The adoptive parents of two missing California boys say they don’t know where the children could be, as the search continues into its seventh day.
Orson and Orrin West, ages 3 and 4, were last seen on December 21 at a home in the 10700 block of Aspen Avenue, in California City, at around 5:45 p.m.
KTLA 5 reports that the boys’ adoptive father, Trezell West, said the children were in the backyard playing when he stepped out briefly to open a gate and gather wood. The boys’ adoptive mother, Jaqueline West, said she was inside wrapping presents.
During a press conference last week, Trezell West explained that he accidentally left the gate open after gathering wood, ABC 23 reports.
“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.”
Trezzel West said he called 911 after neighbors indicated they hadn’t seen the boys.
On Tuesday night, authorities searched the couple’s home, questioned them, and reportedly towed away a car from their residence. However, police have not named them as suspects in the children’s disappearance. The FBI is now involved.
Ryan Dean, the boys’ biological mother, also stepped in to help with the search. Dean, of Bakersfield, said she wanted to regain custody of her children at some point, but it’s unclear why they were removed from her care.
Dean said she thinks the adoptive parents are hiding information.
“They did something, I feel like they did something and they know something. They did something. I feel like my kids are somewhere around here. I can feel it. And I feel like they are in the house and I feel like they did something,” Dean said.
The West couple reportedly said they understood Dean’s concerns, but have no idea where the children could be.
“That’s understandable,” Trezell West said, referring to Dean’s statement. “I would think the same thing. That’s exactly the point, and if we can find our babies … that’s all I want, is to find our babies.”
The Wests’ neighbors expressed concern after the couple didn’t help participate in search efforts for the boys. Trezell West said that they’ve been busy talking to the police. He added that the “the best are out here searching” and authorities advised them to stay at home.
The California City Police Department said no one has been ruled out in the boys’ disappearance at this time.
The West couple adopted the boys in 2019. They have four other children, including two biological and two adopted children.
Anyone with information on the case should contact the California City Police Department at 760-373-8606. Check back for updates.
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[Featured Photo: Orson and Orrin West/Police Handout]
