Turpin Siblings Share Harrowing Stories in New Documentary

In a revealing interview featured in ABC’s true crime special, *The Turpins: A New House of Horrors*, three siblings from the Turpin family—Julissa, Jolinda, and James Turpin—shared their traumatic experiences of abuse at the hands of their parents, David and Louise Turpin. This marks the first time they have publicly discussed the severe mistreatment they endured during their childhood, as well as their time in foster care. The documentary premiered on February 4, 2024, and is available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+ in the United States.

The Turpin family garnered national attention after Jordan Turpin, then 17, escaped from their home in Perris, California, in January 2018. She alerted authorities to the horrific conditions that her 12 siblings faced, including severe malnutrition and confinement. When police arrived, they discovered the children had been shackled to their beds for extended periods. Following the investigation, David and Louise Turpin were charged with 14 felonies, including child abuse and torture. In February 2019, both parents received life sentences, with the possibility of parole only in 2044.

Diane Sawyer previously covered the Turpin case in 2021, interviewing Jennifer and Jordan Turpin for a special titled *Escape from the House of Horror*. In this latest installment, she spoke with three of the younger siblings about their traumatic pasts and the challenges they faced after being placed in a foster home.

Life After Foster Care

As many of the Turpin siblings have now turned 18, most are living independently after transitioning out of the foster care system. However, Julissa and Jolinda recounted their experiences with abusive foster parents, Marcelino and Rosa Olguin, who adopted six of the Turpin children, including Julissa. In the documentary, Julissa revealed that Marcelino made inappropriate comments, calling her “sexy,” and later physically assaulted her. She expressed her discomfort, saying, “I didn’t know very much, but I did know that that didn’t feel right. And I did feel very uncomfortable. And it made me feel so unsafe in the home.”

In 2024, Marcelino pleaded guilty to charges of lewd and lascivious acts against a child under 14 and was sentenced to seven years in prison. Rosa received four years of probation for her involvement.

Jennifer Turpin, the eldest sibling at 37, recently married her long-term partner, Aron, in California. She shared the news on Instagram, expressing her happiness: “I am so blessed to find the most amazing guy. He is everything I’ve wanted plus more.” Meanwhile, Jordan has found a platform as a social media influencer, amassing 1.7 million followers on TikTok, where she shares fashion content and engages with viral trends. She maintains a close bond with Jennifer, and the two were recently seen together at Disneyland.

Adapting to a New Life

James Turpin, also 25, reflected on his childhood during the interview, expressing a longing for a more conventional upbringing. “I’ve always wished I had normal parents or just someone I could like go to and, you know, rely on or ask questions or whatever,” he said. Despite these feelings, he has learned to adapt, stating, “but I have the internet, so it’s okay.”

The Turpin siblings’ stories highlight the ongoing journey of recovery from their traumatic past. As they navigate their new lives, their experiences continue to resonate with many who have faced similar challenges. The latest documentary sheds light on the resilience of the Turpin children and their determination to overcome the shadows of their upbringing.