The Trial of Trezell and Jacqueline West for the Murders of Orrin and Orson West

May 13

The trial of Trezell and Jacqueline West has begun, and the world is watching with bated breath. The couple stands accused of killing their two adopted sons, Orrin and Orson West, who went missing in December 2020. The case has gained significant attention, with many following the story closely since the boys' disappearance. This blog post is for a two-part episode of the And Then They Were Gone podcast, covering the trial, and providing updates and insights into the case.

On December 21, 2020, Trezell and Jacqueline West reported their two adopted sons, Orrin and Orson, missing. According to the Wests, the boys were playing in the family's fenced-in yard while Trezell was gathering wood. On one of his trips back, he noticed they were gone. An intensive search immediately commenced, but there was no sign of the boys. As the public began to hear the story's details, many concluded that Jacqueline and Trezell's account didn't make any sense. Police also quickly added the parents to the top of their suspect list.

The case continued to develop, with searches continuing, but with no luck. Then, on March 1, 2022, Jacqueline and Trezell West were arrested for murder. Their trial is underway, despite the fact that the bodies of Orrin and Orson have yet to be found.

The facts of the Case

Over the course of several weeks, the prosecution laid out its case, which, absent the boys' bodies or other physical evidence, hinges on a star witness: Trezell and Jacqueline's 12-year-old son. The prosecution contends that the brothers had already been dead for months before the 911 call was made. The prosecution has argued that the Wests' account of events is inconsistent and that they have provided false information to law enforcement. They have also claimed that the Wests had a motive and opportunity to kill their children

The defense, meanwhile, has argued that the prosecution's case is entirely circumstantial and that the Wests are innocent until proven guilty. They have suggested that the boys may have been kidnapped or run away, and are still alive somewhere. The defense has also presented evidence of Trezell and Jacqueline's loving relationship with their sons, claiming that they would never do anything to harm them.