This case has been near and dear to our hearts! The young brothers Orrin and Orson West were just 3 and 4 years old when reported missing by their adoptive parents, Trezell and Jaqueline West, from their home in California City, California, on December 21st, 2020.
To summarize the story, Orrin and Orson were on the backyard patio playing on December 21st around 5:00 pm while Trezell West was collecting wood for a fire. Trezell West went inside for approximately 10 minutes, then came back outside when he noticed the boys were missing and the gate left open. Trezell drove around the block and came back to the house to call the police.
Details surrounding this case have been very unsettling. With the unnerving interview by KGET News of the adoptive parents, neighbors reported that they never saw the brothers before the reported disappearance, video surveillance the day of the reported disappearance showing Trezell West on camera, but no sign of the children before or after the incident, the most recent photos being a year before the disappearance and more.
On Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022, the Kern County District Attorney held a press conference regarding the disappearance.
Courtesy of 23ABC Press
District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer confirmed that the investigation revealed something we all dreaded: Orrin and Orson West are believed to be deceased. To make matters worse, the investigation also revealed that Orrin and Orson were believed to be deceased three months before they were reported missing. More egregious is that Orrin and Orson have not been found, making this what’s called a “No Body Homicide” case. For three months, a grand jury has heard and seen evidence pertaining to this case, and Both Trezell, and Jaqueline West, were arrested on January 1st, indicted, and charged with 2nd-degree murder.
We were able to get a copy of the indictment, and the charges are jaw-dropping; specifically, terms used like “premeditated,” “calculating,” and most shocking is what’s noted on page three, line 2-4. Circumstance in Aggravation: “It is further alleged that defendant Trezell West and Jacqueline West induced a minor to commit or assist in the commission of the crime, within the meaning of California Rules of Court 4.421(a)(5).”
Now that can be read in a few different ways. Trezell and Jaqueline West could have told one or more of their children to lie, hide evidence, clean up, or participate. We Pray it’s the latter!
The DA sounds very confident that the evidence will result in their conviction. Trezell and Jaqueline West pleaded not guilty at the arraignment, so we will be glued to the trial. They are due in court on March 8th to discuss the gag order and the probable cause and offense reports sealing. Stay tuned!
