KEEP THE FOCUS ON THE SEARCH FOR ORRIN AND ORSON WEST — NOT ATTACKING INNOCENT FAMILY MEMBERS

Orrin and Orson West are still missing and there have been no promising leads that we know of. As we, the extended adoptive family, face uncertainty of their whereabouts — we are both grieving and deeply dedicated to the search for the boys. A search that has been made complicated by certain individuals and entities creating distractions all with the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic. This most recent statement is not written for or by the adoptive parents but we as the extended adoptive family have been terrorized as if that is the best way to help find the boys.

Click here to watch this news report on Good Morning America about the search for our boys and the impact it is having on us all!

THE THREATS AND HARASSMENT ARE A TRUE DISTRACTION

What has continued is the alarming number of threats of physical violence (including death threats), intentional harassment and misinformation being perpetuated by groups like AV Watchmen United We Stand and other individuals (Many we have named directly with Law Enforcement to monitor). Many of these groups have made this not about finding the boys. This behavior being targeted towards the adoptive Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins of the missing boys is misguided at best because none of us are persons of interest or suspects in terms of the disappearance.

As a family we have had to be even more cautious to not engage directly with individuals who have trespassed on various family members’ properties, hurled insults, reported false information deliberately, damage property and created a hate-filled hostile environment. For example, we have seen individuals organizing in a local graveyard, stalking both grandmothers as they travelled to their medical appointments and even attacked one of the grandfathers — a disabled veteran — while he attempted a walk to the store. Most resent the grandparents tried to reason with an angry group of searchers outside their home to no avail.

There are also other children in the extended adoptive family who are now scared to go outside and disturbed by these unpredictable and disturbing tactics. And just as disturbing are the several “Go Fund Me” efforts which have little or nothing to do with the search.

It is all pretty disheartening. In fact, it has cost time and money for law enforcement to track the threats and to sort through the slanderous and false statements. It is a true distraction from the search and for those perpetuating this behavior it is unconscionable.

KEEP THE FOCUS ON THE OFFICIAL SEARCH

As we start to file restraining orders against individuals, continue to monitor and refute the fraudulent claims and log the numerous individuals who have made physical threats we are still asking for those of you who care about finding the boys and the truth to do the following:

1. Do Not Give to “Go Fund Me” Schemes — Donate any and all funds that you would otherwise give to the official law enforcement search headed up by California City Police. Do not allow for individuals or groups of opportunists to profit off of our pain.
2. Keep the Official Investigation Going — Continue to encourage and if necessary pressure the California City Police Department, FBI, Bakersfield Police Department to make the search and investigation a priority. Law enforcement is in the best position to find the boys and bring them home. We need them to continue to leave nothing untouched and exhaust all possibilities. The Mayors, County Supervisors and other elected officials have been involved on varying levels and need to know that this case is one that needs to remain a priority until the boys are found and the truth is revealed. Call: 760.373.8606 and 661.327.7111
3. Volunteer to Search — If you are in the cities of Bakersfield, California or California City, California and are willing to search that is an option. Covid-19 has made this option complicated for many but we are grateful to the hundreds of individuals who have already organized and joined the searches on the ground.
4. Keep the Boys Names Lifted Up — Spread the word about the missing boys. The truth is out there and we need any and everyone who may know something to come forward to the appropriate authorities. There are several rewards that are being offered for information leading to the return of the boys including one from our family.
5. Keep PRAYING!!!!

WE WILL CONTINUE TO SEARCH AND PRAY

It should be made clear that despite the obstacles of a few bad actors we are still cooperating fully with law enforcement, working with a private investigator (private means they are not known to the public) and still have our reward of $30,000.00 alongside the others now totaling $100,000 for any information that will bring Orrin and Orson home. For those who wish us harm we will continue to pray that you pivot your energy and make it all about the search for Orrin and Orson. For those who are leaning in, volunteering and providing value added support in the search for the boys we thank you! Law Enforcement has been really aggressive in the search and all of the agencies involved have really made the search a priority. We need their time, talent and resources to bring Orrwin and Orson home safe. That is our prayer — God bless us all.

(Please note that this statement was not written on behalf of the adoptive parents. We are not representing the adoptive parents — this statement represents the extended adoptive family)