The diane sawyer special tonight promises to unveil the heartbreaking stories of the Turpin siblings, who endured unimaginable abuse before finally escaping their nightmarish upbringing. In a powerful interview with Diane Sawyer, three of the siblingsāJulissa, Jolinda, and James Turpinārelived their traumatic pasts for the first time, providing an emotional testament to their struggles and resilience.
Days after their rescue from the abusive home in Perris, California, the siblings entered the foster care system. Julissa Turpin, now 19, shared her thoughts following this harrowing experience, saying, “I genuinely just wanted to be safe.” This desire for safety echoed the treacherous years they spent living under the control of their birth parents, David and Louise Turpin, who were later sentenced to 25 years to life for their horrendous actions.
Revealing the Truth: A New House of Horrors
The interview, titled “The Turpins: A New House of Horrors,” airs on February 3 at 10 PM ET, and is available for streaming the next day on select platforms. This special event highlights a poignant continuation of the Turpin siblings’ narrative, following previous disclosures by their sisters, Jennifer and Jordan, who first brought their plight into the public eye.
Jordan managed to escape from their home and call for help in 2018, which ultimately led to the siblings’ rescue. This harrowing escape revealed the extent of the atrocities they faced, including starvation, physical abuse, and cruel confinement. As James described during the special, “I was having nightmares that they were, like, killing us.” These sentiments underscore the deep psychological scars that have remained even after their physical freedom.
Abuse Continues: Trauma in Foster Care
Unfortunately, the story did not end with their escape from their biological parents. After being placed in a foster home, several siblings reported experiencing further abuse. Julissa recounted a disturbing incident wherein her foster father commented on her appearance. “On the first night, he told me I was ‘sexy’,” she recalled. “I didn’t know very much, but I did know that that didn’t feel right.” This incident and others prompted the siblings to file a lawsuit against the Riverside County and ChildNet foster care agency, alleging continued abuse after their escape.
In 2024, the foster parents were found guilty of child endangerment, further highlighting the systemic failures that have continued to affect vulnerable children like the Turpins. Reports indicated that authorities were aware of the foster family’s past abusive history, yet they were still allowed to take in the children.
A Call for Change and Awareness
The revelations brought forth by these courageous siblings have instigated significant discussions regarding child welfare policies. Riverside County recently acknowledged the severe flaws in its social services, admitting the children had been “failed” by the system that was meant to protect them. This acknowledgment comes as county officials promise reforms aimed at preventing such tragedies from occurring in the future.
“The abuse these children suffered in both their biological and adoptive homes was tragic and unacceptable,” remarked Riverside County Executive Officer Jeff Van Wagenen. His statements highlight a renewed commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of children in the foster care system.
As the community processes the painful history of these siblings, there is hope that their stories will not only raise awareness but also prompt concrete changes in child protection laws and practices. The upcoming diane sawyer special tonight serves as a vital reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by many and the reforms still needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of the Diane Sawyer special tonight?
The focus of the special is the Turpin siblings as they share their traumatic experiences of abuse and their journey toward healing.
When does the Diane Sawyer special air?
The special will air on February 3 at 10 PM ET.
Where can I watch the Diane Sawyer special after it airs?
You can stream the special the following day on Disney+ and Hulu.
What have the Turpin siblings experienced after their rescue?
After their rescue, many of the siblings faced further abuse in foster care, leading them to file a lawsuit against the county and the foster care agency.
Why is this story important?
This story shines a light on the systemic failings of the child welfare system and raises awareness about the ongoing issues of child abuse and protection.
