Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. I dont have a bad record.". Sun and clouds mixed. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. This wide-ranging evidence was presented by a prosecutor Tuesday as he attempted to prove adoptive parents Trezell and Jacqueline West murdered their adoptive children Orrin, 4, and Orson,. Lawyer suggests hell be exonerated, Nicole Avant Remembers Late Mother Jacqueline, Opens Children and Family Center in Her Name, US readies second attempt at speedy border asylum screenings, CloseUp: Trump says DeSantis is cratering. The adoptive parents of missing California boys Orrin and Orson West DNA swabs. High near 70F. Trezell West said hed accidentally left a back gate open, as CrimeOnline previously reported, while he stepped back into the house, as CrimeOnline previously reported. Winds WNW at 15 to 25 mph.. Overcast. High near 70F. The Disappearance of Orrin and Orson West - True Crime Diva Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer holds a press conference with law enforcement leaders and prosecutors regarding missing California toddlers Orrin and Orson West, on Mar. They could face 30 years to life in prison if convicted. Orrin West and Orson West were named Classic Pettus and Cincere Pettus at birth. Their biological father, Charles Pettus, has raised concerns about the adoption process and has filed a lawsuit against Kern County officials. Agent Hunter said he passed that information along to the Bakersfield Police Department. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Smith has said jurors will hear from each of the four children, who were taken into protective custody. Slight chance of a rain shower. While she wanted to get her children back, even going to parenting classes, Dean testified that she had no involvement, nor did she employ anyone else to take the boys. The Department of Social Services said it could not comment, and the human services department could not immediately be reached for comment. Dean said in the suit that the state "had a duty" to protect her children but instead placed them in a home that was a "state-created danger." asked Torres Stallings. We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. Smith said in his opening statement Orrin was spotted dying by the Wests other child while the Wests lived in Bakersfield. #WestsTrial 25 Apr 2023 21:27:33 The trial is set to resume Wednesday morning at 9:00. Numerous witnesses everyone from police officers, criminalists and FBI personnel to family members testified as the case resumed hearing testimony after a break in testimony. I dont want my kids to be deceased, I want them to come back home because my kids is all I got, Charles Pettus, biological father to the West boys, said. Alekxia Torres Stallings, the attorney representing Jacqueline West, elicited testimony showing Kim did not receive the DNA straight from Orrin and Orson. She confirmed she has . You can also follow her at @idesai98 on Twitter. When given the chance during cross-examination, Defense Attorney Timothy Hennessy asked Dean if she lives in Texas. A request for comment was not returned Friday by the Kern County Counsels Office or by Kern County Human Services, which operates Child Protective Services. Video-footage enhancing technology. "I feel my kids are somewhere around here," she told KBAK/KBFX. The . He heard the loud thump in the night never saw his brother again. Kim testified he didnt get any other toothbrushes from the West house to process, nor did he get any toys from the Wests house. Sun and clouds mixed. The claim, which is listed on the Kern County Board of Supervisors agenda for a closed session discussion Tuesday, alleges numerous events led up to the adoption of Orrin, 4, and Orson, 3, by Trezell and Jacqueline West, who were indicted Feb. 28 on murder charges in the boys deaths. In June 2017, Dean gave birth to Orson. Dean reported her concerns to the human services department, but no action was taken, the lawsuit says. From left, defense attorney Victor Nasser, defendant Trezell West, defense attorney Timothy Hennessy, defendant Jacqueline West and defense attorney Alekxia Torres Stallings listen as the prosecution delivers opening statements on March 28. Family of missing toddlers speaks out, says they're public targets I was looking through family members phones and then we watched the news, thats how we found out, Pettus said. Crime Stories with Nancy Grace on Fox Nation: Missing Boys. West Trial, Day 12: Were the boys seen in Arlington, Texas? Orrin and Orson West, 4 and 3, respectively, were reported missing from their home in . DNA results from one toothbrush collected from the West home showed it was used by a woman, he added. He claimed in the lawsuit that Child Protective Services was negligent when they took his biological children away and placed them with a couple outside of friends and family. DNA evidence presents mixed picture of toddlers' whereabouts The boys' biological family would like the children to be known by their birth names instead of the names given to them by their adoptive parents. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Orrin and Orson were removed from her home after an unfounded accusation regarding her biological daughter, Sanders said. A California couple told police their 2 adopted sons went missing in 2020. The suit says no allegations of abuse were lodged against Dean when Cinsere was removed. Ryan Dean said she tried multiple times to regain custody of Cinsere and Classic Pettus but was denied. The bodies of Orrin and Orson have not been found. Dean said in the suit that she fought to get her children back but that she was repeatedly denied. Cinsere, then 3 months old, was removed from his mother's care in 2016 after Dean said she came home and found him "crying uncontrollably," according to the lawsuit, filed June 17, which alleges civil rights violation and wrongful death. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. She was allowed supervised visitation with her kids once they were cared for by a foster mother. The adoptive parents of two little boys in California City, CA . She confirmed she has an apartment in Arlington. The couple fostered them and then officially adopted them in 2019. Biological family reacts to West Boys' update - Yahoo News Other evidence showed the boys didnt contribute to the DNA left behind, according to Kim. He claimed in the lawsuit that Child. He was told the boy had gone back to his grandmothers. "I feel it and I feel like they're in the house and I feel like they did something.". Brothers Orson and Orrin West -- ages 3 and 4, respectively, were reported missing by their adoptive parents, Trezell and Jacqueline West. However, there were mattress covers in which Orrin could not be excluded as the DNAs contributor or it was inconclusive if Orson left the DNA behind. Last month, adoptive parents Trazell and Jacqueline West were arrested on murder charges. "I realized that I left the back gate open and I panicked and came inside the house. Adrian West, now 12, will testify to what he heard and saw about the disappearances of Orrin, 4, and Orson, 3, reported as missing by their parents on December 21, 2020, prosecutor Eric Smith said Tuesday during his opening statement at the trial of Trezell and Jacqueline West, now charged with the boys murder. . Every DNA sample taken from a piece of evidence was compared to Trezell West, Jacqueline West, their two biological children, their two adopted children aside from Orrin and Orson and the biological parents of the toddlers who were reported missing. Trezell and Jacqueline West have pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and other charges in the deaths of Orrin and Orson West. The family said it's been a difficult time for them learning that the. If you want to plan the perfect spring picnic, food and drink are important, but its certainly not the only factor to consider. California couple charged with killing adopted sons missing since 2020 As the community continues holding vigils, the family is reminding everyone they're in deep pain too. "No," Dean said as she testified via Zoom, with disbelief flashing across her face. The child said Orson West, 3, disappeared soon after. Missing Orrin & Orson West: Where Are The Boys? - Medium In 2018, Trazell (some reports spell it Trezol) and Jacqueline West became foster parents to Orrin and Orson after the Department of Human Services took them from their birth mother, Ryan Dean. Apr. Mother Of Boys Allegedly Killed By Adoptive Parents Sues Over Kids If youre shopping for a new purse, check out these luxurious bags that look quite high-end, but cost less than $100. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 3, 2022. Dean had returned from work to find her then-3-month-old Orrin crying uncontrollably, the claim alleges. We dont want no one to think its a cold case, because when it gets quiet its like no one thinks about them anymore, but we are going to keep going, Keisha Stevenson, a friend of the biological family, said. Dean took the child to the emergency room, where she was informed that both of Cinsere's legs were broken. Copyright 2023 KABC Television, LLC. In 2018, the boys were removed from their foster home and placed with the West family. He added the biological parents of Orrin and Orson didnt contribute to this DNA profile which suggests the toddlers didnt use this toothbrush. Timothy Hennessy, an attorney for Trezell West, said at a news conference in March that the couple should be considered innocent until proven guilty. The biological mother and maternal grandmother of Orrin and Orson West two California City brothers who were adopted by a couple now facing murder charges in their deaths filed a. Photo courtesy of the California City Police Department, Biological mother, grandmother of Cal City boys seek $40M from county, Judge grants motion to prohibit Cal City brothers' adoptive parents from visiting their other children, Judge hears motion to bar Cal City toddlers adoptive parents from visiting their other kids, JOSE GASPAR: Looking for Trezell and Jacqueline West, Judge grants gag order in case against adoptive parents of Cal City boys, Adoptive parents of Cal City boys plead not guilty to murder charges. Torres Stallings finished by asking if Dean had ever lied law enforcement in this investigation and Dean answered saying she did in the beginning. The Wests told police that the boys were last seen playing in their backyard. Jan. 24The biological father and grandmother of missing California City boys, Orson and Orrin West, filed a complaint in Kern County Superior Court, alleging Kern County and Kern County. Orrin and Orson West, who were 4 and 3, were reported missing in 2020. Tuesday also brought testimony from Jacqueline West's sister, who spoke about messages and calls with Jacqueline. Orrin and Orson West: Trial Begins for Parents of Missing Toddlers, Charged With Murder by KC Wildmoon March 29, 2023 A 10-year-old boy told investigators he watched his toddler brother die one night and that another disappeared after he heard a "loud thud" in the night. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, More Kern County News Coverage from 23ABC. All rights reserved. Who is Orson and Orrin West biological mother? - Vim Buzz Unfortunately, there's been no sign of the boys.". This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. "This community has really come together,"23ABC News reporter Bayan Wang told Nancy Grace. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, The family previously lived in Bakersfield, about 60 miles west of California City. WNW winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. 00:00 / 00:00. Ryan Dean, the biological mother of Orrin and Orson, and Dana Moorer, the boys maternal grandmother, allege in the claim that Kern County Human Services ignored Deans repeated reports of suspected abuse while the West boys stayed with Trezell and Jacqueline West before their adoption. The adoptive parents of California brothers Orrin and Orson West, who have been missing over a year, have been arrested on suspicion of killing the toddlers. Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer said in March that the boys most likely died three months before they were reported missing. She is seeking $40 million in damages. California City Police are urging those withinformation on the whereabouts of the boys to contact them at (760)373-8606. The bodies of the children haven't been found. Charles Pettus, Brenda's son and the biological father of Orson and Orrin, filed a lawsuit against Kern County and the state of California in late 2021. Biological father of missing Kern County boys speaks out after adoptive Whether heading on a camping trip, putting up guests or creating more sleeping space for a kids slumber party, air mattresses are useful to have. A search by law enforcement agencies and community members yielded no results. Trezell and Jacqueline have two biological children and two additional adoptive ones. Torres Stallings has previously remarked on a California City police officers lack of training in interviewing child witnesses. 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Prosecutor Eric Smith later asked Dean if she had involvement in a possible. Classic was removed days after his birth in 2017 because the human services department said "they like to keep siblings together," the lawsuit says. They were ordered held without bail, with the judge calling them "a significant and substantial risk to public safety. Jacqueline and Trezell West, the adoptive parents of Orrin and Orson West, sit in Kern County Superior Court at their arraignment March 3, 2022. We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. "It's like people don't realize we are grieving we are hurting just like they are," West said. Adoptive Parents Who Reported Kids Missing Charged in Their - People The brothers,Orrin West, 4, and Orson West, 3, had been put up for adoption by their biological mother,Ryan Dean, shortly after they were born, KBAK/KBFX reports. Orrin and Orson West: Trial Begins for Parents of Missing Toddlers This is a tragic accident is what the evidence will show, said Timothy Hennessy, one of Trezell Wests attorneys, in his opening statement. You can reach Ishani Desai at 661-395-7417. According to the claim, the damages were calculated from emotional distress, pain, suffering, humiliation and the loss of enjoyment of life. Child protective services removed them from their biological mother's home and they were adopted by Trezell and Jacqueline West in September 2020. "I just want justice for my kids, and you know what these people did to me and the torment that I had to go through to find out what was going on with my kids," Pettus said Thursday. Q&A: How does the grand jury process work? Their trial is tentatively set for May 23. No suspects or persons of interest have been named in the case at this time. But Smith argued that the boys died months before they were reported missing, in September 2020, and that for Orrin, at least, the death came while they still lived in Bakersfield. West Trial Day 6: Former foster mother testifies Biological Mother of Orrin and Orson West files a lawsuit - KBAK Tuesday, Dean testified that when the boys were less than a year old, Orrin, born Cincere, broke his leg. Dean took Orrin to Memorial Hospital, where it was discovered his legs were broken. . Video-footage enhancing technology. Trezell West told Bakersfield ABC affiliate KERO, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Story tips can be sent to yael.halon@fox.com. When the boys' biological mother took the stand via Zoom Tuesday, the defense brought that tip back into question. Their adoptive parents, Trezell and Jacqueline West, have been charged with their deaths. Closing arguments are expected to be given around mid-May. Moorer sought to prove the West boys could reside with her. The boys were removed from their biological mother's home by Child Protective Services and adopted by Trezell and Jacqueline West in September 2020. "I could finally get some sleep now, you know, knowing they're not out just running. McCoy said deputies should not have taken the newborn child away from his mother, even to ensure the siblings remained together. West trial: DNA evidence presents mixed picture of Cal City boys Dean was excused after testifying for the prosecution but will likely be recalled for further testimony once defense lawyers begin presenting their case. West said he realized that he had "left the gate open, and I panicked, came inside the house, searched the house, me and my wife. The children's biological mother accused the Wests of being complicit in their disappearance. She took foster parenting classes, obtained CPR certification and had a psychological evaluation, according to the claim. Adrian, the couples oldest biological child Orrin, Orson, and two other children were adopted will testify that he awoke one night to odd noises coming from Orrin and that he saw the color drain from his brothers face before he vomited and died, Smith told the court. [Featured image: Orrin and Olson West/handout], Rasheem Carter: More Remains Discovered of Man Found Decapitated With Severed Genitals in Mouth, Crime Stories with Nancy Grace: Handsome Tech Star Staggers Begging for Help, STABBED DEAD, Letecia Stauch Murder Trial: Expert Tracks Accused Killer Stepmoms Phone During, After Gannon Stauch Disappearance, subscribe to the Crime Stories with Nancy Grace podcast. Authorities have received more than 2,000 tips and are now using imaging devices at the adoptive parents' home to search for the boys. The murder trial in that case is scheduled to begin May 23. That year, Trezell West, 34, and Jacqueline West, 31, became the boy's foster parents. You can reach Ishani Desai at 661-395-7417. At this point, Dean said she started seeing a change in her children. Later that day, a Memorial Hospital staff member informed Dean that Kern County Human Services would be taking Orrin because they believed he had been abused, the claim alleges. California police are still searching for two children who were reported missing by their adopted parents last month, Fox Nation host Nancy Grace said in a new episode of "Crime Stories.". West Trial: Children's testimony, more on Arlington addresses expected But defense attorneys told the court that police simply didnt conduct a proper investigation, that they only interviewed a handful of 41 registered sex offenders living in California City, that they didnt follow up on tip from a woman in Texas who said she saw the toddlers, and that they never explained surveillance video showing a vehicle leaving the area of the Wests home shortly before Trezell West called 911 to report the boys missing. When the boys' biological mother took the stand via Zoom Tuesday, the defense brought that tip back into question. The only time Dean said she became aware the defendants had adopted the boys was after both were reported missing from California City. Orrin was first taken from his biological parents after he was transported to the hospital in 2016, according to the claim. "You were aggressive and confrontational with (Jacqueline West), correct?" This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The biological mother and maternal grandmother of Orrin and Orson West two California City brothers who were adopted by a couple now facing murder charges in their deaths filed a claim against the Kern County Department of Human Services seeking $40 million and accusing the agency of negligence in allowing the couple to adopt them. You can also follow her at @_ishanidesai on Twitter. [We] searched the house, me and my wife," Trezell West told Bakersfield ABC affiliate KERO on Dec. 23. The court also heard testimony Tuesday from David Hunter, an FBI agent who received a tip about the sighting of the two boys in Arlington, Texas. Every DNA sample taken from a piece of evidence was compared to Trezell West, Jacqueline West, their two biological children, their two adopted children aside from Orrin and Orson and the biological parents of the toddlers who were reported missing. Trezell West, 35, and. Orrin And Orson West Parents, Adoptive Parents & Biological Parents Sixteen months have passed since toddlers Orrin and Orson West were first reported missing.