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.