Just about a year ago, a couple was accused of beating their toddler to death, tucking her body in a plastic box and dumping it in Galveston Bay have been indicted on charges of capital murder. Do they deserve death penalty for taking someone's life, and not just anyone, but their own daughter? Are they ought to have a second chance? But where is justice? Where is forgiveness? What about mercy? Where does God unconditional grace plays in the situation? Who are we to decide who lives and who dies? …remember we all deserved to die, but now because of Jesus love and grace we have the wonderful gift of salvation and eternal life.
Now, let’s imagine you are part of that jury with the obligation to decide this parent’s verdict, what would you do?...
Murder Indictments in 'Baby Grace' Case
Texas Couple Indicted on Capital Murder Counts in 2-Year-Old's Death; Body Was Found in Bay
By LIZ AUSTIN PETERSON Associated Press Writer HOUSTON December 13, 2007 (AP)
Galveston County District Attorney Kurt Sistrunk said Wednesday he had yet to decide whether to seek the death penalty against Kimberly Dawn Trenor and her husband, Royce Clyde Zeigler II, in the death of Trenor's 2-year-old daughter, Riley Ann Sawyers.
The grand jury also charged Trenor and Zeigler with tampering with evidence, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison.
The couple was charged in November with tampering with evidence and injury to a child. DNA tests have since proven the body belonged to Riley, allowing the charges to be upgraded.
Trenor, 19, told authorities that she and her 24-year-old husband beat and tortured Riley to death in July in a discipline session that veered out of control. She said they hid the girl's body in a shed for two months before dumping it in the bay.
The box containing the body washed ashore and was found by a fisherman in October. Authorities dubbed Riley "Baby Grace" as they spent weeks searching for her identity and family.
Tommy Stickler Jr., Trenor's attorney, said he was disappointed with the indictment and believes the facts do not merit a capital charge.
"But considering the amount of public pressure, I'm not surprised," he added.
Zeigler's attorney, Neal Davis III, did not return a telephone call seeking comment. He scheduled a Thursday news conference to discuss the case.
An attorney for the toddler's father, Robert Sawyers, and paternal grandmother, Sheryl Sawyers, told The Galveston County Daily News this week that the family has reservations about Trenor facing the death penalty. If Trenor is convicted of capital murder, the only other sentence she could receive is life in prison without parole.
According to Trenor's attorney, Tommy Stickler Jr., Zeigler wanted Trenor to spank Riley with a belt when she failed to say things like "please" and "yes sir" or "no sir." Zeigler didn't believe Trenor was doing it, however, because the 2-year-old's behavior wasn't changing.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=3991548
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