The arrest of David and Louise Turpin in Perris, California, earlier this week was immediately followed by details of one of the most disturbing news stories in some time. The authorities described the alleged abuse carried out by the couple against their 13 children, over a period of several years — abuse that defies rational explanation and societal norms. The emaciated, undernourished children, were apparently held captive in shackles at their home, punished with beatings, and prevented from engaging with the outside world.
Remarkably, the 17-year-old who alerted authorities to the abuse had been planning to escape with her siblings for over two years, before finally plucking up the courage to bolt. To get out, she jumped through a window together with one of her siblings — but even at that stage, her sibling was too frightened to go through with the plan, and returned home.
Read Full Article »