CA - Orson & Orrin West (3&4), MEDIA, MAPS & TIMELINE - NO DISCUSSION

[PommyMommy]

MAY 19, 2023

Verdict in the Missing Cal City Toddlers Trial | COURT TV​

West case timeline: From the initial report to trial​

 

[PommyMommy]

MAY 19, 2023

West segment from 5 pm show​

Criminal defense attorney Tony Lidgett joined 17 News to give insight on the West trial verdict​

 

[AmandaReckonwith]

Click the circled i for info.

Case Archive, Justice section:

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Main Case Archive, Day 1 to arrests, includes vigils:

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[PommyMommy]

MAY 22, 2023

Even after guilty verdicts, questions remain in missing West boys case​

[...]

Criminal Defense Attorney Mark Raimondo said it is now up to District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer if she wants to pursue a retrial.

“I think the District Attorney’s going to take in great consideration the family’s feelings in addition to what is the cost benefit analysis of that is. I mean they’re going to get mandatory life sentences already,” he said. “Personally I’d be surprised if they do go forward given the multiple life sentences each of the defendants face.”

Raimondo said that as the family processes the verdict, a retrial could force them to relive the emotions of the trial all over again.

“A trial is very trying on the families as well and emotionally draining on the families as well so they may all want some closure. I wouldn’t be surprised if the family does seek some closure once the sentence is imposed,” Raimondo said.

Another option could be the Wests negotiating their sentences by confessing where Orrin and Orson are, if they know where the boys are. Raimondo said a confession seems unlikely at this point.

[...]

 

[PommyMommy]

MAY 23, 2023

How attorneys of the bio parents of Orrin, Orson say the criminal trial impacts their case​

[...]

The lawsuits for both bio parents against Kern County Human Services accuse the county of wrongfully taking Orrin and Orson away from their biological parents, not allowing the family a chance to get them back, for taking the boys away from their first foster mother and for giving them to Trezell and Jacqueline.

Eyewitness News asked attorneys from both parents what evidence from the criminal trial they will use in their cases.

"Certainly the police investigative interviews of Jacqueline and Trezell West we will use" Waukeen McCoy, plaintiff's attorney at McCoy Law Firm said. "I know there were some facts that pertain to the boys being mistreated in their care."

[...]

Castillo, who represents Charles Pettus, the bio father of Orson, said the testimony of the Wests' four other sons is key. He said their testimony shows there was a breakdown in the process and oversight procedures of child protective services during the fostering and adoption process. Castillo said the county is supposed to have wellness check-in visits.

[...]

Castillo said there's a hearing on June 1st, where a juvenile court will decide if Kern County Human Services needs to give the files of the removal and adoption process of Orrin and Orson to him and his legal team.

 

[PommyMommy]

JUL 12, 2023

Sentencing postponed for West couple in connection with Orrin and Orson West deaths

UPDATE (8:40 A.M.): The new sentencing date is now scheduled for September 13 at 8:30 a.m.---------Trezell, 35, and Jacqueline West, 32, the couple found guilty

bakersfieldnow.com

Trezell, 35, and Jacqueline West, 32, the couple found guilty of five of the seven counts in connection to the deaths of Orrin and Orson West, must wait for their sentencing following a postponement, according to court officials.

The couple was scheduled for sentencing on July 13.

Sentencing for parents convicted of murdering adoptive toddler Orrin West to be postponed, court says

The sentencing for adoptive parents who were convicted of killing their 4-year-old adoptive son Orrin, but jurors couldn't decide if they killed his brother Orson, won't happen Thursday and will

www.bakersfield.com

It's unclear why the sentencing was postponed. An email from Kern County Superior Court said an attorney requested the continuance, but didn't specify if it was a prosecutor or defense attorney. It declined to say who requested rescheduling the hearing or why because a gag order limits them from commenting.

Judge Charles Brehmer, who presided over the criminal trial, could discuss the reason behind the delay during a hearing on Thursday.

 

[PommyMommy]

JUL 13, 2023

Sentencing postponed to September for couple convicted in disappearance of 2 boys​

The sentencing of a couple facing life terms in prison for the disappearance of their two youngest adopted sons has been postponed to September following a brief hearing Thursday morning.

Trezell West, 36, and Jacqueline West, 33, will return to court Sept. 13 for sentencing. Defense counsel requested the postponement to prepare “necessary paperwork.”

 

[PommyMommy]

JUL 13, 2023
https://twitter.com/KGETnews

A number of media and members of the public have gathered outside Department 4 of Kern County Superior Court for the postponement of the sentencing of Trezell and Jacqueline West, convicted of multiple charges in the disappearance of their 2 youngest adopted sons. #WestsTrial
8:18 AM · Jul 13, 2023

It's unclear why the sentencing may be postponed, but there may be discussion when the hearing begins at 8:30. Trezell is represented by Timothy Hennessy, Jacqueline by Alekxia Torres Stallings, and the prosecutor is Eric Smith. #WestsTrial

Judge Charles R. Brehmer heard the trial and is expected to set a new sentencing date, which could be weeks or longer. #WestsTrial

Court officials on Wednesday said the sentencing would be postponed. The Wests were found guilty in May following a weeks-long trial. They were found guilty in the death of Orrin West, 4, and of child cruelty against Orson West, 3. #WestsTrial

The Wests face 15 years to life, but prosecution could decide to retry them on charges on which the jury failed to reach the verdict, adding decades more to their sentence if found guilty. The prosecution may announce today whether they will retry the hung charges. #WestsTrial

The Wests reported the boys missing in December 2020, but prosecutors say the boys were killed three months earlier. #WestsTrial

All attorneys have now arrived. #WestsTrial

The public and media have been let in. The attorneys and judge are in the back. There may not be any discussion in public -- the bailiff has said this will be a quick hearing. #WestsTrial

The judge and attorneys are here and hearing has begun. #WestsTrial

The request is by the defense to continue sentencing to prepare necessary paperwork for sentencing, the judge said. The new date will be Sept. 13. #WestsTrial

Brehmer set the new date, said the probation report for each defendant has been received by the court and everyone will return at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 13 for sentencing. #WestsTrial

The hearing is over. #WEstsTrial
8:34 AM · Jul 13, 2023

 

[PommyMommy]

JUL 13, 2023

West Trial Update: Sentencing postponed until September​

[...]

Supporters and biological family members of the West boys (born Classic and Cincere Pettus), shared their thoughts about the sentencing postponement outside the Kern County Superior Courthouse.

"Frustration, but it's on God's timing. We're going to keep our faith," said Rosanna Willis.

[...]

"We're praying that they at least have the heart to tell us where these bodies are. That's our whole thing," said Stevenson. "Yeah, you're locked up, but we still don't have closure. The mom, the family, the dad, they still don't have closure because we don't know where their bodies are. That's important, too, to us."

[...]

 

[PommyMommy]

AUG 29, 2023

Judge dismisses federal lawsuit filed by Cal City brothers' biological family for 2nd time;​

For the second time this year, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed against the Kern County Department of Human Services and the California Department of Social Services by the biological family of Orrin and Orson West after they claim social workers negligently placed both boys with their adoptive parents.

It's a decision that an attorney vows to appeal, he told The Californian on Tuesday.

Orrin and Orson West's biological mother, Ryan Dean, biological grandmother, Dana Moorer, and biological grandfather, Leif Dean, sought $100 million in their second attempt to hold accountable those they say violated their civil rights by removing Orrin, 4, and Orson, 3 from their custody, which led to their wrongful death.

Judge John A. Mendez of the Eastern District Court dismissed the federal lawsuit seeking $100 million on Aug. 24, after also tossing out the biological family's first complaint seeking $40 million in January. Allegations were dismissed against defendants Dena Murphy, the director of KCDHS at the time, Kim Johnson, the director of CDSS, and Anna Zavala-Garza, a local social worker.

 

[PommyMommy]

SEP 12, 2023

Motion to postpone sentencing filed in West boys’ case​

Court records show a motion has been filed to postpone Wednesday’s sentencing hearing for Trezell and Jacqueline West, who face life terms in prison in the death of one of two adopted sons who went missing in 2020.

[...]

... It’s unclear who filed the motion.

[...]

 

[PommyMommy]

SEP 12, 2023

Motion to postpone Trezell and Jacqueline West sentencing filed​

Defense attorney Alekxia Stallings has confirmed with Eyewitness News that a motion for a continuance was filed Monday and will be heard Wednesday morning regarding Trezell and Jacqueline West.

Sentencing likely postponed for adoptive parents convicted of killing Orrin West​

A motion to postpone the hearing has been filed, according to online court records. It's unclear who filed the motion or if it will be granted.

Kern County Superior Court did not respond to multiple requests for comment about Wednesday's hearing. A gag order prevents attorneys from speaking about the case.

 

[PommyMommy]

SEP 13, 2023

Jacqueline and Trezell West expected to be sentenced, motion for continuance filed​

Trezell and Jacqueline West were found guilty on five of the seven counts related to the disappearance of Orrin and Orson West in May. The boys went missing in December of 2020.

At that time, sentencing in the trial had originally been set for Thurs, July 13. Sentencing was pushed back, however, at the request of the West's legal team to Wednesday. Now, with the continuance motion being filed, sentencing could be delayed again.

Live updates: Jacqueline and Trezell West sentencing​

The sentencing of the adoptive parents whose two youngest children were reported missing in 2020 and are presumed dead is scheduled for this morning but will likely be postponed.

A motion to postpone the sentencing for Trezell and Jacqueline West has been filed in court will be heard in front of Judge Charles R. Brehmer at 8:30 a.m.

 

[PommyMommy]

08:49 AM SEPTEMBER 13, 2023 - JASON KOTOWSKI
West Hearing Part 1
Media and others are gathered in the hallway and a camera has been set up in the courtroom. We're expecting to be called in soon.

08:50 AM SEPTEMBER 13, 2023 - JASON KOTOWSKI
West Hearing Part 2
Court staff say the motion to postpone the hearing was filed by the defense. They are saying there may be new evidence.

08:56 AM SEPTEMBER 13, 2023 - JASON KOTOWSKI
West Hearing Part 3
We are still waiting outside the courtroom. There are several cases being heard in Judge Charles R. Brehmer's courtroom this morning.

08:58 AM SEPTEMBER 13, 2023 - JASON KOTOWSKI
West Hearing Part 4
Audience is being called into the courtroom now.

09:00 AM SEPTEMBER 13, 2023 - JASON KOTOWSKI
West Hearing Part 5
We have entered the courtroom. The Wests and their attorneys are present, as is prosecutor Eric Smith. The hearing has begun.

09:01 AM SEPTEMBER 13, 2023 - JASON KOTOWSKI
West Hearing Part 6
Brehmer said there is a joint defense request to move the hearing to Sept. 28 to provide additional information for the court to decide whether to continue the matter further or go forward with the sentencing on that date.
Brehmer set the next hearing for Sept. 28. The hearing is over.

Live updates: Jacqueline and Trezell West sentencing​

 

[PommyMommy]

SEP 13, 2023

Sentencing for Trezell and Jacqueline West postponed to late September

Trezell and Jacqueline West has been sentenced to--------The judge has ruled a motion for acontinuance of the sentencing for Trezell and Jacqueline West.Defen

bakersfieldnow.com

Trezell and Jacqueline West's sentencing has been postponed to September 28 at 8:30 a.m.

The judge has ruled a motion for a continuance of the sentencing for Trezell and Jacqueline West.

Defense attorney Alekxia Stallings has confirmed with Eyewitness News that a motion for a continuance was filed Monday.

[...]

 

[PommyMommy]

SEP 13, 2023

Sentencing for Orrin and Orson's adoptive parents postponed 2 weeks​

www.bakersfield.com

A Kern County Superior Court judge granted a request to postpone a sentencing hearing Wednesday for a couple convicted of killing their adopted toddler, Orrin West, because defense attorneys need more time to file "additional information" for the judge to consider.

Judge Charles R. Brehmer didn't address what the "additional information" concerns during the hearing lasting less than a minute. He added the information will help him decide if Trezell, 36, and Jacqueline West, 32, should be sentenced on Sept. 28, the next hearing date, or if it should be postponed again.

Chief Trial Deputy Eric Smith, who tried the case, didn't have any public objections.

Wests’ sentencing moved to Sept. 28​

www.kget.com

Sentencing was postponed to later this month to give the attorneys representing Trezell and Jacqueline West time to present the court with additional, unspecified information. Prosecutor Eric Smith had no objection.

On Sept. 28, Judge Charles R. Brehmer will decide whether the new information requires the sentencing to be postponed even further. There has been one prior postponement.

 

[PommyMommy]

SEP 13, 2023

‘They’re murderers, they’re animals’: Family reacts to postponement of sentencing for Jacqueline and Trezell West​

www.kget.com
[...]

“They sit in there and act like parents of the year. No, they’re murderers, they’re murderers,” Rosanna Wills, biological cousin to Orrin and Orson West, said. “They’re animals. Trezell and Jacqueline, y’all animals. Tell us where the babies are, no deal, no nothing.”

[...]

“We have to relive this every time we come to this courtroom, every time this is a reliving, the mom, the dad, this is hurtful stuff, and people need to think about if it was your children. Including the judge or whoever is behind whatever. They need to think if this was your kids and you would feel the same, we feel the same way we feel,” said Keisha Stevenson, a family friend of the biological family.

[...]

“We don’t sleep without thinking about it, we’re waiting for justice […] we’re not leaving, we’re going to be here every day,” Rosanna Wills said. “Every time they have court, we’re here. No matter what, we’re here. That’s applying pressure, our presence is applying pressure.”

Those close to the biological family said the sentencing still won’t bring them closure, but finding out where Orrin and Orson will.

 

[PommyMommy]

Eyewitness News 'Investigates': 'Mystery in the Desert'​

VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. A special edition of Eyewitness News Investigates: Mystery in the Desert focuses on the disappearance of Orrin and Orson West.

 

[PommyMommy]

SEP 27, 2023

DA schedules tentative press conference regarding West case​

www.kget.com

The Kern County District Attorney’s Office will hold a press conference Thursday if the sentencing of Trezell and Jacqueline West moves forward as scheduled and the gag order is lifted.

The Wests are scheduled for sentencing at 8:30 a.m. after being convicted in the death of one of their adopted children and the abuse of another. Sentencing has been postponed twice before.

[...]

 

[PommyMommy]

SEP 28, 2023

Live Updates: Trezell and Jacqueline West sentenced to prison in death of adopted child

UPDATE: DA Cynthia Zimmer is holding a press conference following the Wests’ sentencing. Watch the press conference at this link. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Following multiple postpon…

www.kget.com

[...]

Regarding the hung count, the prosecution has moved to dismiss them and the judge did so.

The gag order in the case has been lifted.

[...]

If Jacqueline West is sentenced to prison, she's asking it being in Oregon or on the East Coast so she can be close to family, Torres Stallings said.

Wiping her eyes, Torres Stallings finished her statement.

Eric Smith said Jacqueline West is not a suitable candidate for probation because she's convicted of murder and abuse, and she was part of the murder of one of the boys and is guilty of willful harm to the other.

“The jury did not believe what they had to see and they continued to fabricate that they did nothing,” Smith said. He said she deserves more than the maximum under the law, which is what he's requesting.

[...]