Pink balloons mark funeral for slain Ohio girl (Baby Grace)

[The Straight Story]

Pink balloons mark funeral for slain Ohio girl

By M.R. KROPKO
Associated Press Writer
Advertisement

MENTOR, Ohio (AP) -- Pink balloons were released into the wintry sky after a funeral service Wednesday memorialized the 2-year-old known as "Baby Grace" as a toddler whose death captured the attention of the world and taught people greater respect for children.

Riley Ann Sawyer was referred to by the moniker after her remains were found in Galveston Bay, Texas, and before her true identity was revealed and her mother and stepfather were charged in her murder.

The balloon release after the service at St. Bede the Venerable Roman Catholic Church was timed to coincide with similar releases in her memory in other cities in the U.S. and other countries.

Some balloons had cards attached with Riley's picture and an address where the finder could return it to her family in northeast Ohio.

Riley's mother, Kimberly Dawn Trenor, 19, moved with the girl from Ohio to Texas last year. She and her husband, Royce Clyde Zeigler II, 24, both of Spring, Texas, are charged with capital murder and evidence tampering.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/O/OH_CHILDS_REMAINS_OHOL-?SITE=WBNSTV&SECTION=HOME