on nature and insects.

They’re also catching up on some popular culture, watching the “Star Wars” and “Harry Potter” film series.

“My impression is a lot of the stuff is new to them,” Osborn said.

The siblings have made significant improvements in self-confidence as well as physical and mental conditions over the past few weeks, Osborne said.

Osborn wouldn’t comment on the six minor siblings, who are being treated at a different Riverside County facility.

The Turpin children, ranging in age from 2 to 29, were rescued on Jan. 14, after one of them escaped the family home, later dubbed “House of Horrors.”

A van on the driveway of the home of David Allen Turpin and Louise Ann Turpin in Perris, Calif., on Jan. 15, 2018. (Mike Blake/Reuters)
A van on the driveway of the home of David Allen Turpin and Louise Ann Turpin in Perris, Calif., on Jan. 15, 2018. (Mike Blake/Reuters)

Police said they found some of the children chained to beds in foul-smelling rooms.

The parents face multiple child abuse and torture charges with the prospect of a life sentence.

David Turpin (3rd R) and Louise Turpin (L) appear in court for their arraignment in Riverside, Calif., Jan. 18, 2018. (Gina Ferazzi/Pool/Reuters)
David Turpin (3rd R) and Louise Turpin (L) appear in court for their arraignment in Riverside, Calif., Jan. 18, 2018. (Gina Ferazzi/Pool/Reuters)

Osborn said his clients wanted to thank the public for their concerns and will update people on their status.

“Most of all, they’re looking forward to being independent and coming up with a game plan for their life,” Osborn said. “They want to finish school, they want to have careers. They look forward to going out to movies and shopping and everything else people their age are doing.”

Recommended Video:

Neighbors React to Parents’ Arrest After Their 13 Children Found Shackled, Malnourished in Home