The seven adult siblings rescued from a California house of horrors are learning about everything from Harry Potter to iPads – after spending their lives having “never [even] really seen a toothbrush before,” their lawyers and officials said Friday.
The seven — who were among 13 rescued brothers and sisters — are working on their recovery and embracing their freedom at a medical center, which has converted an area to allow them to play sports and exercise, officials said.
“They talk about how warm and loving these kids are and so appreciative,” Corona Mayor Karen Spiegel told CBS News about the siblings’ nurses. “Some of them have never really seen a toothbrush before. … Things that we just take for granted mean so much to these kids.”
They’re also trying to adjust to their newfound freedom.
“That in itself is a new experience for them, understanding that they do have rights and they do have a voice,” said one of their lawyers, Jack Osborn.
The older siblings, who dream of one day going to college and pursuing careers, are also getting used to making their own decisions for the first time in their lives, their lawyers said.
“That’s a big deal, deciding what they’re going to read, deciding what they’re going to wear, these are all things that are decisions they make every day that are new and empowering,” said Caleb Mason, who also represents the older siblings.
The seven, who range in age from 18 to 29, were among 13 children found starving and shackled to beds while being held captive inside David and Louise Turpin’s filthy home.
They were rescued last month from the Perris, Calif., home after one of the children, an emaciated 17-year-old girl, escaped and called cops on a cellphone.
The six younger kids have been split up between foster homes.
The older and younger siblings haven’t yet reunited but keep in touch through Skype, reps said.
“I just want you to understand just what special individuals they are,” Osborn said. “They all have their own aspirations and their own interests, and now they may have an opportunity to address those, which is really exciting.”
Their parents face 94 years in prison if convicted on 38 charges of torture, child abuse and false imprisonment for allegedly starving their kids and shackling them to furniture as punishment. They’ve pleaded not guilty.
The Turpins are set to appear in court Friday afternoon.