11/6 update--Baby Grace Trial [MOM GUILTY/LWOP] [Stepfather GUILTY/LWOP]

SoggyBayou · #1 01-20-2009, 07:59 PM

http://www.khou.com/news/local/stori...f5111.html?npc

04:30 PM CST on Tuesday, January 20, 2009

HOUSTON—The trial of a mother accused of murdering her toddler is scheduled to begin Wednesday.
Prosecutors say Kimberly Trenor and her husband, Royce Zeigler, killed 2-year-old Riley Ann Sawyers and dumped her body in Galveston Bay.
Both Trenor and Zeigler are charged with capital murder.
Reports indicate that they may face life in prison if convicted.
Zeigler is still awaiting trial.

CANDYKISSES · #2 01-20-2009, 08:10 PM

Hi Soggy, I am trying to remember if we had a family member posting here during the search efforts. For some reason, I keep thinking a grandparent might have posted during that time. I hope beautiful Riley is able to get justice through our system.

She was such a beautiful child, I can only imagine what her personality brought to others who were left behind.

Neffy · #3 01-20-2009, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CANDYKISSES

Hi Soggy, I am trying to remember if we had a family member posting here during the search efforts. For some reason, I keep thinking a grandparent might have posted during that time. I hope beautiful Riley is able to get justice through our system.

She was such a beautiful child, I can only imagine what her personality brought to others who were left behind.

Your correct. It was the Grandmother who lived in Mentor.

CANDYKISSES · #4 01-20-2009, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neffy

Your correct. It was the Grandmother who lived in Mentor.

Thanks Neffy. I wonder if she will be in and out here or not??

Any thoughts???

Neffy · #5 01-20-2009, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CANDYKISSES

Thanks Neffy. I wonder if she will be in and out here or not??

Any thoughts???

I'd stopped posting towards the end of the news coverage.

She was greeted 50/50 here so I'm not sure.

Do you know of any coverage?

I did a quick cursory seach and I didn't see anything.

Neffy · #6 01-20-2009, 08:47 PM

I re-read the probable cause reports OMG!

I can't even believe this one's even going to trial.

I guess when two are involved they have the option to roll the dice and point fingers at each other.

Both will be found guilty IMO.

aubrey04 · #7 01-20-2009, 08:59 PM

Hey guys,

I live in Houston, Texas. It is still weird to me that the DA's office took the death penalty off the table. I don't really understand why?!?! It's bizarre.

During Hurricane Ike - Galveston County Jail wasn't evacuated - I was sort of hoping that would take care of these two sickos.. no such luck.

Anyway I wish this trial would be televised. I would love to go one day and watch the proceedings but it is just one of those cases that is too sad to think about. I don't know if I am strong enough to sit through testimony of child abuse and the murder of a child.

I hope little Riley Ann gets justice too.

Neffy · #8 01-20-2009, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aubrey04

Hey guys,

I live in Houston, Texas. It is still weird to me that the DA's office took the death penalty off the table. I don't really understand why?!?! It's bizarre.

During Hurricane Ike - Galveston County Jail wasn't evacuated - I was sort of hoping that would take care of these two sickos.. no such luck.

Anyway I wish this trial would be televised. I would love to go one day and watch the proceedings but it is just one of those cases that is too sad to think about. I don't know if I am strong enough to sit through testimony of child abuse and the murder of a child.

I hope little Riley Ann gets justice too.

Hey Aubrey,

I think they did that as the case is going to be a he did it / she did it finger ponter. With the death penalty on the table I think they worried about getting a conviction.

I'm re-reading everything again as it's been awhile.

I've also wondered who adopted the baby boy she had while in prison.
I'm pretty sure it wasn't a family member. I seem to recall something about giving the baby a chance without the Ziegler name attached

Kimberly Dawn Trenor, 19, of Spring, gave birth Thursday afternoon at Mainland Medical Center, said Maj. Mike Henson, Galveston County Jail commander. The child, a boy, was immediately taken from her, Henson told the Houston Chronicle in an online report on Saturday.

Besides medical and law-enforcement personnel, the only other person present was an attorney with adoption papers to sign.

http://www.kauz.com/news/22648009.html

Amy · #9 01-21-2009, 02:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aubrey04

Hey guys,

I live in Houston, Texas. It is still weird to me that the DA's office took the death penalty off the table. I don't really understand why?!?! It's bizarre.

During Hurricane Ike - Galveston County Jail wasn't evacuated - I was sort of hoping that would take care of these two sickos.. no such luck.

Anyway I wish this trial would be televised. I would love to go one day and watch the proceedings but it is just one of those cases that is too sad to think about. I don't know if I am strong enough to sit through testimony of child abuse and the murder of a child.

I hope little Riley Ann gets justice too.

Maybe go to the sentencing hearing. Hope she gets the max. (Assuming she is found guilty, but I don't see how she could not.)

Amy · #10 01-21-2009, 02:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neffy

Hey Aubrey,

I think they did that as the case is going to be a he did it / she did it finger ponter. With the death penalty on the table I think they worried about getting a conviction.

I'm re-reading everything again as it's been awhile.

I've also wondered who adopted the baby boy she had while in prison.
I'm pretty sure it wasn't a family member. I seem to recall something about giving the baby a chance without the Ziegler name attached

Kimberly Dawn Trenor, 19, of Spring, gave birth Thursday afternoon at Mainland Medical Center, said Maj. Mike Henson, Galveston County Jail commander. The child, a boy, was immediately taken from her, Henson told the Houston Chronicle in an online report on Saturday.

Besides medical and law-enforcement personnel, the only other person present was an attorney with adoption papers to sign.

http://www.kauz.com/news/22648009.html

There was a thread started some time ago, where someone posted the baby did go to family. Don't recall which side, and don't recall if there was a link.

SoggyBayou · #11 01-21-2009, 09:14 AM

Trenor pleads guilty of evidence tampering.....
http://galvestondailynews.com/story....13c8447138e83f

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...n/6221949.html

Neffy · #12 01-21-2009, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amy

There was a thread started some time ago, where someone posted the baby did go to family. Don't recall which side, and don't recall if there was a link.

Thank you I did some back searching and I do see it. A relative of Kim's.

I have mixed opinions on this however I do believe a child should be with their natual relatives if there are such capable relatives.

Just a shame.

Neffy · #13 01-21-2009, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoggyBayou

Trenor pleads guilty of evidence tampering.....
http://galvestondailynews.com/story....13c8447138e83f

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...n/6221949.html

IMO they are both equally guilty of each charge.

cantstandnuts · #14 01-21-2009, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CANDYKISSES

Thanks Neffy. I wonder if she will be in and out here or not??

Any thoughts???

She might read, but I don't think she'll post. She was accused of not being the Grandmother and she pretty much took off after that; I don't blame her, it wasn't nice.

Anyway, she has a website dedicated to Riley Ann. I sent her email from there and she answered. I just googled Riley Ann Sawyers and it came up.

CANDYKISSES · #15 01-21-2009, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cantstandnuts

She might read, but I don't think she'll post. She was accused of not being the Grandmother and she pretty much took off after that; I don't blame her, it wasn't nice.

Anyway, she has a website dedicated to Riley Ann. I sent her email from there and she answered. I just googled Riley Ann Sawyers and it came up.

Thank you for the information.

SoggyBayou · #16 01-22-2009, 11:45 AM

http://galvestondailynews.com/police.lasso

"150 Qualify For Baby Grace Jury

GALVESTON — A district court judge qualified Wednesday 150 people who said they could render an impartial verdict if chosen to hear the trial of a woman accused in the killing of her daughter called Baby Grace.

On Monday, 12 jurors and two alternates will be selected from the pool of 150 people. Opening testimony in the capital murder case of Kimberly Dawn Trenor, 20, is scheduled to begin Tuesday in the slaying of Riley Ann Sawyers, 2, who was called Baby Grace until her name was learned.

Trenor and her husband Royce Clyde Zeigler, 25, are accused of killing Sawyers in 2007 and dumping her body from the Galveston Causeway.

A court coordinator said those who received a jury summons for today and Friday are not required to appear. Jurors who do appear will be sent home."

cantstandnuts · #17 01-22-2009, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CANDYKISSES

Thank you for the information.

Don't mention it.

You can, if so inclined, light a candle for Riley Ann here:

http://riley-ann-sawyers.memory-of.com/Candles.aspx?c=1

aubrey04 · #18 01-24-2009, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amy

There was a thread started some time ago, where someone posted the baby did go to family. Don't recall which side, and don't recall if there was a link.

I think I might have been the one who started that thread. There was a lot of controversy over where the new baby would go. Kim Trenor wanted the baby to go to her aunt or cousin.. Royce was refusing to sign his rights away and wanted the child to go to his parents.

I think the baby ended up with Trenor's relatives.. IIRC, they live in Dallas, Texas..

SoggyBayou · #19 01-25-2009, 10:27 AM

Click Here For Baby Grace Trial Updates

http://www.galvestonpolicenews.com/html/babygrace.htm

Scholars debate legal Baby Grace case strategies
http://galvestondailynews.com/story....03175d10ef53b5

"GALVESTON — Legal scholars are weighing what strategies prosecutors and the defense might use when the trial of Kimberly Dawn Trenor, 20, begins Tuesday in the brutal killing of her 2-year-old daughter, Riley Ann Sawyers."

BorderCollieMom · #20 01-25-2009, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aubrey04

Hey guys,

I live in Houston, Texas. It is still weird to me that the DA's office took the death penalty off the table. I don't really understand why?!?! It's bizarre.

During Hurricane Ike - Galveston County Jail wasn't evacuated - I was sort of hoping that would take care of these two sickos.. no such luck.

Anyway I wish this trial would be televised. I would love to go one day and watch the proceedings but it is just one of those cases that is too sad to think about. I don't know if I am strong enough to sit through testimony of child abuse and the murder of a child.

I hope little Riley Ann gets justice too.

In todays Star Telegram newspaper....re: the DP not being used....because the Pros. didnt think they could prove that the pair would be a future danger, which is required.

startelegram.com

SoggyBayou · #21 01-26-2009, 05:12 PM

http://www.galvestonpolicenews.com/i...menugroup=Home

"The defendant, Kimberly Anne Trenor was seated between both her counsel at the table for the defense. She appeared calm and thin behind her glasses, with her hair pulled back and dressed in a simple white top with pink sweater. She appeared alert and interested in the process as she made eye contact with the potential jurors and appeared to be taking notes."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am not fooled by her demeanor.
IMO

JD1974 · #22 01-26-2009, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BorderCollieMom

In todays Star Telegram newspaper....re: the DP not being used....because the Pros. didnt think they could prove that the pair would be a future danger, which is required.

startelegram.com

I am lost, in the link below it says this is a capital case and potential jurors were asked if they could penalize with the DP if the defendants were found guilty?

From.... http://www.galvestonpolicenews.com/i...menugroup=Home

The jury pool was asked such pointed questions as to who already had a preconceived belief regarding the case and who could not in good conscience vote for the death penalty, should the state prove its' case.

SoggyBayou · #23 01-26-2009, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JD1974

I am lost, in the link below it says this is a capital case and potential jurors were asked if they could penalize with the DP if the defendants were found guilty?

From.... http://www.galvestonpolicenews.com/i...menugroup=Home

The jury pool was asked such pointed questions as to who already had a preconceived belief regarding the case and who could not in good conscience vote for the death penalty, should the state prove its' case.

I'm confused also. Maybe we will learn more tomorrow. District Attorney Kurt Sistrunk had stated last year that the state would not seek the death penalty.

SoggyBayou · #24 01-26-2009, 10:03 PM

http://www.galvestonpolicenews.com/html/babygrace.htm

"At one point Trenor's attorney, Tom Stickler, objected to Sistrunks line of questioning but was overruled by Judge Garner.
Jury selection is expected to be completed today.
Breck Porter, The Police News"

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I wonder what the objection was?

JD1974 · #25 01-27-2009, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoggyBayou

I'm confused also. Maybe we will learn more tomorrow. District Attorney Kurt Sistrunk had stated last year that the state would not seek the death penalty.

I read that also, that is why I am so confused?

SoggyBayou · #26 01-27-2009, 08:55 AM

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6230596.html

"A jury of seven women and five men, chosen Monday along with two alternate jurors, will hear opening statements before the prosecution tries to prove that Trenor and her husband beat Riley Ann Sawyers to death, then hid the body for up to two months before tossing it into West Galveston Bay."

CANDYKISSES · #27 01-27-2009, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoggyBayou

http://www.galvestonpolicenews.com/html/babygrace.htm

"At one point Trenor's attorney, Tom Stickler, objected to Sistrunks line of questioning but was overruled by Judge Garner.
Jury selection is expected to be completed today.
Breck Porter, The Police News"

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I wonder what the objection was?

I'd like to know as well. Is there still no live coverage of this trial?

SoggyBayou · #28 01-27-2009, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CANDYKISSES

I'd like to know as well. Is there still no live coverage of this trial?

Hello Candy, I have searched and have not found live coverage.

Some strict limitations

"State District Judge David Garner has imposed unusually strict limitations on news organizations covering the trial, requiring special credentials for reporters and limiting where and how interviews can be conducted."
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6230596.html

BorderCollieMom · #29 01-27-2009, 01:55 PM

A capital murder charge carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison, the Chronicle reported.

From CNN's website:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/01/27/...ion=cnn_latest

I think the "tampering" sentence is a seperate charge carrying up to 20 yrs.

I am happy to see that they named the island in her honor, Rileys Island.

BorderCollieMom · #30 01-27-2009, 02:05 PM

http://www.galvestonpolicenews.com/i...startrow/8.htm

WARNING ! There is graphic descriptions of what happened.

SoggyBayou · #31 01-27-2009, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BorderCollieMom

http://www.galvestonpolicenews.com/i...startrow/8.htm

WARNING ! There is graphic descriptions of what happened.

Thanx BCM for the update.
They tortured Riley. Despicable.

cuddlyrunner · #32 01-27-2009, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BorderCollieMom

http://www.galvestonpolicenews.com/i...startrow/8.htm

WARNING ! There is graphic descriptions of what happened.

My mind cannot grasp this horror that the poor baby endured. I sincerely hope the death penalty is available and will be used.

texasgal · #33 01-27-2009, 02:53 PM

And her apparent last words to her mother "I love you mommy"

*gulp*

camracrazy · #34 01-27-2009, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BorderCollieMom

http://www.galvestonpolicenews.com/i...startrow/8.htm

WARNING ! There is graphic descriptions of what happened.

How could you watch someone do that to your child and not only not stop them, but participate? I can't even form the words to say what I want to say about that.

logbump · #35 01-27-2009, 03:22 PM

This has to be one of the most horrific crimes I have seen described EVER!

#36 01-27-2009, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by texasgal

And her apparent last words to her mother "I love you mommy"

*gulp*

.

logbump · #37 01-27-2009, 05:44 PM

Another link for updates.
http://www.galvnews.com/

cherylt · #38 01-27-2009, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by texasgal

And her apparent last words to her mother "I love you mommy"

*gulp*

Oh God! When I read that I felt like puking. Which was immediately followed by tears...

Poor Riley...

I'm crying for you baby, but hope you are in a better place...

ETA: I don't think I could watch this trial if it is shown. There are some that are just too emotional for me. Like that monster, Cuoey, and the details behind Jessica's horrifying death.

SoggyBayou · #39 01-27-2009, 07:59 PM

http://www.click2houston.com/news/18572302/detail.html

Jurors Weep Watching Confession In Baby's Death

"GALVESTON, Texas -- Jurors wept Tuesday as they heard a mother detail how an attempt to teach her 2-year-old daughter proper manners turned into a daylong torture session in which the toddler was beaten with belts, dunked in a bathtub of cold water and flung across a room so violently that she died from her injuries."

aubrey04 · #40 01-27-2009, 08:57 PM

It is so much worse than I ever imagined. This poor little girl. I just don't know what to say. At least she is safe now & can't be hurt anymore. What she endured before she died is unimaginable.

Trenor and Zeigler deserve the death penalty. They do not deserve to live any longer, especially Zeigler. They're not human - just savage, rabid, vicious beasts.

ugh.