FILE PHOTO: David Turpin (2nd R) and Louise Turpin (L) appear in court for their arraignment in Riverside, California U.S. January 18, 2018. REUTERS/Gina Ferazzi/Pool/File Photo
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The California couple accused of beating, shackling and abusing their 13 children may have used starvation as a weapon to control them, experts say, and the malnourishment would likely cause lifelong physical and mental issues for the siblings.
The parents, who were charged with multiple counts of torture, child abuse and false imprisonment, gave little food to their children, ranging in age from two to 29 years old, according to prosecutors, who said the abuse may have gone on for years. The couple even taunted their offspring by displaying desserts that they were not allowed to eat.
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