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'House of Horrors' Relative Reveals Sickening Reason Mom Wanted More Children

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When you look at the damage done by people who want nothing more than to be in the public eye, it’s easy to see why medieval theologians thought ambition was a sin.

In the case of California couple David and Louise Turpin, it devastated their 13 children.

The Turpins’ relationship began in turmoil with 24-year-old David kidnapping Louise from her high school and striking out across the country in an attempt to elope.

After the two were caught and brought home, they eventually married — and the babies started arriving.

The couple had a baker’s dozen of kids by the time Louise was 49 years old, and she hoped to have more. Yet according to her half-brother, it wasn’t out of a love for children.

“She used to say how they would be perfect for TV and would often ­mention they would be bigger than the reality show ‘Kate Plus 8,’” Billy Lambert said.

“It is the reason they moved to California to be nearer to Hollywood.”

His assessment was seconded by Louise’s sister, Teresa Robinette. She reported, “Only last month, Louise told me her and David were planning to have another child.

“I asked her why on earth they wanted more children, and she said about wanting a reality TV show. They thought it would make them millions and household names.”

The Turpins have become known across the globe — but not for anything good. On Jan. 14, authorities discovered the Turpin children were living in abominable circumstances.

Kept chained to their beds, the kids were allowed only one meal a day and a single shower every year.

Such maltreatment was also accompanied by at least one instance of sexual abuse.

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“This is the worst case of child abuse I have ever seen,” Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin said. “These kids were so severely malnourished it’s almost inconceivable that someone didn’t notice something.”



Robinette said that the Turpins’ horrific treatment of their children was also accompanied by binge drinking and bizarre sexual behavior.

In one instance, David arranged for Louise to have an affair with a man in Alabama.

The terrible Turpins may not have achieved her dream of Hollywood stardom, and for that their children must be grateful. The only attention they’ll receive is that of the criminal justice system, and we hope it will be swift and relentless.

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A graduate of Wheaton College with a degree in literature, Loren also adores language. He has served as assistant editor for Plugged In magazine and copy editor for Wildlife Photographic magazine.
A graduate of Wheaton College with a degree in literature, Loren also adores language. He has served as assistant editor for Plugged In magazine and copy editor for Wildlife Photographic magazine. Most days find him crafting copy for corporate and small-business clients, but he also occasionally indulges in creative writing. His short fiction has appeared in a number of anthologies and magazines. Loren currently lives in south Florida with his wife and three children.
Education
Wheaton College
Location
Florida
Languages Spoken
English
Topics of Expertise
Entertainment, Faith, Travel




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