Mark Uffer, CEO of Corona Regional Medical Center, gives an update on the victims of the Perris child torture case. Wochit
RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Days after 13 malnourished siblings were removed from a home in Perris, Calif., authorities gave a disturbing list of acts that they say the parents committed.
Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin referred to the acts as "extreme and prolonged physical abuse" in a Thursday press conference.
"The punishment would last for weeks, even months, at a time," he said as reporters grimaced as he listed some of the acts. "It breaks our hearts."
► Jan. 18: 13 malnourished kids were chained to furniture, taunted with food
► Jan. 17: 'Not one person called us' about odd behavior, official says
► Jan. 17: Woman accused of torturing kids 'shut us out,' sister says
Here are 10 acts that David and Louise Turpin are accused of committing against their children, who spent two years planning an escape:
1. Committing a lewd act on one of the children, who is younger than 14. Only David Turpin is suspected of this.
2. Tying them up with rope. After one of the children learned how to untie the rope, they began using chains and padlocks.
3. Beating and strangling the children.
4. Feeding them little and eating apple and pumpkin pie in front of them while they were hungry.
5. Punishing them for getting water on their wrists, which was perceived as playing with water.
6. Not allowing a shower more than once a year.
7. Buying toys but leaving them unopened and preventing kids from playing with them.
8. Denying them doctors' and dentists' visits for at least four years.
9. Forcing them to stay up at night and sleep during the day.
10. Providing a poor home-school education — to the point that some of the children did not know what a police officer was.
The couple pleaded not guilty to the accusations during their arraignment Thursday in Riverside County Superior Court. Both are being held in lieu of $12 million each.
If convicted, they face up to life in prison.
► Jan. 16: Police: Teen's 'courage' led officers to tortured, starved children
► Jan. 15: California couple charged with abuse for starving, chaining their kids
The siblings, ages 2 to 29, are being treated at a hospital, and officials say they're doing well.
"They're relieved. I will say that," Hestrin said.
Follow Collin Atagi on Twitter: @TDSColinAtagi
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