The Police News
October 29, 2009

Day II
Morning Session

Lt. Tommy Hansen, lead investigator in the murder investigation resumed the stand this morning and underwent questioning first by District Attorney Kurt Sistrunk then defense attorney Dee McWilliams.

The trial of Royce Zeigler, step-father of Riley Sawyers, resumed this morning with the redirect examination of Lt. Tommy Hansen of the Galveston County Sheriff's Office. Hansen spent most of the day yesterday on the witness stand.

District Attorney Kurt Sistruck continued examining Hansen with regards to Zeigler's memory loss about certain instances. Not remembering the CPS letter or the baby in the storeroom or the trip to Galveston.

Lt. Hansen further testified that upon questioning Zeigler could remember going to Wal-Mart, and parking on the causeway and buying the bleach to destroy DNA evidence.

Hansen testified that Zeigler did not seem traumatized because he was laughing and went to work the day after Riley's murder. He and Trenor attended a party together and communications with his family did not reveal any trauma to anyone either, Hansen said.

Hansen told the jury be beleived Zeigler intentionally lied to him to remove himself from any suspicion in the murder investigation.

Hansen also testified that his interviews with Zeiglar revealed two personalities and the difference between the two interviews is that Zeiglar has been arrested between after the first one.

Hansen said he also noticed contridiction in Zeiglar's stories about his supposed suicide attempt. He said he asked Zeigler, "Why would you plan on killing yourself when you were planning or leaving or divorcing her?" referring to his wife Kimberly Dawn Trenor.

Then was defense attorney Dee McWilliam's turn at Hansen and he asked what evidence he had of that condritiction and if it was true that Zeigler was still trying to support Kim.  Hansen said Zeigler told him the night before Riley's death he threatened to leave Kim.

McWilliams challenged Hansen by saying, "There was no contridictory evidence, you just didn't buy it, isn't that right?"  hansen agreed.

McWilliams asked pointed questions and touched on the bleach issue and asked Hansen, "If you don't beleive Mr. Zeigler tried to give Riley CPR, how do you explain him using bleach to destroy the DNA evidence?"   Hansen replied, "It was hard to judge the truth."

McWilliams questioning of Hansen as to the importance of interviewing people who knew Zeigler longer than two months when looking into his personality was important, to which Hansen replied, "that wasn't done.  Every investigation is differenct."

Was Zeigler living a relatively normal life after Riley's death even though he was taking anti-anxiety medicine, McWilliams asked Hansen.  Hansen replied that "lot's of people take that kind of medication and they don't kill people."

The defense lawyer's final question of Hansen was, "do you think it's normal to try to kill yourself?" to which Hansen replied, "No, I don't think it's normal."

Testimony is continuing this afternoon.

Meanwhile, here are COURTROOM PHOTOS taken this morning

Day II
Afternoon Session

The second witness to be called for the prosecution was deputy Mike Jones, with the Galveston County Sheriff's Office. He stated that he was a corrections officer for the past six years. Some of his professional duties included housing, looking after and feeding inmates. Testimony revealed that he works for the FSP unit, short for Full Suicide Protection unit. Deputy Jones also testified that the Medical unit makes the determination as to who is placed in that unit. He described basic conditions of the cells in that unit and that the guards makes rounds and check on inmates approximately every 15 minutes.

When asked about his first contact with Mr. Zeigler he related that contact took place when he was told by the defendant that he didn't want breakfast. His next contact with the defendant around 8:00 am in the morning was when Mr. Zeigler advised him that he was having chest pains. The medical unit was notified of Mr. Zeigler's situation and a nurse came to see him and took some vital signs. The defendant also had an EKG around 9:00 am that morning. Around 11:00am that morning Mr. Zeigler contacted Deputy Jones again, wanting him to contact the CID on his behalf.

Cross examination of the witness by attorney Neal Davis III. Through this questioning the jury was advised that it is customary for inmates to make two phone calls, either before or after they are booked in. Deputy Jones stated he was unaware of the status of Mr. Zeigler and his two phone calls, but did testify that during his eight hour shift, the defendant received no phone calls.

On redirect, Assistant DA Allen inquired as to the inmates on the FSP unit and phone calls. Deputy Jones related that inmates on that unit could request to make phone calls but permission would have to be given by a superior of Deputy Jones. The witness was then excused.

The next witness called by the prosecution was Robert Spinn. Mr. Spinn was the person who discovered Riley's remains that had washed ashore while he was out fishing on night. He testified to calling the authorities. The defense had no questions for the witness and the witness was excused.

At this point in the trial, all attorneys both prosecution and defense met with Judge Garner at the bench. After said meeting Judge Garner addressed the court relating the information that witnesses who are to testify cannot be in the courtroom; the exception being expert witnesses. He advised the attorneys that they are to monitor the courtroom. Judge Garner also stated that witnesses are not to talk to one another about testimony.

The next witness called by the prosecution was now Lt. Randle Burrows of the Galveston County Sheriff's Office. Lt. Burrows testified that he has been with the Sheriff's Office for 29 years and has a combined 33 years of law enforcement experience.

Testimony revealed that Lt. Burrows was primarily assigned to the CID, although he participate in other investigations such as narcotics. Additionally, he is  the team leader for the Dive Team and Marine Divisions, as well as, an investigator for the Medical Examiner's Office.

On 10/29/07 Lt. Burrows was dispatched to the location where Riley's remains were found. He was the person in charge of securing the crime scene, the container and its' contents. He was also present at the autopsy. Lt. Burrows was also instrumental in the investigation to help identify the remains, tracking down the source and manufacturer of  the the box and clothing.

Further questioning revealed that Lt. Burrows was also involved in trying to get the defendant to come to Galveston and talk with the Sheriff's Office. He told the jury that he was part of the surveillance team that was watching Mr. Zeigler. He related an event of talking with Mr. Zeigler and driving him to Galveston and drive him back to Houston, when Mr. Zeigler voluntarily agreed to talk with the Sheriff's Office. While in Houston with Mr. Zeigler he was also asked to take custody of a laptop computer which the defendant voluntarily turned over to him.

Special Agent Don Gay of the FBI accompanied Lt. Burrows and Mr. Zeigler on the ride to Galveston. Lt. Burrows went on to testify that Mr. Zeigler was very cooperative even pointing out gas stations when they needed to stop for fuel. He described the conversation as cordial and of a general nature; the demeanor of the defendant being comfortable and talkative. The witness was asked if Mr. Zeigler said anything about money. Lt. Burrows answered that he didn't specifically talk about money but rather money related subjects such as having to hire an attorney for Ms. Trenor's custody dispute.

The District Attorney asked Lt. Burrows if Mr. Zeigler was stressed. The witness answered, yes, he was stressed by Riley's grandmother accusing him of sexual abuse, the media bothering him, the fact that Kim would not do anything around the house and would not discipline Riley. The defendant was afraid that the sexual abuse allegations would ruin him. When questioned as to Baby Grace, the defendant said; "If that turns out to be Riley, I swear,." stopping short of finishing his sentence. Lt. Burrows testified that he believed the defendant was denying Baby Grace was Riley. Once in Galveston, the defendant remained cordial and cooperative.

When questioned as to why Lt. Burrows interviewed Mr. Zeigler's coworkers at his most recent place of employment the witness stated that his purpose was to find out more about him and his relationships with his coworkers and family.
When asked what the stressors were on the defendant, Lt. Burrows replied that Sheryl Sawyers, the media harassment, the thought that his wife may be using him and the fact that his wife is pregnant. The defendant indicated he might be seeking a divorce.

Defense Attorney Neal Davis III proceeded with cross examination of Lt. Burrows. Initial questions were with regard to investigations in an attempt to help the jury understand the process. Mr. Davis then showed the jury a picture taken of where the box containing the remains washed ashore. Lt. Burrows gave testimony that the box was initially found upside down on the sand and that Mr. Spinn had rolled it over, right side up.

Further questioning revealed that three to four hours passed before the box and its' contents were secured in a body bag and that forensic investigators in partly charged with the chain of custody of the evidence had visited the scene during daylight hours. When asked if there was any evidence at the autopsy as to who caused Riley's death, Lt. Burrows answered, no.

Mr. Davis' questioning of the witness continued, eliciting testimony from the witness regarding the surveillance of Mr. Zeigler, following the witness to Kim's attorney's office in Alvin where Kin's van was parked and then following him to the Alvin Police Department. Shortly thereafter the defendant met with Sheriff's Office investigators and he remained cooperative.

Next, Lt. Burrows was asked about the defendants "I swear" remark which the witness perceived as denial. Lt. Burrows held fast to his first impression of denial but did acknowledge that the remark could have meant something else.

When the witness was then asked about interviewing the defendants coworkers, Lt. Burrows stated that it was important to corroborate some of  Mr. Zeigler's statements, about going to work and coming home and going to sleep. The witness stated that according to Mr. Zeigler's coworkers at Emmerson, the defendant had a poor job performance record. Mr. Davis referenced the time frame of Mr. Zeigler's life circumstances coinciding with his time employed at Emmerson. It was also noted through testimony that no coworkers of the defendant's previous job were interviewed.

On redirect the District Attorney asked Lt. Burrows what lies the defendant told him during their time together. The list included, that Mr. Zeigler asked Kim about Baby Grace, that the defendant offered to go to Ohio and bring Riley back and that he and Kim had a rocky relationship.

The defense raised an objection at this point, a sidebar ensued. Judge Garner made his rulings which included a denial of a motion for mistrial.

Mr. Davis was now able to cross examine the witness again. Lt. Burrows acknowledged that some people being investigated do put up a front. The defense suggested that what was perceived as lies were really the defendant putting up a front, as Mr. Zeigler was having a hard time at work and with his family. Mr. Davis further suggested that there is no physical evidence to suggest whether what happened to Riley was abuse or discipline or an accident and asked Lt. Burrows why he thought what happened wasn't an accident. Lt Burrows stated that the defendant's suicide confession, his own statements, the items purchased at and the receipt from Wal-Mart; an attempt to dispose of the body made him think that no accident was involved. When Lt. Burrows was asked by Mr. Davis if all of those things plus the fact that the defendant lied made Mr. Zeigler guilty, the witness answered affirmatively.

District Attorney Sistrunk then asked Lt. Burrows if  Riley's fractured skull would count as physical evidence, once again the witness responded affirmatively.

The prosecution's next witness was Sheryl Sawyers, Riley's paternal grandmother. Ms. Sawyers testified to the history of Ms. Trenor being involved with her son and fathering Riley. She went on to state that Ms. Trenor and Riley came to live with her in her condo when Riley was three months old. Her further testimony revealed that she and Ms. Trenor worked out a schedule for taking care of Riley. While Ms. Sawyers was at work, Ms. Trenor took care of Riley and when Ms. Trenor was either in school or working, Ms. Sawyers took care of Riley. She also told the jury that Riley slept in bed with her.

Ms. Sawyers testified to an incident of domestic abuse between her son and Ms. Trenor which precipitated Ms. Trenor and Riley eventually moving out on their own and into Ms. Trenor's grandmother's house. She also testified that her son and Ms. Trenor had gone to a meeting with Social Services and worked out a visitation schedule; every other weekend and every Wednesday her son would have visitation with Riley.

She additionally testified that once Kim and Riley moved out she went to pick Riley up as per the visitation schedule and Kim's father responded that the police were on their way. Ms. Sawyers testified that she tried finding Kim and Riley and called around to numbers she found on her cell phone bill, as she and Kim shared the same account. While calling around, Ms. Sawyers stated that she contacted Mr. Zeigler and he denied knowing Kim.

On another occasion Ms. Sawyers called the defendant again and wanted to know where Riley was. According to testimony Mr. Zeigler's response to that inquiry was that "they would like to know where Riley is too" and then he hung up. Ms. Sawyers immediately called back and was told by the defendant to stop calling and harassing them. She stated that the defendant sounded aggravated. Additionally, she testified that this was her first time ever seeing the defendant in person and she only knew what Kim had told he about him; that he had a job and made good money.

Ms. Sawyers testified about Riley and stated she was a smart, sweet, intelligent child who liked exploring drawers she could open and enjoyed Ms. Sawyers make up bag. She further stated that Riley was a typical child of that age and she was disciplined with time out and never spanked. Ms. Sawyers said she never spanked her own children.

When asked if she ever saw Kim discipline Riley she stated, "very seldom." Ms. Sawyers also testified that Kim could "tune out" Riley's crying and that Kim was a quiet person generally speaking. Ms. Sawyers saw no signs of physical violence, ever.

Towards the end of Ms. Sawyers testimony she told jurors how one day when accessing the internet she saw the artist's sketch of Baby Grace and recognized the clothing. She stated that Kim's mother had given Riley a similar outfit for Christmas. Ms. Sawyer's then contacted the tip line of the Sheriff's Office.

The defense had no questions for Ms. Sawyers.

Deputy Joseph Carson of the Harris County Constables Office was the next witness of the day. He testified that he received a telephone call from the Galveston County Sheriff's Office asking him to perform a welfare check on Riley. He went to the home of Ms. Trenor and Mr. Zeigler but no one was home. Deputy Carson said he jumped the fence and looked in the windows of the house, noticed a German Shepherd inside and that there was hardly any furnishings in the house.

Deputy Carson called the SPCA because he thought that both the dog and the house had been abandoned. When animal control showed up they entered the house through an unlocked window.

Further testimony by Deputy Carson states that during this time, the defendant pulled up in his truck. Mr. Zeigler was on the telephone with Sgt. Ken Jones of the Galveston County Sheriff's office. Deputy Carson speaks with Sgt. Jones via the defendant's cell phone.

When the Deputy asks Mr. Zeigler where Riley is, the defendant tells him that Riley was taken away by CPS and that several days after she was taken Riley was seen in Ohio. Deputy Carson then asks the defendant for consent to search the premises and do a walk through and Mr. Zeigler agrees. Ms. Trenor then arrives at the house accompanied by the defendant's mother. Deputy Carson testifies that he spoke with Ms. Trenor and thought she was cooperative.

The final witness for the day was Sgt. Ken Jones of the Galveston County Sheriff's Office. Sgt Jones testified that he is a retired Fire Marshal of 20 years and is now a CID detective for the Sheriff's Office.

Sgt Jones went on to testify that he was assigned leads in the Baby Grace investigation to follow up on. One of those leads was the call from Sheryl Sawyers and Sgt. Jones called the Harris County Constables Office, which precipitated Deputy Carson's visit to the defendant's home.

When Sgt. Jones spoke with the defendant he was told the story of Riley being taken away by CPS. The defendant also told Sgt. Jones he was tired of all the fighting over Riley, was thinking about divorcing his wife and he was upset about the allegations of sexual abuse.

Sgt. Jones further testifies that Ms. Trenor's family attorney faxed to him a copy of the phony CPS letter. Sgt. Jones was contacted by CPS in Ohio after he faxed them a copy of the letter. CPS in Ohio responded to Sgt. Jones with the information that the letter is not from them and that there are many inaccuracies as to letterhead, phone numbers etc.

Sgt. Jones now thinks that Riley could have been kidnapped and requested DNA samples from Ms. Trenor to compare with samples from Baby Grace.

On cross examination, Neal Davis III thoroughly reviews Sgt. Jones' testimony with him. Mr. Davis asks Sgt. Jones if he ever found out who wrote the bogus CPS letter and Sgt. Jones stated no, he never found out who wrote that letter.

JURY SHOWN HOW BABY GRACE
BODY WAS HIDDEN