Jordan Turpin, a brave teenage girl, escaped a house of horrors by calling 911. The podcast covers the Turpin family's extreme abuse, the siblings' inspirational escape planning, and their struggles post-incarceration. It highlights the importance of intervention in cases of neglect and explores donation options and career paths in criminology and forensic psychology.
Jordan Turpin bravely escaped her abusive home, leading to the rescue of her siblings from extreme neglect and abuse.
The system failed to intervene despite multiple red flags, highlighting the importance of reporting suspicions of abuse.
Deep dives
Undercover Escape: Jordan's Brave Journey
Jordan Turpin, a courageous teenager, escaped her abusive home in Paris, California, by climbing out of a window early one morning in January 2018. Jordan, looking younger than her 17 years, called 911 while running down the street. She disclosed to the operator the ongoing physical abuse, including chaining her siblings to their beds. Despite difficulties in speaking, Jordan provided critical information that led to her rescue.
Behind Closed Doors: The Turpin's House of Horrors
Upon arriving at the Turpin household in Paris, California, deputies discovered a scene of extreme abuse and neglect. The house was filled with clutter, decaying food, and filthy conditions. Frail and bruised children, some shackled to their beds, were found in despicable conditions. The Turpin parents, David and Louise, were taken into custody for child endangerment and faced multiple charges.
Systematic Failures: Institutions Ignoring Red Flags
Throughout the years, neighbors, family members, and even school personnel observed signs of abuse and neglect in the Turpin family but failed to report their concerns to the authorities. The school, San Castle Day School, where the children were homeschooled by David and Louise, did not properly check on the children's well-being. The overall system, including social services, missed multiple opportunities to intervene.
Road to Redemption: Turpin Children's Traumatic Journey
Following their rescue, the Turpin children endured further challenges as they navigated foster care and lacked the necessary support and resources for their recovery. Although facing obstacles post-incarceration of their parents, the children, led by Jordan and Jennifer, are striving towards a brighter future, advocating for themselves and aiming for healing and strength.
Ep 176: A teenage girl sneaks out of her bedroom window in the middle of the night and calls 911. What law enforcement finds behind the front door is a house of horrors
This is the Jordan Turpin story.
Sources for Today's Episode:
20/20 Special with Diane Sawyer
Investigative Discovery Crime Feed
New York Post
CBS News
Business Insider
Credits:
Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks
Produced by James Varga
Audio Editor, Jose Alfonzo
Script Editor, Abagail Belcastro
Music by Dessert Media
Show your Support:
The easiest way you can support us is by leaving a review, telling your friends, sharing on social media or by sending us a note. We love to hear from our audience!
You can also support the show through the following ways:
Patron - ad-free shows starting at $2 a month, or upgrade to get an extra episode every month, exclusive AMAs with the hosts, lecture series on criminal justice, our true crime book club, and more! Check out our Patreon page for more info: https://www.patreon.com/womenandcrime
Apple Subscriptions - Ad-free shows are now available through Apple’s podcast app for only $1.99 a month.
If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, or a victim of domestic, or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation.