Californian 'house of horrors': 13 Turpin children rehomed

  • 22/03/2018
Californian 'house of horrors': 13 Turpin children rehomed
Photo credit: Supplied

Thirteen children who were recently rescued from shackles in a Californian 'house of horrors' have found new homes.

The six youngest, all under 18, have been placed in two foster homes and are enjoying simple luxuries, such as sleeping in beds and trying new foods.

The seven older siblings, aged 18 to 29, have been housed under state care in a rural home in an undisclosed area, ABC News reports.

It's their first real taste of freedom, having been discovered in January in the house where they were allegedly starved, chained, tortured and surrounded by filth for years.

Parents David Turpin, 56, and Louise Turpin, 49, are facing up to 94 years to life in prison and more than 70 charges of torture, child abuse and neglect.

David Turpin, 56, and Louise Turpin, 49.
David Turpin, 56, and Louise Turpin, 49. Photo credit: Supplied / Riverside County Sheriff

The pair were only found out after their 17-year-old daughter escaped through a window and alerted authorities.

Upon arrival, officers assumed that all of the captives - aged between two and 29 - were minors, due to their tiny frames.

Some of the younger group are learning to cook, pick their own clothes out of a wardrobe and care for a family pet.

The adult children still talk over Skype with their younger siblings, ABC News reports.

"I think the favourite new experience for them is moving into new bedrooms," attorney Jack Osborn said.

"They have been able to pick out their own bedding, have closets with their clothes in them, be able to have a bathroom right handy that they can use, and probably most of all just to go outside."

Last month Mr Osborn told CBS News the children had never seen a toothbrush, watched movies or used an iPad before, but said they were adjusting well.

"They all have their own aspirations and their own interests, and now they may have an opportunity to address those."

Newshub.