GUILTY TX - Riley 'Baby Grace' Sawyers, 2, brutally murdered, Spring, 24 July 2007

[Tonia]

Trenor placed on suicide watch

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6245014.html

 

[NancyT]

I'm only surprised they took an hour and 45 minutes. My guess is, they talked about Riley during that time.

I think the capital murder conviction was well deserved. A backhanded slap that kills a child--you can argue that the parent didn't know. A repeated slam against a tile floor preceded by a beating and near drowning in cold water--you'd have to be an idiot to not know the child could die.

LWOP (life without parole) is the maximum sentence for this. I'm going to bet Trenor gets it.

Zeigler should be very, very nervous.

I agree about about the jurors. After hearing all the details of this case, I have little doubt that they needed some sort of closure of their own.

I'm just sorry the state didn't feel they could get the DP. I understand the reasoning behind that, I just think it's unfortunate. That is exactly what these 2 monsters deserve.

 

[Kat]

Trenor placed on suicide watch

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6245014.html

Thank you Tonia (as always ) for the link.

I didn't catch this until last night watching JVM...

"Trenor, 20, automatically received a life sentence without parole..."

Good so no sentencing phase, she has LWOP.


"Zeigler attorney Neal Davis III of Houston said Galveston County District Judge David Garner probably won’t schedule a trial for his client until the publicity surrounding Trenor’s case has had time to cool off.

He said there are no plans to seek a change of venue, despite the notoriety of the case."

I interpret that as it's going to be a while before he goes to trial.

Off Topic:

"Trenor will be processed at the Woodman State Jail in Gatesville, the first stop for all women entering the prison system, Lyons said.

From there Trenor will go to one of the 10 women’s units, most of them in the Gatesville area, Lyons said."

That's right up the road from here, I know quite a few people that work in the prison system up there. They never talk about the prisoners and I never ask.

 

[cajun]

This case has really affected me. This mother is evil... purely evil... and so is that stepfather. I am happy that Trenor will live the rest of her despicable life locked away from society. I hope that Zeigler gets the same sentence. I just wish that both had received the death penalty. Both are low-life no good for nothing cowards. I have really suffered while reading about this case, I truly feel for the jurors as I know that they really suffered listening to the testimony regarding the abuse during this trial - but they did a fabulous job in putting this monster away for life! God bless them, and god bless Riley and may she rest in peace.

This case sure affected alot of people in TX, especially the posters at the Houston Chronicle who "adopted" this poor child before we knew who she was..The poor detectives who worked the case became her surrogate fathers and they grieved so much for what was done to her..

All the witch had to do was call Riley's grandmother and father in Ohio to get her and she would have been shed of her...

I'm just so glad these evil people can no long breed and I hope everyday in jail for the rest of their lives is pure hell on earth.

 

[cajun]

Well, JVM just reported about the guilty verdict for Riley's mother on her show Issues. Great to see this case getting some air time. JVM said that Trenor received LWOP & she didn't hold back in stating her support of this sentence. JVM showed a picture of Trenor at her sentencing & described her reaction as emotionless.

By the way, do we have a date for the stepfather's trial yet?

Just later. I'm surprised Trenor's trial happened because of Ike and all the damage and the financial hurt on the county right now. If this gets moved out of Galveston I can't see it being moved far because of the cost and like I said the county is hurting financially. I don't think there's anywhere in TX this could be moved that he won't get a guilty verdict.

 

[Ariane]

Hearing about this tiny girl being tortured for hours for not saying "please" and "sir" and 'ma'am'....and then trying to stop the torture by telling her mother "I love you", and getting only more beating -- oh it makes me so heartbroken.

And angry. I confess I would like for these 2 fiends to be treated exactly as they treated Riley, and just as much mercy given them when they scream.

But I am confused about her notebook in which she tells of being responsible for the entire thing herself, which is not the story she later told, blaming her husband for much of the abuse. But I am sure his defense will use that notebook confession to blame it all on her, and say she lied later when blaming him. I hope that doesn't work because I think it likely he DID take off work to "break her" (and DID break her -- broke her skull 3 times and her vertebra).
Maybe one reason they didn't go for the DP is with 2 defendents blaming each other, they were afraid jurors might not feel certain enough of the specific involvement of each defendent and especially if the jurors knew the DP was on the table they might not get a unanimous conviction. Then would have to pay for another trial.

The notebook is sickening because it shows this woman just did not have a clue about toddlers, she expected way too much of a child that age and saw it as personal insult and "embarassment" when Riley did not behave perfectly. She got furious with her for only saying "Please" instead of "Please may I have some milk." She thought the loving grandma Sawyer who Riley lived with before had "spoiled" the baby. I wonder if they had not got caught, at what age they might have started beating the new baby. The first time he cried?

 

[RNmomnFL]

Well, it's been a long day away at work & I still feel raw with emotion over this case. I am with you Texana, I keep racking my brain for something to learn from what happened, some intervention that could have possibly have changed the outcome, some action to apply in the future to prevent another victim like Riley. One thing I keep coming back to is how isolated Riley & her mother seemed to be. Since Trenor didn't work outside the home, Riley didn't go off to a sitter's or to preschool. It seems that both Riley & her mother might have benefited from this. Trenor doesn't appear to have any close friends that might have advised her or even intervened to protect Riley. I wonder if Riley had healthcare (i.e., well checks). The physician & health care workers might have seen bruises or other signs of abuse at these appointments. As Trenor was such a young mother, I question what education (if any) was given to her (like with prenatal care) related to appropriate child development, caring for a little one, & safe discipline. Maybe if we could ensure that young mother's were taught parenting skills, we might save another child.
Another thing (not being critical of anyone in this case) I think that what happened to Riley should magnify how important it is that we as a society must report suspected child abuse as it's better safe than sorry. Specifically, I mean if we see bruises, hear inappropriate ideas voiced about discipline, along those lines. I think sometimes I don't want to jump to conclusions or am just minding my own business which could be a mistake if I fail to protect a child.
Anyway, I'm not surprised to see the Trenor is on suicide watch. She did a horrid thing.

 

[Ariane]

As Trenor was such a young mother, I question what education (if any) was given to her (like with prenatal care) related to appropriate child development, caring for a little one, & safe discipline. Maybe if we could ensure that young mother's were taught parenting skills, we might save another child.
Another thing (not being critical of anyone in this case) I think that what happened to Riley should magnify how important it is that we as a society must report suspected child abuse as it's better safe than sorry. Specifically, I mean if we see bruises, hear inappropriate ideas voiced about discipline, along those lines. I think sometimes I don't want to jump to conclusions or am just minding my own business which could be a mistake if I fail to protect a child.

Hi RNMom, I too am wondering all the things you mention. Reading Trenor's handwritten notes http://www.click2houston.com/download/2009/0203/18629846.pdf (I'm not sure how honest this confession is about the events since she has given several differing statements. But it does give a glimpse into her frustration and her inappropriate expectations.) as I mentioned above, it sure does not sound as if she had much - if any - education about child development & child rearing & what is reasonable to ask of a 2 year old. One of the things that got me was when Riley DID say "Please" as reminded, Ms Trenor was still upset with her that she did not say the complete sentence "Please can I have some milk?" I'm sure the more angry Riley saw her mom becoming, the less advanced her verbal skills became.

Can we make parents take classes before there is documented abuse? I know a lot of people would feel that is unwarranted government interference, some evil liberal plot. Yet it seems ironic that people have to take tests to prove they have the knowledge and skills to operate a motor vehicle but for the most important job of parenting, no more is required than from the stray cats mating in the alley.

About what you said about how you have been sometimes hesitant to jump to conclusions, but it's better to be safe than sorry.... I think sometimes people are just not sure which course of action may turn out safer and which may turn out sorrier. I can understand why people may be hesitant -- they are afraid if they call CPS, the kids will be put in foster care and, sadly, we hear of terrible abuse in those situations too. So people are afraid that by jumping to conclusions they could end up doing more harm than good. But I think usually the child is not taken away for a long time unless the abuse is already ongoing and bad. The parents may just be required to take some parenting classes which might be exactly what they need, and have some future check-ups.
At any rate, God forbid I should hesitate and an innocent child is murdered like this.

 

[RNmomnFL]

I know it seems like it might be difficult to police the education of new young mother's, but we already make sure they have carseats before discharging them home from the hospital so why can't we require some training & have it readily available. I don't know.

 

[cajun]

146 Comments
8 Recommend

Baby Grace's mom will appeal her conviction

Copyright 2009 Houston Chronicle

Feb. 5, 2009, 9:38AM







GALVESTON — An appellate attorney appointed to represent Kimberly Dawn Trenor, convicted Monday of capital murder in the death of 2-year-old Riley Ann Sawyers, initially known as Baby Grace, said Wednesday that he has taken the first step in the appeal process.
Attorney Greg Russell of Dickinson said the notice of appeal was filed Tuesday and he has 30 days from the date that the transcription of the trial is complete to file his brief with the appeals court.
Appeals are made on errors made by the trial court, Russell said, and he must review the trial record before deciding the basis of the appeal.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/6247455.html

 

[RNmomnFL]

It's her right to appeal. Doesn't seem likely to be successful thankfully.

 

[RNmomnFL]

Thinking of precious Baby Grace/Riley this morning. Am impatient for the stepfather's case to come to trial...Riley deserves justice already. So sad thinking of that baby's last day. I can't get that picture of her sweet little face out of my head. Please RIP Riley. Forever young & innocent.

 

[Tonia]

The trial of a man accused in the capital murder of a girl authorities named Baby Grace is scheduled to begin Oct. 19, 2009 in Galveston County District Court.

http://galvnews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=7a3a77e34fdae2e8

 

[RNmomnFL]

Thanks for the news on the Oct. trial. Only seven months or so away.

 

[Tonia]

Attorney files appeal in ‘Baby Grace’ case

Garner sentenced Trenor to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The sentence became automatic because prosecutors didn’t seek the death penalty.

Trenor’s attorney, Tom Stickler of Alvin, filed notice Tuesday of intent to appeal the verdict and said attorney Greg Russell of League City would review her case.

More at link.

http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=f08254f9da4e31fdc8545f57966c90b3

 

[travelgal]

Today's testimony from Trenor in the Houston Chronicle link is quite possibly, one of the most heartbreaking and sickening accounts I've ever read.

Royce, stepfather, stayed home from work to "break her." He changed belts he beat her with because the first one wasn't causing enough pain. He forced her under cold water when she screamed, and he threw her onto the tile floor three times.

She died after a day of agony. I truly hope these two rot in prison and then may God alone have mercy on their souls.

Those two should be beaten with belts, held under water, and thrown across the room ONCE EVERY DAY FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES!! :furious::furious:

:behindbar:

 

[SewingDeb]

Baby Grace’s infant brother can see grandparents

http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=1643013a078af093

 

[LA2RK]

True 'evil' walks among us. These two need to die.

 

[barb0301]

This last Friday, 7/24/09, was the 2nd anniversary of dear Riley's death. Grandma Sheryl held a small balloon release at her graveside for her. Such a sad day, for all involved.

I attended part of the trial, and spent the week in Galveston with Grandma Sheryl. I'll be there again in October to watch the other monster go on trial. I pray that justice will finally be done, and the family can move on. They will never, ever be the same. But the legal process will be over, hopefully, and they can begin to heal some.

RIP dear Riley - you are forever loved.

 

[mysterygirl]

Thinking about this little angel.....

I wish justice would be quicker.