Search continues for 2 missing California City boys

Monday, early evening, Dec. 22

The boys disappear

Orson and Orrin play outside as their adoptive father gathers firewood, according to their adoptive parents. The father, Trezell West, later tells the media he briefly went back inside the house, and when he came out the boys were gone. He says he drove through nearby streets and spoke with neighbors but couldn’t find them.

Boys, 3 and 4, missing from California City

Monday, 6 p.m., Dec. 22

Reported missing

The boys’ adoptive parents report them missing.

Monday, 8 p.m., Dec. 22

The police are involved

California City police send out a news release that provides a description of the boys but not their names or photographs. That information is released hours later. Volunteers and police search areas near where the boys went missing. Police bring K9s to the home. The dogs find the boys’ scent inside the house, but not outdoors.

Search continues for missing California City boys

Tuesday, Dec. 23

The search continues

With daylight, volunteers continue the search and spread through the surrounding area. They find nothing. That afternoon, police take the adoptive parents in for further questioning. That evening, armed with a search warrant, investigators go through the home and leave with evidence collected in several brown bags and a duffel bag. The adoptive parents’ van is towed to be searched. Police tell 17 News the FBI is involved and agents questioned the adoptive parents. Police say the parents are cooperating.

Cal City boys went missing after briefly left outside, adoptive parents say

Wednesday, Dec. 24

Parents speak out

The adoptive parents speak with media. Trezell and Jaqueline West say they were told by police Monday to stay in their home during the search. Trezell West explains how the boys went missing, and the couple say they fostered the boys in 2018 then adopted them in 2019. They say they have two other adopted children and two biological children, all of whom have been removed from the home since the investigation began. The couple say their cellphones and other technological devices were seized by police. That afternoon, police search the home again.

Loading

Wednesday night, Dec. 24

Checking the backyard

Investigators work under bright lights set up in the family’s backyard. It’s unclear what, if any, evidence was found.

Loading

Tuesday, Dec. 29

Police give an update

California City Police Chief John Walker tells the media foul play is suspected and nothing was found when investigator’s dug up the west family backyard.

Saturday, Jan. 2

Parents issue a statement

The extended family of the missing boys issue a statement expressing their hopes for the boys’ safe return, that they are cooperating with authorities and have involved a team of private investigators. The statement said family members had been advised to avoid the public because of the intensity and amount of threats they had received. The West home in California City has been targeted by rocks, and attempted break-ins according to the statement.

Businesses offer a total of $25,000 to anyone who can find the boys

Monday, Jan. 4

Businesses offer a reward

Businesses offer a total of $25,000 to anyone who can find the boys.

$100,000 reward for information on two boys in California City; adoptive father boards up windows of his house

Saturday, Jan. 17

Reward money increases

Reward money rises to $100,000 for anyone with information leading to the boys’ whereabouts. The money has been donated by businesses, churches, the adoptive family and the city.

Vigil held for missing California City boys

Monday, Jan. 25

A vigil is held

The California City Police Department is asking for residents to report anyone seen trespassing at the home of missing Orrin and Orson West’s adoptive parents. A candlelight vigil was held outside the boys’ home Monday evening, with those participating praying for their safe return.

Cal City police chief provides update on search for missing boys

Sunday, Jan. 31

Police provide another update

After 41 days, there are still very few leads in the disappearances of Orrin and Orson West, according to the California City Police Department.

Loading

Monday, Feb. 1

The search continues

California City police and federal agents revisited the home of the Orson boys’ adoptive parents this Monday morning with special equipment that sends a signal into the ground to see if there is anything underneath. Nothing was found during the visit, according to police.

Loading

Tuesday, Feb. 2

Candlelight prayer

A candlelight prayer was held outside the home in Bakersfield where the boys lived before they were adopted.

Loading

Sunday, Feb. 14

Spreading awareness

The biological family of Orson and Orrin West said it was raising money to put up more billboards about the missing boys.

Loading

Friday, Feb. 19

Protesters demand change

Protesters gathered outside the Department of Human Services building in a rally to continue raising awareness of the case.

Loading

Sunday, Feb. 21

Online support groups form

Online groups from across the country and overseas have formed online communities tracking the case and sharing information.

Loading

Wednesday, Mar. 3

Bakersfield PD takes over

The Bakersfield Police Department becomes the lead agency investigation the boys’ disappearance.

Loading

Saturday, Mar. 6

Investigators search Southeast Bakersfield

Bakersfield police and personnel from other agencies searched a field in the area of Cottonwood and East Pacheco roads in connection with the investigation. The boys were not found, and police said they could not say what led them to the field because they need to preserve the integrity of the investigation.

Loading

Monday, Mar. 8

Rumors spark outrage

Speculation about what happened to the boys has resulted in online arguments and finger-pointing, and the arrest of a man on misdemeanor warrants after he had a confrontation with a neighbor.

Loading

Tuesday, Mar. 9

Billboards reach Kansas

A group that follows cases involving child victims has paid for two billboards in Wichita, Kan., asking for information regarding the missing boys.

Loading

Monday, Mar. 15

Bakersfield PD serves another warrant

The Bakersfield Police Department confirmed that it served a search warrant March 12 at the home of Orrin and Orson West’s adoptive grandmother as part of its investigation into their disappearance. The department did not provide any additional information about the warrant, saying that “limited information is being provided to protect the integrity of the investigation and ultimately safeguard any facts from being tainted. The public is strongly discouraged from making assumptions of guilt and dissemination of rumor and speculation.”

Loading

Tuesday, Jun. 1

Bakersfield PD gives an update

The BPD said they have served 44 search warrants, interviewed 83 people and siezed 170 items in the investigation into the disappearance of Orrin and Orson.

Friday, Jun. 11

Orson's birthday

Orson West, who's birthname is "Classic," turned 4 years old.

Loading

Wednesday, Jul. 21

Seven month mark

A friend of the family, Keisha Stevenson, said that over the seven months the boys have been missing there has been “little to no updates on the case.” She continued “somebody knows something…we want answers.”

Loading

Wednesday, Aug. 4

Orrin's birthday

Community members held a birthday party for Orrin West, who birthname is "Cincere," who turned 5 years old.

Loading

Tuesday, Sept. 21

Boys remain missing

A commuity prayer gathering was help that evening, as they have been happening monthly.

Loading

Thursday, Oct. 21

10 Months later

October marks 10 months since Orson and Orrin West have gone missing. The community is holding a prayer vigil in honor of the boys.

Loading

Sunday, Nov. 21

11 Months later

No new developments. Prayers continue.

Loading

Thursday, Dec. 9

Honorary toy drive

A toy drive in honor of the boys will mark the long year of unanswered questions but will also teach children about stranger danger safety.

Tuesday, Dec. 21

1 year later

Officially one year since their disappearance.

 
A vigil is held
Monday, Jan. 25
 
Businesses offer a reward
Monday, Jan. 4

Reported missing

The police are involved

The search continues

Parents speak out

Checking the backyard

Police give an update

Parents issue a statement

Businesses offer a reward

Reward money increases

A vigil is held

Police provide another update

The search continues

Candlelight prayer

Spreading awareness

Protesters demand change

Online support groups form

Bakersfield PD takes over

Investigators search Southeast Bakersfield

Rumors spark outrage

Billboards reach Kansas

Bakersfield PD serves another warrant

Bakersfield PD gives an update

Orson's birthday

Seven month mark

Orrin's birthday

Boys remain missing

10 Months later

11 Months later

Honorary toy drive

1 year later

June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
March
April
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
March
April
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
March
April
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
March
April
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
March
April
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
March
April
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
March
April
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
March
April
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
March
April
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
March
April
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
March
April
May
June
July
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
March
April
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
March
April
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
March
April
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
March
April
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
March
April
May
June
Sept. 21
Sept. 22
Sept. 23
Sept. 24
Sept. 25
Sept. 26
Sept. 27
Sept. 28
Sept. 29
Sept. 30
Oct. 2
Oct. 3
Oct. 4
Oct. 5
Oct. 6
Oct. 7
Oct. 8
Oct. 9
Oct. 10
Oct. 11
Oct. 12
Oct. 13
Oct. 14
Oct. 15
Oct. 16
Oct. 17
Oct. 18
Oct. 19
Oct. 20
Oct. 21
Oct. 22
Oct. 23
Oct. 24
Oct. 25
Oct. 26
Oct. 27
Oct. 28
Oct. 29
Oct. 30
Oct. 31
Nov. 2
Nov. 3
Nov. 4
Nov. 5
Nov. 6
Nov. 7
Nov. 8
Nov. 9
Nov. 10
Nov. 11
Nov. 12
Nov. 13
Nov. 14
Nov. 15
Nov. 16
Nov. 17
Nov. 18
Nov. 19
Nov. 20
Nov. 21
Nov. 22
Nov. 23
Nov. 24
Nov. 25
Nov. 26
Nov. 27
Nov. 28
Nov. 29
Nov. 30
Dec. 2
Dec. 3
Dec. 4
Dec. 5
Dec. 6
Dec. 7
Dec. 8
Dec. 9
Dec. 10
Dec. 11
Dec. 12
Dec. 13
Dec. 14
Dec. 15
Dec. 16
Dec. 17
Dec. 18
Dec. 19
Dec. 20
Dec. 21
Dec. 22
Dec. 23
Dec. 24
Dec. 25
Dec. 26
Dec. 27
Dec. 28
Dec. 29
Dec. 30
Dec. 31
Jan. 2
Jan. 3
Jan. 4
Jan. 5
Jan. 6
Jan. 7
Jan. 8
Jan. 9
Jan. 10
Jan. 11
Jan. 12
Jan. 13
Jan. 14
Jan. 15
Jan. 16
Jan. 17
Jan. 18
Jan. 19
Jan. 20
Jan. 21
Jan. 22
Jan. 23
Jan. 24
Jan. 25
Jan. 26
Jan. 27
Jan. 28
Jan. 29
Jan. 30
Jan. 31
Feb. 2
Feb. 3
Feb. 4
Feb. 5
Feb. 6
Feb. 7
Feb. 8
Feb. 9
Feb. 10
Feb. 11
Feb. 12
Feb. 13
Feb. 14
Feb. 15
Feb. 16
Feb. 17
Feb. 18
Feb. 19
Feb. 20
Feb. 21
Feb. 22
Feb. 23
Feb. 24
Feb. 25
Feb. 26
Feb. 27
Feb. 28
March 2
March 3
March 4
March 5
March 6
March 7
March 8
March 9
March 10
March 11
March 12
March 13
March 14
March 15
March 16
March 17
March 18
March 19
March 20
March 21
March 22
March 23
March 24
March 25
March 26
March 27
March 28
March 29
March 30
March 31
April 2
April 3
April 4
April 5
April 6
April 7
April 8
April 9
April 10
April 11
April 12
April 13
April 14
April 15
April 16
April 17
April 18
April 19
April 20
April 21
April 22
April 23
April 24
April 25
April 26
April 27
April 28
April 29
April 30
May 2
May 3
May 4
May 5
May 6
May 7
May 8
May 9
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
May 14
May 15
May 16
May 17
May 18
May 19
May 20
May 21
May 22
May 23
May 24
May 25
May 26
May 27
May 28
May 29
May 30
May 31
June 2
June 3
June 4
June 5
June 6
June 7
June 8
June 9
June 10
June 11
June 12
June 13
June 14
June 15
June 16
June 17
June 18
June 19
June 20
June 21
June 22
June 23
June 24
June 25
June 26
June 27
June 28
June 29
June 30
July 2
July 3
July 4
July 5
July 6
July 7
July 8
July 9
July 10
July 11
July 12
July 13
July 14
July 15
July 16
July 17
July 18
July 19
July 20
July 21
July 22
July 23
July 24
July 25
July 26
July 27
July 28
July 29
July 30
July 31
Aug. 2
Aug. 3
Aug. 4
Aug. 5
Aug. 6
Aug. 7
Aug. 8
Aug. 9
Aug. 10
Aug. 11
Aug. 12
Aug. 13
Aug. 14
Aug. 15
Aug. 16
Aug. 17
Aug. 18
Aug. 19
Aug. 20
Aug. 21
Aug. 22
Aug. 23
Aug. 24
Aug. 25
Aug. 26
Aug. 27
Aug. 28
Aug. 29
Aug. 30
Aug. 31
Sept. 2
Sept. 3
Sept. 4
Sept. 5
Sept. 6
Sept. 7
Sept. 8
Sept. 9
Sept. 10
Sept. 11
Sept. 12
Sept. 13
Sept. 14
Sept. 15
Sept. 16
Sept. 17
Sept. 18
Sept. 19
Sept. 20
Sept. 21
Sept. 22
Sept. 23
Sept. 24
Sept. 25
Sept. 26
Sept. 27
Sept. 28
Sept. 29
Sept. 30
Oct. 2
Oct. 3
Oct. 4
Oct. 5
Oct. 6
Oct. 7
Oct. 8
Oct. 9
Oct. 10
Oct. 11
Oct. 12
Oct. 13
Oct. 14
Oct. 15
Oct. 16
Oct. 17
Oct. 18
Oct. 19
Oct. 20
Oct. 21
Oct. 22
Oct. 23
Oct. 24
Oct. 25
Oct. 26
Oct. 27
Oct. 28
Oct. 29
Oct. 30
Oct. 31
Nov. 2
Nov. 3
Nov. 4
Nov. 5
Nov. 6
Nov. 7
Nov. 8
Nov. 9
Nov. 10
Nov. 11
Nov. 12
Nov. 13
Nov. 14
Nov. 15
Nov. 16
Nov. 17
Nov. 18
Nov. 19
Nov. 20
Nov. 21
Nov. 22
Nov. 23
Nov. 24
Nov. 25
Nov. 26
Nov. 27
Nov. 28
Nov. 29
Nov. 30
Dec. 2
Dec. 3
Dec. 4
Dec. 5
Dec. 6
Dec. 7
Dec. 8
Dec. 9
Dec. 10
Dec. 11
Dec. 12
Dec. 13
Dec. 14
Dec. 15
Dec. 16
Dec. 17
Dec. 18
Dec. 19
Dec. 20
Dec. 21
Dec. 22
Dec. 23
Dec. 24
Dec. 25
Dec. 26
Dec. 27
Dec. 28
Dec. 29
Dec. 30
Dec. 31
Jan. 2
Jan. 3
Jan. 4
Jan. 5
Jan. 6
Jan. 7
Jan. 8
Jan. 9
Jan. 10
Jan. 11
Jan. 12
Jan. 13
Jan. 14
Jan. 15
Jan. 16
Jan. 17
Jan. 18
Jan. 19
Jan. 20
Jan. 21
Jan. 22
Jan. 23
Jan. 24
Jan. 25
Jan. 26
Jan. 27
Jan. 28
Jan. 29
Jan. 30
Jan. 31
Feb. 2
Feb. 3
Feb. 4
Feb. 5
Feb. 6
Feb. 7
Feb. 8
Feb. 9
Feb. 10
Feb. 11
Feb. 12
Feb. 13
Feb. 14
Feb. 15
Feb. 16
Feb. 17
Feb. 18
Feb. 19
Feb. 20
Feb. 21
Feb. 22
Feb. 23
Feb. 24
Feb. 25
Feb. 26
Feb. 27
Feb. 28
March 2
March 3
March 4
March 5
March 6
March 7
March 8
March 9
March 10
March 11
March 12
March 13
March 14
March 15
March 16
March 17
March 18
March 19
March 20
March 21