California Couple Who Shackled Children Sentenced to Life in Prison

A California couple who pleaded guilty to years of torture and abuse of 12 of their 13 children have been sentenced to life in prison with possibility of parole after 25 years.

David and Louise Turpin appeared in Riverside County Superior Court for a proceeding that is largely a formality.

David Turpin's lawyer read part of a statement because he was too upset. "My homeschooling and discipline had good intentions," he said. "I'm sorry if I've done anything to cause them harm."

Louise Turpin spoke for herself, saying, "I'm sorry for everything I've done to hurt my children. I love my children so much. ... I only want the best for them." (Her full statement is below.)

One of their daughters, weeping, said in court that "My parents took my whole life from me but now I'm taking my life back."

The abuse was uncovered last year when one of the couple's 13 children jumped out a window and called 911. The 17-year-old girl had lived such an isolated life that she didn't know her address and didn't know what medication meant.

The youngest, who was two-years-old when they were rescued in January 2018, was the only one who did not appear to be abused. 

A 29-year-old victim weighed just 82-pounds. 

Most of the children were severely underweight and hadn't bathed for months. The house reeked of human waste.

Louise Turpin said in court: 

"I want to say to you your honor and the court I'm sorry for everything I've done to hurt my children. I love my children so much. I'm blessed to be the mother of each one of them. I really want the best for them. Their happiness is very important to me. They are very smart and amazing individuals. I hope they get all the education they need to make their dreams come true. They deserve only the best in life. I don't want to leave them to be sad or depressed because of all of this. I want them to know that mom and dad are going to be okay. I also want them to know that I believe God has a special plan for each of them. I will really look forward to the day I can see them, hug them, and tell them I'm sorry. I want them to know how special they are and how very proud I am of them. I pray for my children every day. I want to say again how truly sorry I am for everything I've done to hurt them and I love them more than they could ever imagine. Thank you, your honor."

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)