The couple originally announced the Further postponements are possible. Its painful to the family, these kids didnt have a chance in this world, so Im just, said Keisha Stevenson, a biological family friend, as she began to sob. The FBI has also become involved in the investigation.No charges have been filed.Trezol and Jacqueline West have been cooperative, according to police, KGET reports. Orrin and Orson West were reported missing from the West's California City home in December 2020. The fact that Trezell is charged with counts of murder indicates that CNN Almost 15 months ago, Orrin and Orson Wests adoptive "We deserve to know what happened to those babies," California City resident Robyn Plantz said. Candlelight vigils were held in California City and outside Casa Loma Apartments in Bakersfield, where the Wests had previously lived. According to the latest facts released by BPD, all associated family members including the adoptive and biological parents have been interviewed by police, some on multiple occasions. That amount included $30,000 offered by the adoptive family and $25,000 from the city. All rights reserved. And, prosecutors say, their killers were the two people trusted with their safety and well-being their adoptive parents. "They dont need to hand out children to any old people to get rid them. She did not reveal how the boys were killed or other facts of the case. Over the past 24 hours, several charges were filed and both parents were arrested. Update on the #OrrinandOrsonWest case. So while news of two missing children was certainly alarming, searchers remained hopeful. He was released into her care, according to the claim, but days later was taken from her. Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. The case of the disappearance of Orrin and Orson West seemed to have deteriorated for a year at this point. Missing toddlers Orrin and Orson West are shown in undated family photos. Orrin and Orson West's bodies have not been yet found by the authorities yet but the investigation has determined they have passed away. The revelations about toddlers Orson and Orrin West come after the boys' adoptive parents were arrested on Tuesday. Orrin, 4, and Orson, 3, had been playing outside in the early evening, adoptive parents Trezell and Jacqueline West told police. The phrasing used by Zimmer saying the grand jury was convinced and it believed is not a legal standard used at trial, Hennessy said. Everyone is making their own conclusions. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call BPD at (661) 327-7111. Orrin and Orson Wests new parents, Trezell and Jacqueline West, were captured by experts on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. According to prosecutors, Orrin and Orson were killed three months before they were reported missing. However, the search results were not made public. They Their adoptive parents in California City, Trezell West and Jacqueline West reported to the The case has been frustrating for detectives as they diligently work and try to follow up on possible credible tips while weeding out outlandish conspiracies. pic.twitter.com/SFAztR0K54. They also face one misdemeanor count of making a false report of an emergency and could spend 30 years to life in prison, the district attorney said. Two brothers, Orson West, 3, and Orrin West, 4, went missing days before Christmas, on December 21, 2020. The two were last seen on Dec. 21 in the California City area. There was a scar. We're going through it.". Jacqueline and Trezell West, the adoptive parents of Orrin and Orson West, will be in court again on Wed, March 1. That question has become a rallying cry in the case. Nine months later, they remain missing. That proved frustrating to some, leading to arguments and even an arrest. Pettus said. Many of the missing pieces in this case started to fall in place over the last 24 hours. The search continues for two toddlers Orrin and Orson West from California City who went missing from their foster home. Pettus has also filed suit and has a hearing scheduled for August. She blames the Wests for the boys' disappearance, saying, \"They did something. Their adoptive parents maintain the brothers disappeared from their home's backyard Dec. 21 of last year. Violent crime is no stranger, but homicides remain relatively rare. During the question-and-answer portion of the press conference, two reporters asked two different questions about the three-month gulf between the brothers alleged murders and their formally reported disappearance. Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer held a news conference where she said the bodies of Orrin and Orson had not been located but investigators believed the children died three months before the Wests reported them missing. I can feel it.\"In response to her accusations, Trezol West told the station, \"That's understandable. Police and volunteers searched the area using K-9s but came up empty. Hours before the arrest, Trezell West was tracked down by 17 News at a post office in Edison, witnesses report seeing him take-off in an RV that was found Tuesday evening about 17 miles west of Bakersfield, that is where the arrest took place. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. They needed somewhere to stay but CPS doesn't care.". Police said 16 mass area searches had been conducted, investigators had searched three locations outside the state and more than 200 tips were followed up. I cant comment on whether I think theyre alive or not, Walker told Nexstars KGET at the time. Their four other kids (two biological and two adopted) have been taken into protective custody by the authorities at this time.The couple adopted Orrin and Orson in April 2019, the Mojave Desert News reports.It's unclear why Dean lost custody of her sons but she told 23ABC she is working on getting her life back on track. Some in the community turned on the Wests. Pair says detectives conducted a search for the boys Thursday, but wouldn't provide details. "There's never been any kids there," Plantz said. "I would like to emphasize that the fact that law enforcement has not found their bodies does not preclude a murder prosecution," she said. 4-year-old Orrin West, left, and 3-year-old Orson West reportedly disappeared in fall 2020. Days after the arrests, defense lawyers Timothy Hennessy and Alekxia Torres-Stallings, representing Trezell and Jacqueline West, respectively, held a news conference where they accused the district attorney of misleading the public and preying on emotions. Some years pass with only one or even no killings. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a10bf63f89f3979 After my parents go, its just me and my kids., Grand jury hears evidence, Wests indicted. Police and the FBI searched the Wests home and seized phones and other electronic devices. Multiple searches were performed, but no trace of the boys were found. By seeking charges through an indictment, prosecutors could keep the proceedings confidential and have witnesses testify privately instead of in open court, as required in a preliminary hearing. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Zimmer said she could not comment on whether there would be any more arrests. A grand jury indicted the boys' adoptive parents this week, Kern District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer told reporters. 67.205.29.114 On March 8, in a move agreed to by both sides, a Kern County judge issued a gag order barring attorneys and their investigators and law enforcementfrom speaking about the case. Dean took Orrin to Memorial Hospital, where it was discovered his legs were broken. "Nobody likes to be accused of that, but I think the product of the work when the truth comes to light is going to speak for itself. Wednesday night, the community that searched and prayed directed anger at adoptive parents, Jaqueline and Trezell West, who cried wolf and remained silent for over a year. Now, over a year after they were last seen, Trezell and Jacqueline have been arrested for their murders. The two boys were reported missing from California City in 2020. Hennessy also pointed out defense counsel and the accused are not present during grand jury proceedings and have no opportunity to cross-examine witnesses or present evidence. She said prosecutors requested the grand jury convene to hear evidence. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Additionally, grand jury transcripts and search warrants were sealed. Fourteen months ago, Jaqueline and Trezell West stood in front of their California City home and pleaded with the community to help search for their missing adopted boys. The bodies of Orrin and Orson been found? Their adoptive parents, Trezell West, 35, and Jacqueline West, 32, claimed that the two boys disappeared from the backyard while playing. [] This is not a resolution in this case and there will not be a resolution completely in this case until these boys are brought home. What no one walking those neighborhoods or driving through the surrounding desert knew that morning and wouldnt until a shocking twist more than a year later is the boys were already beyond their help. Orson The boys were reported missing on Orrin and Orson West's missing poster (Copy). Like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TheSunUSand follow us from our main Twitter account at@TheSunUS, 'Dark details' about boyfriend of US swim champ who mysteriously died, Disturbing red flags of Lindsay Clancy's psychosis before she 'killed 3 kids', Mysterious powder swamps US skies as residents report dust-covered cars, Manson Family member's death 'not a relief' to model who avoided Sharon Tate attack, 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Orson West (pictured) and his brother were reported missing in December of 2020, Credit: National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, It was announced this week that Orson and Orrin (pictured) are believed to be dead, Their adoptive parents, Trezell (left) and Jacqueline West (right), were arrested, were last seen playing in the backyard of their home. He looked skinny like he didnt eat. As authorities dug deeper, questions began to arise as to whether or not the boys had ever even set foot in California City at all. Dean was informed that Kern County Human Services was removing [Orson] from her home, because [Orrin] had been removed, and they remove siblings together, the claim says. The claims said Dean noticed her children had lost weight and seemed scared, and Orson had scratches on his face. Sacramento County Superior Court On Dec. 21, 2020, the Wests told California City police that Orrin and Orson had disappeared while playing in the familys backyard, Zimmer recounted. Suspecting abuse, Human Services took the child, the claim says. The FBI agents and the Bakersfield Police Department searched a field in Bakersfield for remains in March 2021. Two brothers, Orson West, 3, and Orrin West, 4, went missing days before Christmas, on December 21, 2020. Investigation has revealed that Orrin and Orson West are deceased. She told The Sun that Child Protective Services (CPS) took the brothers, aged 3 and 4, from their biological parents right after birth. The biological parents of Orrin and Orson have taken legal action against the county, saying negligence by the Department of Human Services contributed to the boys deaths. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Jacqueline and Trezell West have been charged with six-felony counts, including two counts of second-degree murder. 4-year-old Orrin and 3-year-old Orson West were reported missing on December 21, 2020 by their adoptive parents, Trezell and Jacqueline West. Authorities and the community are still searching for two missing boys in California City. And, they havent been found. Who is involved? Orrin West Missing Since: Dec 21, 2020 Missing From: California City, CA DOB: Aug 4, 2016 Age Now: 4 Sex: Male Race: Black Hair Color: Black Eye Color: Brown Height: 3'0" Weight: 35 lbs Orson West Missing Since: Dec 21, 2020 Missing From: California City, CA DOB: Jun 11, 2017 Age Now: 3 Sex: Male Race: Black Hair Color: Black Eye Color: Brown The boys were born to biological mother Ryan Dean, who lost custody after Orrin was found to have a severely broken and twisted femur bone. Despite not having the boys' remains, Zimmer is confident she has a strong case against the Wests. Orson and Orrin's bodies have not been found. They sent out a news release with a description and photos of the boys. On March 1, the grand jury indicted Trezell and Jacqueline West on two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of child cruelty and falsely reporting an emergency. He said the standard of proof at grand jury proceedings is much lower than the standard of being found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt required at trial. WebOrson west, and Orrin west were reported missing 12/21/2020 from California city located in Kern County, California. The boys were declared dead by the Kern County District Attorney's Office last year even though their bodies have not been found. "This morning, I'm saddened to announce that the investigation has revealed that Orrin and Orson West are deceased," said Zimmer. He realized he left the gate open and conducted a frantic search of the neighborhood before calling 911, Trezell West told police. Investigators haven't released information about what led to the conclusion that the boys are no longer alive. I searched a bunch of corners, I searched and searched and I called their names, said Trezell West, the adoptive father. This is not the outcome, that we and so many have hoped and prayed for in this case and there will not be a resolution in this case until those boys are brought home, added Chief Greg Terry of the Bakersfield Police Department at the conference. Trial of adoptive parents of Orrin and Orson West to begin Photo by: 23ABC News Trezell and Jacqueline West, the adoptive parents of Orrin and Orson West, Their bodies have not been found. A video sent to the station showed a group of people in casual dress examining the yard while deputies and men in suits stood nearby. In this episode, we talk about the arrest, go over the indictment and discuss what we've learned so far. Four other children, two adopted and two biological children of the Wests, were placed in protective custody. Vandals threw rocks at the home or attempted to break in. Many of the missing pieces in Officers were called and Hutton was cited for outstanding misdemeanor warrants and released, police said. That's exactly the point, and if we can find our babiesthat's all I want, is to find our babies.\" Jacqueline West added, \"It's difficult. Trezell and Jacqueline West filed missing persons reports on December 21, 2020 in California City, claiming the boys were last seen playing in the backyard of their home. According to BPD, in connection to this case, 83 people have been interviewed, 44 search warrants have been conducted on residences and electronic devices, 170 items have been seized, over 200 tips have been received, `16 mass area searches have been conducted and three searches have been conducted outside of California. Where are the boys? BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) The sun had sunk below the horizon and temperatures were dropping when Orrin and Orson West were reported missing from their California City home Dec. 21, 2020. The investigation has also revealed that they died three months before their adoptive parents reported them missing.. The stakes are too high.". The two brothers reportedly disappeared from Bakersfield, California in December of 2020 while playing in their backyard. ", "Its a baby, he cant protect his little self.". On June 1, 2021, police gave an update detailing efforts that had been made to locate Orrin and Orson. As CrimeOnline previously reported , Orson and Orrin West, ages 3 and 4, were last seen on December 21, 2020, at a home in the 10700 block of Aspen Avenue, in California City, at around 5:45 p.m., according to what their parents told police. Orrin and Orson West Update: Are Their Bodies Found? By the next morning, the community came together in the first of many massive searches. "This is a hard one," he said. "I knew something happened to them as soon as they were reported missing," the boys' biological grandmother Brenda Pettus exclusively told The Sun this week. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. Trezell and Jacqueline West detail the moments before and after the boys went missing. It goes on to say Deans mother, Dana Moorer filed requests to have the boys placed with her. Orson West, 3, and Orrin West, 4, appear in images released by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Some of her concerns stem from what she said appeared to be injuries to one of the boy's bodies. "As a matter of fact, there have been many, hundreds, of what we call no-body homicides prosecuted across the United States successfully.". Its been 10 months and there are still no answers "Why didnt they notice that. "To CPS, they need to take the proper precautions and getting the right parents to take care of the children," she said. The truth has to and will come to light.. Search continues for missing California toddlers who disappeared days before Christmas. Offers may be subject to change without notice. The District Attorneys office then presented information to the grand jury and the grand jury found there was sufficient evidence to hold Trezell and Jacqueline West responsible for these murders and they returned what was called a true bill, Zimmer said. After the update, you can listen to our original episode on Orrin and Orson's disappearance to get the full story and timeline. Trezell and Jacqueline West were indicted Tuesday on two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of cruelty to a child and falsely reporting an emergency. The District Attorney's Office says its investigation revealed the West boys, born Cincere and Classic Pettus, had died approximately three months before the couple reported them as missing. 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