Escape from a House of Horror l 20/20 l PART 1

Summary

In this gripping recount, 17-year-old Jordan Turpin details her harrowing escape from an abusive home with 14 siblings, where they were subjected to horrific conditions and mistreatment. Using an old cell phone, Jordan courageously calls 911 and describes her family's dire situation, including her siblings being chained and the filth-ridden environment. As the dispatcher guides her to safety, Jordan reveals her fear of being caught by her parents, but her determination to save her siblings drives her. Her escape leads to the eventual rescue of her family, shedding light on a case of extreme abuse that captivated the nation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jordan Turpin, a 17-year-old girl, escapes an abusive household, seeking help via a 911 call after years of mistreatment.
• 😀 Jordan describes a traumatic home life, with 12 siblings who were subjected to severe abuse, including being chained up and neglected.
• 😀 Despite being terrified and never having spoken to a stranger before, Jordan bravely contacts 911 and provides key details about her situation.
• 😀 Jordan’s anxiety is evident as she struggles to give her location, unsure of street names and details of her surroundings.
• 😀 She had no prior knowledge of how to navigate the outside world, having been confined to her home for much of her life.
• 😀 Jordan’s courage is driven by her desire to help her siblings, who were still trapped in the abusive home and in need of immediate assistance.
• 😀 During the 911 call, Jordan shares heartbreaking details about the unsanitary conditions of the house, including a lack of basic hygiene like bathing for almost a year.
• 😀 She recounts how her parents physically abused the children, throwing them across the room and pulling their hair.
• 😀 Jordan's desperate efforts to stay on the line with 911 are crucial, as her old phone had been disabled and could only call emergency services.
• 😀 The dispatcher uses GPS tracking to locate Jordan’s position, while a deputy is dispatched to rescue her, arriving 14 minutes later.
• 😀 Once the deputy arrives, Jordan fears not being believed, but her courage in proving the truth and showing proof of her escape allows the authorities to take action.

Q & A

What was the immediate reason Jordan Turpin decided to call 911?

Jordan Turpin called 911 because she had escaped from her abusive parents and was fearful for her life and the safety of her younger siblings, who were still chained in the house.

Why was Jordan's 911 call difficult to make despite her urgent need for help?

Jordan’s 911 call was difficult to make because she was nervous, shaking uncontrollably, and had never spoken to a stranger on the phone before. She struggled to dial the number and communicate her location accurately.

What was the main challenge in identifying Jordan's location during the 911 call?

The main challenge in identifying Jordan's location was her unfamiliarity with the streets and her panic, which led to confusion when trying to describe where she was. She didn’t know street names and had never been outside much.

How did the dispatcher help Jordan during the 911 call?

The dispatcher remained calm and patient, guiding Jordan step by step. She helped her stay focused and provided instructions on how to identify her location, even using GPS tracking from Jordan's phone to pinpoint where she was.

Why was Jordan so terrified during the 911 call?

Jordan was terrified because she feared her parents would find out about the call and retaliate violently. She was particularly afraid they would kill her if they knew the police were on their way.

What did Jordan reveal about the living conditions in her home?

Jordan revealed that the house was filthy, and the children rarely bathed. She mentioned that sometimes she couldn’t breathe due to the unsanitary conditions and described the abuse her siblings endured, including being chained up.

How did Jordan’s call reveal the nature of the abuse she and her siblings experienced?

Jordan described various forms of abuse, including being thrown across rooms, having hair yanked, and being deprived of basic care. She also explained that her younger siblings were chained up, further illustrating the severity of their captivity.

What role did the deputy play in Jordan's rescue?

The deputy played a crucial role by arriving at the scene, taking Jordan's account seriously, and helping to confirm her story. He was instrumental in ensuring the safety of Jordan and her siblings once he believed her and took immediate action.

How did Jordan feel about the deputy when he first arrived?

Jordan felt nervous and unsure when the deputy arrived, as she had never spoken to a stranger before and wasn’t sure if he would believe her. She was concerned that he might not take her seriously.

Why was Jordan’s ability to stay calm important during the 911 call?

Jordan’s ability to stay calm was crucial because it allowed her to provide the dispatcher with important information, such as the names and ages of her siblings, and to guide the deputy to her location. Despite her fear, her determination to save her siblings helped her stay focused.