CANAL WINCHESTER, OH (WCMH) — It’s a crime that’s sent shock waves across the world.

A California couple, accused of torturing, starving and holding their 13 children prisoners in their own home.

David Allen Turpin, 57, and his 49-year-old wife, Louise, are charged with torture and child endangerment.

The victims, which range in age from 2 to 29, told police their parents shackled them to their beds with chains and padlocks. They all appeared mal-nourished and dirty.

Brenda Taylor, Louise Turpin’s aunt, says “I’ve never been so shocked in my life.”

Taylor says she had no idea that her great-nieces and nephews were being subjected to such hell. “Broke my heart,” she said. “Broke all of our hearts. I just pray they will take care of the kids.”

Taylor lives in West Virginia, where Louise Turpin grew up before she moved away. “She was about 16 years old or so when she got married I think.”

David and Louise Turpin are both being held on a $9-million dollar bond. Taylor says, “I don’t care who knows this. I hope they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Even if she is my niece. Because those kids don’t deserve it.”

Canal Winchester is nearly 2,000 miles from Perris, California, where a husband and wife are charged with torturing and holding their 13 children prisoners in their own home.

But, for one family this tragedy has really hit home.

Dr. Randy Turpin is the brother of David Allen Turpin

Dr. Randy Turpin, has worked and lived in Canal Winchester, with his wife Kerry, since 2014. Dr. Turpin is president of Valor Christian College.

Calls and messages left with Dr. Turpin were not returned.

A spokesperson with Valor Christian College says Dr. Turpin and his family are trying to deal with “revelations about estranged family members.”

NBC 4 Investigator Tom Sussi also learned that Dr. Turpin has taken a leave of absence.