The Bakersfield Police Department announced Monday that a warrant was served on the adoptive grandmother of two California toddlers who’ve been missing since December.
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.
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 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.
The Bakersfield Police Department took over the investigation earlier this year, which has led them to the adoptive grandparent’s home. However, authorities said the search is simply a standard part of the investigation.
It’s unclear what, if anything, was found at the adoptive grandparent’s house.
“Search warrants are a normal investigative tool used in all types of investigations, and a standard investigative/legal measure to protect the rights of persons,” a BPD press release stated. “Any inference of guilt or criminal activity based upon service of a search warrant is unfounded and contrary to its purpose.”
Anyone with information on the children should contact call Kern Secret Witness at 661-322-4040 or BPD at 661-327-7111.
Police suspect foul play is involved in the boys’ disappearance, but no one has been named a suspect.
“We did a thorough search of the surrounding areas and [the toddlers were] not there so that tells me that they didn’t just keep walking,” California City Police Chief Jon Walker said.
Anyone with information on the case should contact the California City Police Department at 760-373-8606.
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[Featured Photo: Orson and Orrin West/Police Handout]
