A California couple accused of holding their 13 children captive pleaded not guilty Thursday to multiple counts of torture and abuse, with prosecutors saying the malnourished victims were allowed to shower just once a year.

Dressed all in black with their hands and legs shackled, David Allen Turpin, 57, and his wife Louise Anna Turpin, 49 appeared calm as they submitted the not-guilty plea before a packed courtroom. Their next court appearance is scheduled for February 23.

Source: AFP