Turpin Family Child Abuse Case

Reference TimelineLast updated APR 12
SUMMARY

Three foster parents involved in the subsequent abuse of the Turpin siblings pleaded guilty in September 2024 to charges including child endangerment and false imprisonment in Riverside County, California. As of April 12, 2026: Marcelino Olguin was sentenced to seven years in state prison, while Rosa and Lennys Olguin received four years of probation. Six of the Turpin children reached a $13.5 million settlement in February 2026 with Riverside County ($2.25 million) and ChildNet ($11.25 million) for abuse in foster care. Some Turpin siblings, including Julissa, Jolinda, and James, have begun speaking publicly about their experiences, with a Diane Sawyer special airing in February 2026.

Timeline

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Timeline of developments

April 2026 2 developments

  1. Three foster parents involved in the subsequent abuse of the Turpin siblings pleaded guilty in September 2024 to charges including child endangerment and false imprisonment.

    Three foster parents involved in the subsequent abuse of the Turpin siblings pleaded guilty in September 2024 to charges including child endangerment and false imprisonment. This development follows revelations that some siblings faced further abuse and neglect in foster care, leading to lawsuits against Riverside County and the agencies involved.

  2. Some Turpin siblings reached a confidential civil settlement with Riverside County and the foster ca…

    Some Turpin siblings reached a confidential civil settlement with Riverside County and the foster care agency ChildNet in February 2026, addressing allegations of abuse and neglect in foster care. The settlement includes mandates for reforms such as increased social worker staffing and changes in child welfare case handling.

February 2026 1 developments

  1. A $13.5 million settlement has been reached with six of the Turpin children who experienced abuse in…

    A $13.5 million settlement has been reached with six of the Turpin children who experienced abuse in a foster home after being rescued from their parents. Riverside County will pay $2.25 million, and the care agency ChildNet will pay $11.25 million as part of the lawsuit's allegations of abuse in foster care.

January 2026 3 developments

  1. In an upcoming Diane Sawyer special, one of the Turpin siblings revealed specific details of alleged abuse in foster care, recounting how car seats were used to choke them.

    In an upcoming Diane Sawyer special, one of the Turpin siblings revealed specific details of alleged abuse in foster care, recounting how car seats were used to choke them.

  2. A new documentary titled "The Turpins: A New House Of Horror – A Diane Sawyer Special Event" is set to premiere on February 3rd on ABC, Hulu, and Disney+.

    A new documentary titled "The Turpins: A New House Of Horror – A Diane Sawyer Special Event" is set to premiere on February 3rd on ABC, Hulu, and Disney+. It will feature the three Turpin siblings who are speaking publicly for the first time.

  3. Three Turpin siblings, Julissa, Jolinda, and James, are speaking out for the first time about their …

    Three Turpin siblings, Julissa, Jolinda, and James, are speaking out for the first time about their experiences of abuse by their parents and the subsequent challenges in foster care. This provides new direct accounts from previously unheard victims.

March 2025 1 developments

  1. Jordan Turpin has embraced a new life as a social media influencer, model, and entrepreneur, launchi…

    Jordan Turpin has embraced a new life as a social media influencer, model, and entrepreneur, launching a merchandise line called 'Braveness by Jordan T' and actively engaging with a large online following.

October 2024 2 developments

  1. Attorneys representing six of the Turpin siblings stated that the abuse endured by these children in…

    Attorneys representing six of the Turpin siblings stated that the abuse endured by these children in foster care was even worse than what they suffered at the hands of their biological parents. This statement followed the sentencing of their foster parents.

  2. Marcelino Olguin was sentenced to seven years in state prison, while Rosa and Lennys Olguin received four years of probation for their abuse of the Turpin children.

    Marcelino Olguin was sentenced to seven years in state prison, while Rosa and Lennys Olguin received four years of probation for their abuse of the Turpin children.

September 2024 1 developments

  1. Marcelino, Rosa, and Lennys Olguin pleaded guilty to various charges of child abuse and false imprisonment.

    Marcelino, Rosa, and Lennys Olguin pleaded guilty to various charges of child abuse and false imprisonment.

November 2023 1 developments

  1. Jordan Turpin moved into her own apartment and shared her journey of healing and building a new life.

    Jordan Turpin moved into her own apartment and shared her journey of healing and building a new life.

July 2022 1 developments

  1. Six Turpin siblings filed lawsuits against Riverside County, ChildNet Youth and Family Services, and the Foster Family Network, alleging further abuse and neglect in foster care.

    Six Turpin siblings filed lawsuits against Riverside County, ChildNet Youth and Family Services, and the Foster Family Network, alleging further abuse and neglect in foster care.

November 2021 3 developments

  1. Three Turpin siblings, James, Jolinda, and Julissa, have shared their experiences of further abuse and neglect in foster care following their rescue from their parents.

    Three Turpin siblings, James, Jolinda, and Julissa, have shared their experiences of further abuse and neglect in foster care following their rescue from their parents. In a Diane Sawyer special, they detailed allegations of physical and emotional abuse by new caretakers, with one foster parent reportedly justifying the Turpin parents' actions. Six of the 13 siblings filed a lawsuit in July 2022 against Riverside County and a foster care agency, alleging severe mistreatment in their new homes.

  2. Jordan and Jennifer Turpin gave an interview on ABC's 20/20, detailing their experiences and highlighting issues with the public guardian and the foster care system.

    Jordan and Jennifer Turpin gave an interview on ABC's 20/20, detailing their experiences and highlighting issues with the public guardian and the foster care system.

  3. Foster parents Marcelino and Rosa Olguin, and their daughter Lennys, were charged with child abuse following an investigation by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

    Foster parents Marcelino and Rosa Olguin, and their daughter Lennys, were charged with child abuse following an investigation by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

March 2020 1 developments

  1. A Riverside County Deputy District Attorney reported that some of the older Turpin children were living independently, working, and attending school.

    A Riverside County Deputy District Attorney reported that some of the older Turpin children were living independently, working, and attending school.

October 2019 1 developments

  1. Five of the younger Turpin children were placed in a foster home where they subsequently experienced…

    Five of the younger Turpin children were placed in a foster home where they subsequently experienced further abuse by the foster parents, Marcelino and Rosa Olguin, and their daughter Lennys.

April 2019 1 developments

  1. David and Louise Turpin have been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years.

    David and Louise Turpin have been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years. They pleaded guilty to 14 felony counts, including torture, child cruelty, and false imprisonment, for the abuse of their 13 children.

March 2018 1 developments

  1. The 13 Turpin children spent two months in the hospital recovering from various issues, including severe malnutrition, before the six minors were placed in foster care.

    The 13 Turpin children spent two months in the hospital recovering from various issues, including severe malnutrition, before the six minors were placed in foster care.

January 2018 1 developments

  1. David and Louise Turpin were formally charged with multiple counts of torture, false imprisonment, and child abuse.

    David and Louise Turpin were formally charged with multiple counts of torture, false imprisonment, and child abuse.

January 2010 1 developments

  1. Authorities later stated that the Turpin children had been subjected to starvation and abuse since at least this year, though the abuse had been ongoing for decades prior.

    Authorities later stated that the Turpin children had been subjected to starvation and abuse since at least this year, though the abuse had been ongoing for decades prior.