Perris torture case: Teen who escaped Turpin home posted videos under alias
PERRIS, California -- Video shows a first look inside the Turpin family home in Perris, revealed by the 17-year-old daughter who escaped and alerted police about the harsh living conditions.
The teen found a way to post a series of videos on YouTube, singing what seems to be her own songs and describing life at home.
"You blame me for everything, you blame me in every way, you blame me for what they say, what they say," the song goes.
The 17-year-old apparently posted several videos under an alias. Her most recent post was just seven days before police say she broke free and sent authorities to the Perris home where her siblings were being held.
MORE: Outline of accusations against Turpin parents
She also posted video of two family dogs, in what appears to be her bedroom.
Police said the pets and the Turpin's youngest child were the only ones not severely malnourished when they were found.
The parents, David and Louise Turpin, face up to life in prison if convicted of a combined 78 charges, including torture, false imprisonment and child endangerment. They are each being held in lieu of $12 million.
MORE: Support for Perris torture victims pouring in from around the world
The husband and wife were arrested in January after the teen escaped from the family's home and called 911. Authorities said the house smelled of human waste and evidence of starvation was obvious.
The case drew international attention and shocked neighbors who said they rarely saw the couple's children in the neighborhood. Those who saw the children recalled them as thin, pallid and reserved.
MORE: Perris neighbors describe past odd behavior, interactions with family
According to investigators, the abuse went on for so long that the children's growth was stunted. The couple allegedly shackled the children to furniture as punishment and kept them on a nocturnal schedule.
While all 13 of those children continue on their road to recovery, a team at Corona Regional Medical Center says some of them are turning to music therapy to heal and learning to play guitar.
PHOTOS: Inside the Texas home where Perris siblings lived years ago
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