GALVESTON, Texas -- Opening statements were held Wednesday morning in the capital murder trial of Royce Zeigler II, who is accused of killing his stepdaughter and dumping her body in a box in Galveston Bay, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Zeigler's attorney said his client is not guilty of capital murder, but is guilty of panicking and concealing evidence to cover up the killing of Riley Ann Sawyers.

"Royce Zeigler is not guilty of capital murder," defense attorney Neil Davis said. " Your verdict must be based on more than emotion."

The defense quickly blamed Zeigler's wife, Kimberly Trenor, for the toddler's killing.

"The guilty person has already been convicted and she sits in the jail right now," Davis said.

The 2-year-old's unidentified body was found in a plastic box in October 2007. She was nicknamed Baby Grace until Ohio relatives were able to help identify her.

Trenor, 21, was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison in February.

"Royce Zeigler and Kim Trenor lied to everyone they could lie to. They lied to family, to co-workers and to police over and over and over," prosecutor Kayla Allen said. "Mr. Zeigler is full of nothing but lies. He and his wife murdered 2-year-old Riley Ann Sawyers."

Trenor admitted that the girl died after an all-day violent discipline session.

Most of Monday's testimony centered around Zeigler's videotaped confession. At first, he denied being at home the day Riley Ann was killed.

But, 24 hours later, he admitted to being there, but only admitted to helping dispose of the baby's body.

A group of bikers were watching the trial from the audience. They call themselves Bikers Against Child Abuse. They were present for Trenor's trial and they're back now for Riley Ann, they said.

"Pass the buck. Any criminal will do the same thing. It's not a choice to them. They don't believe they're guilty and it's someone else's fault," said Kenny Ledbetter with Bikers Against Child Abuse.

The jury panel consists of nine men, three women and two alternates.

Zeigler's trial is expected to last about two weeks. It is not yet known if Trenor will testify.