NPR

'This Is Depraved Conduct': Couple Charged With Torture After Kids Found Shackled

Their 13 children, who range from 2 years old to 29, allegedly suffered years of brutal abuse. Now, the Southern California parents could face life in prison. Officials have released new details.
Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin said Thursday that for at least eight years and in three homes, the children were forced to eat rarely, shower no more than once a year and, when punished, were often beaten, strangled or tied up "for weeks or even months at a time."

Editor's note: This report includes disturbing descriptions of child abuse.

Updated at 5:30 p.m. ET

Just days after Louise and David Turpin's 13 children were discovered deeply malnourished and — in some cases — shackled to furniture in their home, the Southern California couple have been charged with torture, child abuse and false imprisonment. The two parents face the possibility of life in prison.

"As a prosecutor, there are cases that stick with you, that will haunt you," Riverside County District

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