'House of Horrors' Turpin Parents Sentenced to 25 Years to Life in Prison

David and Louise Turpin pleaded guilty to the torture and false imprisonment of some of their 13 children.

David and Louise Turpin have been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison with the possibility of parole for holding their children captive and in some cases torturing them. 

The case was thrust into national attention after the Turpins' 17-year-old daughter, Jordan, escaped the home in January 2018 and called 911 for help. 

"OK. I live in a family of 15 people and my parents are abusive. They abuse us and my two little sisters right now are chained up," Jordan told the dispatcher in the call, which was only just released this week. 

The call led police to the home, where the 13 siblings were freed and the parents were taken into custody. The Turpins pleaded guilty to a count of torture and a count of dependent abuse, in addition to other charges, earlier this year. 

During sentencing Friday, the Turpins were emotional. 

Louise fought back tears as victim impact statements from her children were read in court. 

"I'm taking my life back," one of the daughters said in her statement. "I'm a fighter. I'm strong and I'm shooting through life like a rocket."

A son added that he has forgiven his parents. "I cannot describe in words what we went through growing up. Sometimes I still have nightmares of things that had happened, such as my siblings being chained up or getting beaten," he said. "But that is the past and this is now."

For her part, Louise apologized in court. 

"I'm sorry for everything I've done to hurt my children," Louise said. "I love my children so much. ... I look forward to the day I can see them, hug them, and tell them I'm sorry."

David added that he never intended to harm his children. 

"I love my children and believe my children love me," he said. "...I hope the very best for my children in the future."

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