Share this @internewscast.com

The adoptive parents of two California boys are behind bars facing murder charges but both claim innocence.

Trezell West, 35, and Jacqueline West, 32, pleaded not guilty to murder, child abuse, and false reporting during their arraignment at the Kern County Superior Court in Bakersfield on Thursday.

According to ABC News, Judge Chad Louie ruled that both suspects will be held without bond while awaiting trial.

“There is clear and convincing evidence that both defendants are a significant and substantial risk to public safety,” Louie said.

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.

Trezell West said that the children were in the backyard playing when he stepped out briefly to open a gate and gather wood. Jaqueline West said she was inside wrapping presents.

During a previous press conference, Trezell West explained that he accidentally left the gate open after gathering wood.

“I open up the back gate, I’m throwing wood, bringing it inside the house. My wife’s inside, she was actually wrapping gifts so we thought it was a good idea that our youngest two go outside and play with chalk on the back patio,” West said.

“I realized that I left the back gate open and I panicked and came inside the house, searched the house, me and my wife. Once that didn’t pan out, I got in the van, I looked down the street in both directions, it was getting dark, getting cold.”

Trezell West said he called 911 after neighbors indicated they hadn’t seen the boys.

Although the boys were living in California City at the time of their disappearance, Bakersfield police are heading the investigation and said last March they had executed more than 20 search warrants in the case, including at the home of their adoptive grandparents.

Police said earlier this week that they believe the boys were killed three months before the suspects reported them missing. Although the children have not been found, police said the arrest came after “direct and circumstantial evidence.”

Louie scheduled a hearing on March 8 in connection with a request from prosecutors to obtain a gag order for the case. A tentative trial date is set for May 23.

Check back for updates.

For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Listen to a previous episode on the case below. 

Join Nancy Grace for her new online video series designed to help you protect what you love most – your children.

[Featured Photo: Orson and Orrin West/Facebook]

Source: This post first appeared on

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Delay in Release for Abrego Garcia Due to Deportation Uncertainty

Left: Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national who resided in Maryland before…

Suspected Student Quadruple Murderer Accepts Plea Agreement

Bryan Kohberger, the 30-year-old accused of fatally stabbing four University of Idaho…

Bryan Kohberger Allegedly Agrees to Plea Deal to Avoid Death Penalty

Prosecutors have offered a plea deal to Bryan Kohberger, a former criminology…

Police Report: Man Faces Charges After Allegedly Pushing Woman into River, Resulting in Her Death

Inset: William Youmans Jr. (Miami-Dade Corrections). Background: Miami River where Youmans is…

Police: Woman Discovered Hidden in Box Inside Husband’s Truck

Background: News coverage at the location in Montour Township, Pa., where Katlyn…

Judges of the 5th Circuit Intensely Question Lawyers in Alien Enemies Act Case

President Donald Trump delivers remarks during a press briefing with Elon Musk…

List of Locations Where the Melbourne Childcare Worker Accused of 70 Offenses Has Been Employed

Victorian health authorities and police are urging parents and carers to check…
Share copy link Kaylee Goncalves (bottom left) and Madison Mogen (top left),…

Barry Morphew Sent Back to Colorado to Face Trial for Wife’s Murder

Barry Morphew has been returned to Colorado to face trial for the…

Judge Boasberg Denies Couple’s Request for Jan. 6 Restitution Refund

Background: Photo of Cynthia Ballenger and her husband Christopher Price at the…

Judge Cautions Trump Administration Against Any Acts of ‘Retaliation’

Background: In the White House briefing room on June 27, 2025, President…

Who Was Wess Roley – The Idaho shooter? Theories about his gender: Was the Suspect A Russian – MAGA?

Wess Roley was identified as the 20-year-old shooter who killed two firefighters…