GALVESTON -- The defense attorney for Riley Sawyers' mother said Tuesday that Riley's death resulted from a "discipline plan" created by Riley's stepfather, Royce Zeigler, 24, KPRC Local 2 reported.

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Video: Parents, Friends Defend Baby Grace's Mother
Images: Slideshow Of Baby Grace

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Kimberly Trenor claims that on July 24 her husband stayed home from work to implement his plan -- to make sure Riley, 2, was spanked with a belt and placed in cold bath water.

Riley's mother allegedly admitted taking part in spankings but blames more of the violence on her husband.

The defense for Riley's stepfather insists Zeigler is not credible and that he is not the monster she paints him to be.

Attorney Neal Davis said he believes Riley's death was a horrible accident and that together they hid Riley's body in a storage shed and later dumped her in Galveston Bay out of fear.

Trenor alleged that the girl's stepfather threw Riley, causing the girl to hit her head.

Some said they wonder why the couple is not charged with murder. Legal analyst Brian Wice said it's likely a strategic move by the Galveston County District Attorney's Office.

"They have filed a charge of injury to a child that ultimately carries the same penalty five years to 99 to life that a murder charge carries and they don't have to show the defendants intended to kill," Wice said.

The charges could be upgraded to capital murder as more evidence is developed.

Zeigler is jailed in solitary confinement due to concerns that publicity of the case could cause other inmates to retaliate against him.

Trenor's attorney said she is jailed in a medical unit because she is pregnant.

Parents Riley's Mother Say Their Daughter Is No Monster

The parents and friends of Trenor came to her defense from their homes in Ohio.

They said Trenor is no monster and she's innocent.

"It's out of character. She was raised by a good family there's no way, no way," said Randy Trenor, Kimberly's father.

Police said Kimberly Trenor confessed to covering up her death.

"I don't care what she's written, it's not in her. Whatever she did afterwards, she did it out of fear," said an unidentified family friend.

Kimberly's parents said their daughter and granddaughter moved to Spring after meeting her husband on the Internet.

The family said they tried to stop her.

"Everyone is making us out to be a horrible person. She was 18. How are we supposed to stop her?" said Patty Trenor, Kimberly's mother.

Kimberly Trenor's parents said they are still very confused.

They said they still don't understand why their daughter would lie to them about Riley.

They said when they called to speak to Riley, Trenor would make up excuses like she was swimming or sleeping.

"I don't know why she did that. Why did you lie to me on the phone?" asked Randy Trenor.

"I want to support her and tell her I love her very much. I'm shocked, very shocked about all this," said Patty Trenor, holding tears back.

Kimberly Trenor's family described her as shy, quiet and unwilling to harm anyone.

More Information:

Probable Cause Affidavit For Kimberly Dawn Trenor
Probable Cause Affidavit For Royce Zeigler II