The Turpin Children: Where are the 13 Siblings Today?
Have you ever wondered what happens after the news cameras pack up and leave? Back in January 2018, the world watched in absolute horror as the story of the Turpin family broke. Naturally, the chilling details felt like something out of a twisted psychological thriller. Seventeen year old Jordan Turpin slipped out of a window in Perris, California, clutching a deactivated cell phone. Eventually, her frantic 911 call blew the lid off a literal “house of horrors”. Inside that seemingly normal suburban home, her parents, David and Louise Turpin, were starving, chaining, and ruthlessly abusing her 12 siblings.
Fast forward to today. the Turpin siblings are adults carving out their own paths. However, their journey to freedom wasn’t a neatly wrapped Hollywood ending. Shockingly, the very system that rescued them ended up betraying several of them all over again.
So, where are the 13 Turpin children now? Let’s break down the bizarre timeline, the recent million dollar lawsuit, and how these incredibly resilient survivors are reclaiming their lives.
Behind the Veneer of Normalcy
Before we dive into their current lives, we must understand exactly what these kids survived. For decades, David and Louise Turpin hid their dark secrets behind a carefully curated facade. Outwardly, David was a successful computer engineer working for major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin. Meanwhile, the family took trips to Disneyland and renewed their vows in front of an Elvis impersonator.
Behind closed doors, it was pure evil. Specifically, the Turpin parents subjected their 13 children (ranging in age from 2 to 29 at the time of rescue) to unimaginable torment.
- Severe Malnutrition: The kids were fed barely enough to stay alive. Consequently, police initially mistook the adult siblings for young teenagers.
- Physical Restraints: If a child stepped out of line, they were chained to their beds for weeks.
- Extreme Isolation: They were allowed to shower only once a year. Furthermore, they lacked basic knowledge of the outside world, like what medication was or how sidewalks worked.
How did nobody notice? Unfortunately, the parents used homeschooling as a legal shield to keep prying eyes away. It was a flawless cover up.
A Quick Timeline of the House of Horrors
Despite the brainwashing, the human spirit craves freedom. The children plotted their escape for over two years.
- January 14, 2018: Jordan Turpin finally executed the daring escape. Subsequently, police raided the home and uncovered the grim reality.
- February 2019: Facing a mountain of evidence, both parents pleaded guilty to 14 felony counts. These included torture, false imprisonment, and child abuse.
- April 2019: A judge sentenced David and Louise to life in prison. They received the possibility of parole after 25 years.
Justice was served, right? Well, not exactly. The abuser’s chapter closed, but the victims’ bureaucratic nightmare was just beginning.
Where Are the Turpin Parents Now?
Let’s briefly check in on the monsters. Today, Louise Turpin (57) remains locked up at the California Institution for Women in Corona. Conversely, David Turpin (64) was originally housed at Corcoran State Prison, the infamous former home of cult leader Charles Manson.
However, in early 2024, prison officials quietly moved David to an undisclosed location. Why the sudden shift? Reportedly, he faced severe “safety and security concerns” behind bars. Clearly, his specific crimes didn’t win him any friends on the inside. Ultimately, neither parent will be eligible for parole until roughly 2044.
The Foster Care Failure
You would logically assume that surviving 29 years of torture would guarantee these kids a safe haven. Sadly, that wasn’t the case. Following the rescue, officials split the siblings up. As a result, Riverside County placed six of the younger children into a foster home managed by ChildNet Youth and Family Services.
Almost immediately, things went completely south. The foster family, Marcelino Olguin, his wife Rosa, and their daughter Lennys, turned out to be abusers themselves.
A bombshell 2022 lawsuit revealed that these foster parents forced the traumatized Turpin kids to eat their own vomit. Moreover, they hit them with sandals, pulled their hair, and cruelly made them recount their past trauma. Even worse, Marcelino subjected some of the children to horrifying sexual abuse.
Are you kidding me? Indeed, it’s a question that still infuriates child welfare advocates across the globe. Apparently, the agency had prior warnings about the Olguin family. Yet, they placed the vulnerable Turpin kids there anyway.
The 2024 Convictions & $13.5M Lawsuit Settlement
Eventually, the law caught up with the Olguins. In late 2024, Marcelino Olguin pleaded guilty to multiple charges and received a seven year state prison sentence. Meanwhile, Rosa and Lennys skated by with just four years of probation for child endangerment.
But the Turpin siblings refused to be victims again. Therefore, they aggressively fought back against the county that failed them.
In February 2026, a massive legal victory hit the headlines. Riverside County and ChildNet agreed to a $13.5 million settlement to compensate the six abused siblings. Specifically, the county paid $2.25 million, while the care agency covered the remaining $11.25 million.
Jolinda Turpin, now 20, spoke powerfully about the ordeal. “They literally told us, ‘Nobody wants you. You’re never going to find a better place than this,’” she revealed. “Something good needs to come from this. It has to.”
Where Are the 13 Turpin Siblings Today? (Updates)
Now for the uplifting news. Despite facing insurmountable hurdles, the Turpin siblings are surviving. In fact, they are thriving in their own unique ways. Because of strict privacy reasons, not all 13 names are public. Nevertheless, the ones who have stepped into the spotlight are inspiring millions.
1. Jordan Turpin: The TikTok Star and Advocate
Without a doubt, Jordan is the most visible sibling. The brave girl who jumped out of a window is now a social media powerhouse. Currently, she boasts over 1.7 million followers on TikTok and hundreds of thousands on Instagram. She posts dancing videos, shares fashion hauls, and spreads undeniable joy. Furthermore, Jordan actively works toward becoming a motivational speaker to help others who feel trapped.
2. Jennifer Turpin: A Beautiful New Chapter
Jennifer, the eldest sibling at roughly 37 years old, is finally living a normal, happy life. In late 2024, she married her husband, Aron, in a beautiful California ceremony. She frequently updates her supporters online, writes Christian music, and fully embraces her hard won freedom. She actually got her happily ever after.
3. James, Jolinda, and Julissa: Finding Their Voices
For a long time, the younger kids stayed hidden. Then, in February 2026, James (24), Jolinda (20), and Julissa (19) sat down for an exclusive ABC special titled The Turpins: A New House of Horrors. During the gut wrenching interview, Julissa bravely shared how her foster father inappropriately called her “sexy” when she was just 11 years old. By speaking out, these three are fiercely advocating for immediate foster care reform.
4. The Private Siblings: A Tight Knit Bond
What about the rest of the family? Essentially, the other siblings choose to live quietly away from the cameras. Initially, some of the older ones struggled with housing instability and food insecurity. Yet, they constantly lean on each other for support. Jordan previously stated, “We all look out for each other. We all have this super big bond”.
Why Did the System Fail Them? The 630 Page Report
You might be asking yourself how a modern social services system could drop the ball so catastrophically. Following immense public outrage, Riverside County hired an independent firm to investigate the systemic failures. Subsequently, they released a scathing 630 page report.
Here is exactly what the investigation uncovered:
- Lack of Transition Support: The older siblings were basically pushed into the real world with zero life skills. As a result, they faced terrifying periods of homelessness.
- Careless Placements: The county placed the younger kids in a home with prior abuse complaints.
- Bureaucratic Red Tape: Following their rescue, the public donated nearly $1 million to the family. Surprisingly, those funds were tangled up in complex trusts, making it incredibly hard for the siblings to access their own money.
Thankfully, the 2026 lawsuit settlement is forcing Riverside County to overhaul its entire child welfare system. Because of the siblings’ courage, future foster kids might actually stand a fighting chance.
FAQ: The Turpin Case
Did the Turpin kids get the money donated to them?
Yes, but it was a massive struggle. Initially, a public trust held the $1 million in donations. Consequently, bureaucratic red tape prevented the adult children from accessing it for basic needs like housing and food. Eventually, legal intervention helped streamline their access.
Are any of the Turpin siblings married?
A: Yes! Jennifer Turpin, the eldest sibling, married her husband Aron in late 2024. She proudly shared her wedding photos on Instagram, marking a massive milestone in her healing journey.
How much was the Turpin lawsuit settlement?
In February 2026, six of the Turpin siblings won a $13.5 million settlement. Riverside County paid $2.25 million, and ChildNet Youth and Family Services paid $11.25 million. This was compensation for the severe abuse they suffered in their foster home.
Will David and Louise Turpin ever get out of prison?
It is highly unlikely. They received sentences of 25 years to life. Therefore, they won’t even be eligible for a parole hearing until 2044. Experts strongly doubt any parole board will ever release them due to the sadistic nature of their crimes.
The Unbreakable Human Spirit
Ultimately, the Turpin case isn’t just a true crime tragedy. Instead, it is a brilliant masterclass in human resilience. These 13 children were handed the absolute worst start in life. First, their biological parents tried to break them. Next, the foster system tried to crush them. Yet, they are still standing.
They are getting married, creating art, dancing on social media, and holding corrupt agencies accountable. If that isn’t true strength, what is?
Their story serves as a loud wake up call for parents, lawmakers, and child welfare advocates everywhere. We cannot simply rescue traumatized kids and abandon them at the finish line. Transitioning trauma survivors requires relentless support, transparent funding, and strictly vetted foster homes.
(Note: If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, please contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or call 911 in an emergency.)
Join the Conversation!
Were you shocked by the foster care failures in the Turpin case? How can we better protect vulnerable children in our own communities? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and please share this article to keep the spotlight on much needed foster care reform!
Sources help:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turpin_case
- https://apnews.com/article/california-shackled-children-turpin-lawsuit-abuse-settlement-5dfd79ba8a92a4e702d5e831a943bdd0
- https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/6-turpin-siblings-sue-riverside-county-foster-care-agency-placement-with-family-reported-abuse-neglect/
- https://www.ibtimes.com/turpin-family-update-social-services-failed-children-after-rescue-torture-abuse-3568086
