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.
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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.
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Judge Charles R. Brehmer heard the trial and is expected to set a new sentencing date, which could be weeks or longer.
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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.
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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.
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The Wests reported the boys missing in December 2020, but prosecutors say the boys were killed three months earlier.
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All attorneys have now arrived.
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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.
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The judge and attorneys are here and hearing has begun.
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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.
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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.
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The hearing is over.
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8:34 AM · Jul 13, 2023