Adoptive parents of 2 missing California boys charged with murder
03/02/2022 11:38 am PST
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (TCD) -- The adoptive parents of two missing boys were arrested and charged earlier this week.
According to the Bakersfield Californian, in December 2020, 4-year-old Orrin West and 3-year-old Orson West were reported missing. Their adoptive father, Trezell West, reportedly told authorities he was out looking for firewood and the adoptive mother, Jacqueline West, was inside their home wrapping Christmas presents. When Trezell came back, the boys were allegedly gone.
The search reportedly continued in California City as well as Bakersfield, where the family had previously resided. On Dec. 28, 2020, California City Police Chief Jon Walker told the Bakersfield Californian he suspected foul play.
According to KGET-TV, in March 2021, the Bakersfield Police Department led an investigation with the help of the FBI and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. As part of the investigation, family members connected to the boys and the Wests were interviewed, KGET reports.
Upon further investigation, the Bakersfield Californian reports Trezell and Jacqueline were arrested and charged with two felony counts of second-degree murder, two felony counts of willful cruelty to a child, and one misdemeanor count of making a false report of an emergency. According to records, they were booked on Tuesday, March 1, and remain held without bail. Records show the Wests are each scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, March 3.
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