California couple ordered to keep away from children

California couple ordered to keep away from children

The couple accused of torture for allegedly keeping their 13 children trapped in a 'house of horrors' appeared in court in chains today where they were ordered to stay away from the victims.

David Turpin, 57, and his wife Louise, 49, who are accused of starving, torturing and chaining up their children at their California home, were brought before a judge, shackled at the ankles and wrists, at Riverside County Court on Wednesday.

The Turpins, who were both wearing dark suits, went to lengths to try and hide their chains as they lawyers demanded that the video cameras in court did not film the metal shackles.

The couple, who face almost 40 counts including torture, false imprisonment, abuse on a dependent, and child abuse, were in court for a child protection order hearing. 

Although both David and Louise Turpin are currently held on $9 million bail each, prosecutors asked for a protective order for their 13 children in case they are released. It would also prevent the victims from visiting their parents in jail, which could potentially influence the case. 

During the brief, eight-minute hearing, presided over by Judge Emma Smith, prosecutors asked for the court to ban the Turpins from having direct or indirect contact with any of their children. 

Defense attorneys did not oppose the request.

The order, which expires in January 2021, prevents  the couple from coming within 100 yards of their kids or making electronic contact with them or even trying to find out where they are staying. 

The judge also prohibited the couple from owning firearms and ordered them to relinquish any firearms they currently own.

Neither David nor Louise spoke during the hearing but nodded to acknowledge they understood the orders. 

Louise was seen smiling while consulting with her attorney Jeff Moore after the order was read. 

Meanwhile, their children - who were found severely malnourished - remain hospitalized. 

Their parents, who moved to California in 2010, have pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of torture, child abuse, dependent adult abuse and false imprisonment dating. They are due back in court on February 23.

When the couple were charged, prosecutors said the abuse had begun when the family lived in Texas. 

After their 17-year-old escaped the police responded quickly, and ended up arresting the parents and taking the 13 children into state custody.

It has emerged the 13 siblings rescued will not live together again, despite pleading with the authorities to stay as a family.

The six Turpin children among the 13 found shackled at their home in Perris have been told that they will be split up into two foster homes.

Meanwhile the seven adults, who have developmental issues, will be sent to an assisted living facility, CBS News reported.

About 20 people from across the U.S had offered to take the seven adult children and six minors to keep them together. They've also raised $200,000 to support their medical expenses and education.  

Meanwhile new CCTV footage was released Tuesday showing the children being rescued from the home by police. 

In the dramatic surveillance footage, the children are seen being being escorted from the house by officers after the arrest of their parents David and wife Louise Turpin, 49.

The video shows police at the scene after the 17-year-old escaped through a window, enacting a plan she had in the works for two years.  

Officers escort the youngsters from the home, one of whom is carrying her sibling and another runs to catch up. 

Police look on as the children aged from two to 29 flee, and an officer standing on the driveway is seen ushering them to safety in the video.

Details of their harrowing plight have started to emerge since the California couple pleaded not guilty on Thursday to nearly 40 counts including torture, false imprisonment, abuse on a dependent, and child abuse. David faces an additional charge of a lewd act on a child under 14. 

They denied the charges despite evidence showing how they kept their 13 children in locked in their rooms, chained to beds and allowing them to shower no more than once a year.    

The Turpins also starved their children, their 29-year-old daughter weighed just 82lbs, and taunted them with slices of pie.  

Among the most shocking claims of abuse are: