A United States couple has been arrested after police in California found their 13 children, malnourished and filthy, held hostage in their house. Police made the discovery after one of the children escaped and called police.
California husband and wife David Allen Turpin and Louise Anna Turpin have been held on US$ 9 million bail each, charged with torture and child endangerment.
The couple was arrested after police found their 13 children allegedly held captive at their home, with some shackled to their beds with chains and padlocks.
Police reports say the girl was so malnourished, she appeared more like a 10-year-old.
They found the children in what were described as "dark and foul-smelling surroundings".
Some were in such poor physical condition, officers were shocked to discover that seven were actually adults, aged between 18 and 29.
All 13 siblings are now being treated in hospital.
And despite their obvious malnourishment, Corona Regional Medical Centre CEO Mark Uffer (UH-fer) says they are now safe.
"At this point, I think they're stable and safe, and we want to respect their privacy. They've gone through a very traumatic ordeal."
"I can tell you that they're very friendly. They're very cooperative. And I believe that they're hopeful that life will get better for them after this event."
