CALIFORNIA CITY, Calif. — It's now day four in the search for missing 3 and 4-year-olds Orrin and Orson West in California City as police, the FBI and other agencies continue their investigation, which according to neighbors, is taking place in the adoptive parent's backyard.
The Cal City Police told 23ABC that this investigation is still on-going, and according to neighbors, Wednesday night there was a large police presence with law enforcement searching the backyard around 9 p.m.
“It’s been what, four days? This has been going on for four days. Tomorrow is Christmas,” said Bridgette Arnold, a Cal City resident.
The Cal City community is still distraught over the two missing boys.
There's now a new addition to the neighborhood, a small memorial, leaving candles and toys, hoping the toddlers come home safely.
“We all have to get together as a community and try to help find these children as best we can,” added Arnold.
Orrin and Orson West have been missing since Monday night as search efforts continue Thursday.
According to neighbors, police arrived at the foster parent's house Wednesday night, they also say that Cal City Police along with the FBI started digging in the backyard which caught the attention of Wayne Leonard.
“There was lots of noise, like jack-hammering, like they were trying to dig through dirt or break concrete,” said Leonard.
The adoptive parents gave their account of what happened on Wednesday, claiming that the two boys went outside to play with chalk while their adoptive mother wrapped their Christmas presents, their adoptive father said that he left the gate open. When he realized the boys were gone, he began searching for them.
The adoptive parents declined an interview Thursday, saying police advised them to stay inside, leaving some to wonder why.
“I would be non-stop looking if it was my child. You wouldn’t even keep me inside,” added Leonard.
Despite search efforts that haven’t turned up anything, neighbors are still trying to think positive during a dark time in this small community.
“Hopefully, they will find the children alive for Christmas,” said Arnold.
Cal City Police are asking that if you have any information regarding the missing boys to call them at (760) 373-8606.
