Riley Ann Sawyers was born to Robert Thomas Sawyers and Kimberly Dawn Trenor on March 11th 2005. Her mom and dad were highschool sweethearts and Kimberly got pregnant at just 15 y.o.
In 2006 Kimberly left the Sawyers' home with Riley and "disappeared". She moved to Spring, Texas so she could marry Royce Clyde Zeigler II. A man she met online. He believed that Riley should be disciplined to say "sir" and "ma'am" to adults, he had a list of rules for Riley. He believed that corporal punishment was the best way and began to take over the beatings from Kimberly.
On October 29th 2007, a fisherman named Robert Wayne Spinn found a container in the Galveston Bay. He believed it contained human remains. After it was discovered that the container did contain human remains and sketch and basic information was broadcasted. They officer's called her "Baby Grace".
In November, Riley's paternal grandmother Sheryl Sawyers called police after seeing a composite. She told them that she thought the drawing was of her granddaughter Riley who she hadn't seen in a while.
After a DNA submission from both Robert and Kimberly it was determined that the tiny remains in that container were Riley Ann Sawyers. During a videotape confession, Kimberly told police that she and Royce beat Riley with two leather belts, held her head under water in the bathtub. She said then Royce picked Riley up by her hair and threw her across the room causing her to hit her head on the tile floor. Kimberly also told police officers that Riley was smothered with a pillow. And then given child pain medications. Afterwards, poor Riley was ordered to stand, but she didnt have control of her legs. Once they realized that Riley was dead, they never discuss calling 911. Kimberly never once tried to stop the beatings. Instead the couple went to Wal-Mart and purchased a blue Sterlite storage container which is what they used to put Riley's little body in. They kept the container in the garage for two months before Royce decided it was time to move her because she started to smell. They tossed the container in the Galveston Causeway.
Kimberly told officers that Royce had attempted suicide and wrote a note where he appeared to take full blame for Riley's death:
To Whom It May Concern
I Royce Zeigler II leave my property to Kimberly Tenor Zeigler my wife. I take my own life because of guilt for past sins which I have confessed before I took life. My wife Kimberly Zeigler is innocent and lived in fear...because of thought of what I would do to her. Also my family can go burn in hell for their stress that they've caused. So here I take my own life.
Sincerly,
Royce Zeigler II
During the DA's opening statement, she told the jury that Riley tried to stop her mom and stepfather from beating her by reaching out too her mom and saying "I love you". She also told the jury that Riley died because she forgot to say "please" and "thank you". Remember the list of rules Royce had for Riley here it is:
1. Being polite
2. Listen to mom & me
3. Sleep at 8 pm
4. Nap at 2 pm
5. Toys stay in her room
6. Puts toys back where she got em
7. Behaves in public
8. Never alone in out room
9. Chocolate/cake or treats only as a reward
10. (left blank)
Simple right. A two year old should be able to follow these rules right? Although Royce later said during his trail that he was in a seperate room when Riley died, the jury did not buy it. They convicted him of capital murder on November 6th 2009 and received life in prison with no chance of parole. Kimberly was also convicted of capital murder on February 2nd 2009 and was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole in 38 years. Her first eligible parole date is November 24th 2047. I think they both should have received the death penalty. The courts showed them way more mercy then either one of them showed sweet baby Riley.
May you rest in peace sweet angel. You are with God and no one will hurt you anymore.
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