Riley Sawyers

Riley Ann Sawyers 

March 11 2005 - July 24 2007

Age: 2 years old 

Riley was born on March 11, 2005 to Robert Sawyers and Kimberly Trenor in Ohio, USA.  Riley was described as a beautiful, happy, fun-loving and playful little girl, with a bright smile. She loved Elmo and watching the movie "Cars." She also enjoyed being outside and playing with her best friend/grandmother's dog, Coal. Riley also shared a special bond with her grandmother. They would often spend time together, getting lunch at a local Italian restaurant. Riley also wouldn't go to bed until her grandmother did and often slept in her grandmother's room.

Riley moved to Texas in the Spring of 2007 with her mother. Kimberly married Royce Zeigler on June 1, 2007. Royce believed Riley should be disciplined to say "Sir" and "Ma'am" to adults, as well as the phrases "please" and "thank you," and that corporal punishment was the best means of disciplining a child. Believing that Kimberly was not properly administering the beatings, Royce himself beat Riley. 

On July 24, 2007 Kimberly Trenor and Royce Zeigler beat Riley to death. They both admitted to holding her head underwater in the bathtub and beating her with belts. Kimberly also stated that Royce picked Riley up by her hair and threw her across the room, causing her head to slam into the tile floor. Riley, having been injured by the beating, was unable to stand up when ordered to do so. "She didn't have control of her legs," Kimberly stated. Riley had also tried to hinder the beating by saying "I love you" to her mother as the abuse that night took place.

Kimberly maintained that the death was accidental and that it was "a case of discipline that went too far." When they realized Riley was dead, Kimberly and Royce went to Walmart to buy a Steriliteplastic storage container. They wrapped Riley's body in garbage bags and stuffed it into the plastic container. They kept this container in a storage shed for about two months before dumping it into Galveston Bayfrom a bridge near the Galveston Causeway.

Riley's body was discovered in Galveston Bay by a fisherman on October 29, 2007. A coroner discovered three skull fractures on her body, and the investigation then proceeded as a homicide case. The extent of the injuries was described as having similar force to falling from a rooftop. After police were unable to identify the remains, forensic artist Lois Gibson was recruited to create a forensic sketch to illustrate an estimation of the victim's appearance during life, as the body was unrecognizable. Riley became known as "Baby Grace", until she was positively identified by her grandmother, who resided in Ohio.

On November 18 2007, Royce Zeigler attempted suicide by overdosing on blood pressure medication and prescribed anti-depressant pills. He left a suicide note stating, "My wife is innocent of the sins I committed. Royce survived the attempt. However, he later claimed during his trial that he was in another room of the house when Riley died, and therefore could not have been guilty. 

Kimberly and Royce eventually both took responsibility for Riley's death. On February 2 2009, Kimberly Trenor was sentenced to life in prison without parole. On November 6 2009, Royce Zeigler was sentenced to life in prison without parole. 

Rest in peace Riley.

Kayleigh Slusher

Kayleigh Jayne Slusher 

May 3 2010 - January 30 2014

Age: 3 years old 

Kayleigh was born on May 3, 2010 to Sara Krueger and Jason Slusher in California, USA. Kayleigh was a sweet little girl who never stopped smiling. She loved pink, she loved to dress up, and she loved playing. Kayleigh was a bright, happy three year old girl.

After Jason and Sara split up, Sara met Ryan Warner. On January 27 2014, Police was called to Kayleigh's home due to a loud argument. Police arrived Kayleigh was fine so they left. On February 1 2014, police made a welfare check on Kayleigh. They found Kayleigh’s pale, lifeless body was tucked under three blankets. The area around her eyes looked dark, her lips looked dark, her face was bruised. She had blood coming from her nostril. It was later found out that while police was finding Kayleigh's body, Sara and Ryan were out eating dinner. 

Kayleigh's mother said she was convinced that Kayleigh had been poisoned by the cleaning solution she thought she drank and that it killed her.

Kayleigh had been abused to death by her mother and her mother's boyfriend. Kayleigh's life was to sit in front of the television while her mother got high on drugs upstairs. When the boyfriend came along, things only got worse and Kayleigh got abused even more frequently. Until eventually, Kayleigh couldn't take it anymore and passed away. Ryan had also sexually assaulted Kayleigh and this was not the first time. 

Sara Krueger and Ryan Warner was both sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Rest in peace Kayleigh.  

Kelsey Ficks

Kelsey Michelle Ficks

October 17 2011 - August 21 2013

Age: 22 months old 

Kelsey was born on October 17, 2011 to Shanna Shaffer-Ficks and David Ficks in Ohio, USA. Kelsey was described as a beautiful, vibrant, and loving toddler, with an infectious smile. She was considered a miracle baby because she survived three rounds of chemotherapy while in her mother's womb. Doctors urged Kelsey's mother to terminate the pregnancy upon receiving a cancer diagnosis, but she refused. She later made a full recovery, and Kelsey was later born perfectly healthy with no complications.

On August 21 2013, Kelsey was put at the dining room table to paint along with her 4 year old sister, Taylor. Kelsey sat in her usual spot at the head of the table. Behind her, against the wall, was a towering glass and wood cabinet. Just as they began painting, the family's Labrador retriever was soaking wet outside so Shana slipped out the back door for 'not even a minute and a half' to towel her off. With the back door shut, she heard nothing unusual. But as soon as she came back inside, Kelsey was crying and walking toward her with blood gushing from her head.

Later, Kelsey's 4 year old sister Taylor, the only witness, told sheriff’s investigators Kelsey put her feet up and pushed against on the table, shoving the chair back into the cabinet. Shana instinctively grabbed something to apply pressure before calling 911. Her head and her ear are cut in half. Then Kelsey stopped breathing. She passed away in her mother's arms.

Rest in peace Kelsey.

Veralee Craft

Veralee Marie Craft 

June 6 2011 - July 25 2012

Age: 13 months old 

Veralee was born on June 6, 2011 to Chelsey Lawrence and Jonathan Craft in Virginia, USA. Chelsey and Jonathan split up before Veralee turned six months. Veralee was described as a beautiful, loving, joyful, and strong baby girl.

On July 23 2012, Veralee was found unresponsive. She was rushed to hospital and put on life support, it was obvious to doctors that she had been abused to death. Evidence suggested that Veralee had been being abused for up to at least three weeks before she died. Veralee had been beaten on the top of her head, almost shaken to death, both of her legs were broken, one arm was broken, her shoulder was broken and she had a skull fracture, all of this according to the doctors who treated her after she was taken to the hospital due to severe head trauma, dying less than two days later.

Chelsey Marie Lawrence was dating Preston King, a 27 year old man who she allowed to baby sit her daughter when she went to work. Preston lived with his mother and in the home they shared, reports say that Preston attacked and beat this little angel and then put her to bed where later she stopped breathing. 

Preston King was charged up to 60 years on prison. Chelsey Lawerence was also charged for failing to protect her child.

Rest in peace Veralee.

Taegen McKinney

Taegen Elise McKinney 

November 11 2005 - April 15 2007

Age: 17 months old 

Taegen was born on November 11, 2005 to Cody and Jewel McKinney in New Mexico, USA. Taegen was described as a beautiful, loving, cheerful and sweet little baby, with an infectious smile and laugh. She was her family's princess and brought lots of joy to those around her. Shortly before her death, Taegen had reached an important milestone: learning to walk.

On the day Taegen received the injuries that caused her life to end, she and her brother were being watched by their babysitter, Acacia. On this particular day, Acacia's boyfriend, Jose Garcia, was also present. Acacia, Jose, Taegen, and her brother were the only people in the house at the time Taegen was injured sometime between eight and nine in the evening. Acacia was fifteen years old at the time. Jose was 18.

After Taegen's death, Jose claimed that he had been playing a game with Taegen while she was covered in clothes from the laundry basket. He said that during the game, he accidentally stepped on her. This didn't make sense though, as there were bruises all over her body. Her injuries didn't appear at all to be the result of somebody stepping on her one time.

Acacia claimed that Jose had been drinking that night. She also suspected that he had taken a lot of pills. She says that they got in a fight and Jose punched a wall, kicked a door, and strangled her during the fight. She reported that he began talking "weird" about things he was planning to do and that he claimed that he was Lucifer. Acacia says that Jose came over many times when she was babysitting and had never hurt the children or done anything to make her think he would hurt a child before.

Jose and Acacia say that they watched a movie and began to watch a second one when they noticed that Taegen was not moving at all and her eyes were halfway open. Acacia and Jose waited about six hours before going to a neighbor's home to call 911. Taegen had passed away due to blunt force trauma to her head, neck, torso, arms, and legs. Jose told police that Taegen was fine when he last saw her that night, but he also told them that after he stepped on her, she had vomited blood.

Taegen had red marks on her stomach that matched Jose's shoes, as well as other bruises on other parts of her body. Jose was charged with first degree intentional abuse causing the death of a child. He was found guilty and was sentenced to life in prison.

Rest in peace Taegen.

Zoie Gates

Zoie Beth Gates 

March 18 1999 - November 3 2001

Age: 2 years old 

Zoie was born on March 18, 1999 to Brittany and Jay Gates in Kansas, USA. Zoie was described as a shy, beautiful and happy little girl. She liked animals, her family, cuddles and playing outside. She has big brown eyes and dark curly hair. Many people would stop her family to tell them how beautiful she was. 

On November 3 2001, Zoie's father Jay laid her down for a nap in the back-seat of the four-door pick-up while he helped unload a truck of cattle that had just arrived for the following week’s sale. He turned the radio on to lull her and helped her settle in.

He and the crew – all doting fans of Zoie – could see the pick-up from where they worked just 40 yards away. Zoie was in the truck less than five minutes. Jay looked up and saw her standing in the back seat. He turned to eye the activity of the cattle and turned back to check on Zoie.

It happened in less time than it takes to turn around. Zoie stood and stretched through the window to play with a dog who eagerly sought her attention. In her maneuvers to reach the dog, Zoie leaned on the power window’s up-switch, causing the automatic window to roll towards its closed position – and taking her with it.

Her neck was pinned by the force of the window between the glass and the window jam. No one ran faster to Zoie than Jay. No one tried harder to save her, even though a local paramedic ran to the sale barn when she heard the call come across her scanner. The force of the power window was more than Zoie’s body could take.

Rest in peace Zoie.

Noah Dreblow

Noah James Dreblow

January 27 2006 - May 18 2007

Age: 15 months old 

Noah was born on January 27, 2006 to Erica and Derek Dreblow in Lafayette, Louisiana,  USA. He had a older brother, Tyler, who was 3 years old. Noah was very playful and loved life. He loved playing basketball and riding his 4-Wheeler with his brother. He was always happy and smiling.

On May 18 2007, Noah was at his grandparents house. He was playing outside with his 10 year old cousin, Christopher. The two children then began to play with basketballs.  Noah's grandfather went to go move the van so they could play properly. However, Noah had gone after him because he liked to ride with him. Noah's grandfather could not see Noah, he accidentally struck him, causing Noah to fall down but not die, and then ran over him which caused his death. Noah's grandmother began screaming from inside and Noah was found dead on the driveway. He had passed away due to sever head injuries. No body was charged with Noah's death and it was ruled as a tragic accident.

Rest in peace Noah.

Olivia Pyne

Olivia "Lulu" Lynn Pyne 

July 5 1997 - July 14 2001

Age: 4 years old 

Olivia was born on July 14, 2001 to Warren and Gretchan Pyne in  Massachusetts, USA.  She had older twin brothers, Drew and Dylon. Lulu was described as a vibrant, cheerful, beautiful, silly and wonderful little girl. 

On July 14 2001, Olivia and her family had a fun day at the beach afterwards they went to a ice cream shop.  Lulu stepped up on the ledge of a metal bike rack and pointed to the double rainbow that had risen from the misty afternoon. The rack, which was not anchored, flipped over on her, crushing her chest and heart. Lulu passed away instantley.

Rest in peace Olivia.

Peyton Hood

Peyton Hood 

September 1 2008 - August 11 2010

Age: 23 months old 

On August 11 2010, Peyton was playing on a playground near Possum Kingdom Lake when she was bitten by a rattlesnake. Peyton immediately began screaming in pain and her family members came rushing over to see what was wrong. They noticed a bite mark and noticed what looked like a snake curled up in a ball nearby. Peyton almost instantly went limp, turned blue and started to vomit. One of her ankles was bleeding. Peyton was on the steps of a slide when she was bitten while her mom sat nearby. 911 was called and Peyton was taken to hospital in a helicopter. Sadly Peyton died hours later in hospital. Peyton would have turned two just three weeks later. 

Her family now have a Facebook page called "Peyton's Project" were the raise awareness about the dangers of snakes. They also keep Peyton's memory alive.

Rest in peace Peyton.   

Brittany Griffin

Brittany Leigh Griffin 

December 15 1997 - November 30 1998

Age: 11 months old 

Brittany was born on December 15 1997 to Jenn and Greg Griffin. Brittany was born nine weeks early and weighed just three pounds. On January 29 1998, Brittany was taken home for the first time after spending six weeks in hospital. Brittany was a beautiful, happy and healthy baby. She loved getting baths, she loved when her cousins played with her and she began eating solids in May 1998.

On July 6 1998, Brittany and her mother went to the doctor for a usual check up. The doctor was very concerned. After almost a month with frequent doctor appointments and blood tests,  Baby Brittany was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) on August 3 1998. On August 19 1998, Brittany is baptised. On September 20 1998, Brittany had a feeding tube put on her so that she could have some nourishment. In October 1998, Brittany's family began to notice that Brittany's body was slowly beginning to shut down. However, she was still as happy as can be, always giggling and smiling. On November 29 1998, Brittany was taken to hospital. She was not doing well at all. The next day, (told by Brittany's mother) "It was time, we had to make the decision.  It was the hardest choice we ever had to make.  I leaned over to my baby girl and told her that “mommy and daddy love you very much and that it is ok to go”  they removed the mask from her face, and her feeding tube from her little nose, they placed Brittany in her daddy’s arms and took off the nasal canula, and she left us instantly.  It was as if she was holding on, waiting for us to let her go.  Our world was gone, just like that.  We held her for a few more moments, hugged her and kissed her and tucked her into her hospital bed.  It was the most terrible feeling to leave our baby girl there. "

Rest in peace Brittany.

Ti'Airra Woodward

Ti'Airra Woodward

December 5 2008 - July 3 2011

Age: 2 years old  

Ti'Airra was born to her father, Donovan Haynes, and her 16 year old mother, Nakeesha Woodward. Ti'Airra's mother lost custody of her due to unknown reasons. On July 3 2011, Ti'Airra was found unresponsive in her grandmother's basement. At first the person who did this to Ti'Airra was unknown. She had bite marks all over her body and had clearly been beaten to death. She had died of internal bleeding from a lacerated liver. Not long after Ti'Airra's body was found, 23 year old Donovan Haynes was arrested on suspicion of murder.

Donovan admitted to beating his 2 year old daughter to death. He claimed that he became angry after he discovered that Ti'Airra had wet the bed. Donovan also said that he didn't want his daughter to have men in her life and he claimed that he thought beating her would make her turn gay so she wouldn't ever have a boyfriend. 

During his court case, Donovan was seen smirking and he walked into the court room with a smile on his face. Donovan Haynes was sentenced to 18-40 years in prison. 

Daxton Borchardt

Daxton James Borchardt

December 16 2011 - March 6 2013

Age: 14 months old 

Daxton was born on December 16 2011 to Jeff Borchardt and Kimberly Sucharski in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, USA. Dax was a happy baby with a great sense of humor even at his tender young age. He thought everything was funny! His belly laughs would often get everyone in the room laughing right along with him. 

On March 6 2013, Daxton was staying at his babysitter's house. The babysitter was 30 year old Susan Iwiki. She had two pitbull dogs. Susan went outside with Daxton and her dogs began jumping on her in a manner that was either playful or attention getting and then turned into jumping on Susan in an attack mode.  The dogs separated Susan and Daxton, where Susan tried to lay over Daxton to protect him.  The dogs then pulled them apart and continued to attack them both, killing Daxton and leaving sever injuries on Susan. 

Susan Iwiki was never charged with anything causing Daxton's death. Kimberly has forgiven Susan and they both now work together to keep Daxton' memory alive.

Rest in peace angel Daxton. 

The two dogs, Penny and Boss.