Despite the fact that reports claimed that David and Louise Turpin abused their 13 children — often denying them of food and allowing them only a single shower each year — they were trying for another child. And apparently, it’s because they felt another baby would be their ticket to fame, which they allegedly desperately sought out.

In an interview with Sunday People, Louise’s half-brother Billy Lambert said that the troubling duo set their sights on reality TV. “She used to say how they would be perfect for TV and would often mention they would be bigger than the reality show Kate Plus 8,” he said. “It is the reason they moved to California — to be nearer to Hollywood. Only last month, Louise told me [she] and David were planning to have another child. I asked her why on Earth they wanted more children, and she said [something] about wanting a reality TV show.”

David and Louise Turpin were arrested and have since been charged with 12 counts on torture; David was also charged with a lewd act on a child by force or fear of duress. According to CNN, other charges include seven counts of abuse of a dependent adult, six counts of child abuse or neglect, and 12 counts of false imprisonment. Though they have pleaded not guilty on all accounts, the Turpins are currently being held with bail set at $12 million each. If found guilty, each faces a maximum sentence between 94 years to life in prison.

turpin house getty images

The Turpin “house of horrors” where 13 children were allegedly tortured.

The Turpins — whose 13 children range in ages 2 to 29 — were arrested after two children (two daughters, the older being 17) were able to break free and notify police of their horrifying home life. Since their parents’ arrest, all 13 siblings have been hospitalized and treated for malnourishment. “They are relieved,” Riverside Country District Attorney Mike Hestrin said. “They are in good hands.”

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