Littlest Angels is a blog made to remember children who have passed away. To see a list of the children click 'Our Children' and click on the name of the child you want to read about.
Ava Florence-Beth Rosemeyer was born on August 22, 2003. She already had two older brothers when she was born. Ava's mother really loved Ava's brothers, but she was so, so excited to finally have a daughter. Ava was a charming little girl who loved to dance and dress in a very girly way. Her favorite color to wear was pink. The only thing girly that Ava didn't like was hair clips. She would always rip them right out.
On the day Ava had her accident, Ava and her mother went to her grandfather's house. Her grandfather only lived a few meters away, and there was a fence around both Ava's home, and her grandfather's home. Ava visited with her grandfather often. It was around 10:30 in the morning when they visited Ava's grandfather. Ava sat beside her mother while her mother worked on the computer. Eventually, Ava's brother asked if he could re-arrange his bedroom.
Ava, her brothers, and her younger sister.
Halfway back to their house (which was just a few meters away from their grandfather's) Ava complained that she had left something there. Her mother told her to go get it, and then went with her sons to re-arrange the room. Ava never came back, but her mother assumed that she was with her grandfather, because she often played at her grandfather's house, and sometimes, even ate lunch there. She wasn't very worried.
Eventually, her mother went over to ask where Ava was. Her grandfather said that Ava had come over, and then said that she was going to get something from the car and go back home. Ava was found inside the car, she was still breathing, but she wasn't conscious. She had been in the car for thirty minutes while her mother believed she was with her grandfather, and her grandfather believed she was at home.
Ava was taken to the hospital and put on life support. She seemed to get better for a few days, but eventually, she suffered a heart attack that killed her. She was three years old.
Heather Michele O'Rourke was born on December 27, 1975. Her parents were Kathleen and Michael O'Rourke. She had one older sister named Tammy. When Tammy was pregnant with Heather, she felt that the pregnancy was not right. It was different than her pregnancy with her first child. The doctor confirmed that she had suffered a miscarriage. In the month that followed this, Tammy still felt as if she was pregnant. When she told the doctor, he told her that it was just a condition that would soon pass.
When the pregnancy symptoms didn't go away, Kathleen went to get an examination to make sure that she had suffered a miscarriage. The examination showed that she had, but everyone was surprised and excited to learn that she had been pregnant with twins. One was a boy, and the other was a girl. The girl survived.
Shortly before Heather was born, Kathleen O'Rourke decided to begin working a few hours a day. To do this, she had to find someone to care for Heather's older sister, Tammy. Tammy was three years old at the time of Heather's birth. Tammy was too young to attend pre-school, so Kathleen enrolled in her tap dance lessons. Tammy became quite good at dancing, so she began entering talent shows. She would often come home with honors. Heather liked to be like her older sister, so she also began developing her performing talents. When Heather was three, she won a 'Little Miss' pageant. She also performed on stage with her sister.
Tammy was encouraged by her dance instructor to pursue her dancing talent. She began acting in plays, and since Heather was so young, she often tagged along with her sister and watched the plays with her mother. It was around this time that Heather also began to seem interested in acting. The agent holding Tammy's career noticed this and offered Heather small roles. She was in commercials, and on printed advertisements.
It was by chance that Steven Spielburg discovered Heather. He was looking for a little girl who was about five years old to play a big part in his next movie. Drew Barrymore auditioned for the part, but Steven thought that she wasn't quite right for that particular role.
During the lunch break at Tammy's plays, many of the tables would quickly become filled. While Kathleen and Tammy would go pick up lunch, Heather would stay at a table to 'reserve' their seats. On the day she was discovered, Heather was just doing what she often did. She was sitting in the dining area waiting for her mother and her sister to return. She wasn't surprised when a man came to her table and introduced himself as 'Steven'. He asked if he could sit down with her. Heather, four years old, answered "I guess, but you're a stranger, so I'm not allowed to talk to you."
Steven sat with Heather and waited until Tammy and Kathleen returned. Tammy and Kathleen were quite excited to meet Steven, but Heather didn't really care. She was more interested in eating her lunch. Steven said he was looking for a little girl to be in his movie. He asked Heather if she had ever been in one, but Heather was shy, so her mother answered for her. Steven chatted with Kathleen and Tammy for a short period of time, but after learning that Heather was only four, and that she didn't have much experience, he thanked them and said he was looking for someone a bit older.
The next day, Steven found Heather again at lunch. He started to think that Heather might be right for the part after all. He left his card and they arranged a meeting where he would have to see if Heather could scream, because she would be screaming a lot in his movie. Heather screamed and screamed for Steven, she had a lot of patience for a four year old. But eventually she told him that she was done screaming and that she wanted to go home.
Since Heather had good patience, and could read her script by herself, Steven offered her the role. Listening to her mother's advice, Heather accepted it. Heather began acting in many different shows, but her most famous was the Poltergeist trilogy. She appeared in the first, second, and third Poltergeist movie. She passed away shortly before the third movie was completed.
It was shortly before the pre-production of Poltergeist III that Heather began to feel ill. She had been sick a little bit before this, but it didn't seem like anything unusual, just the common flu. Heather wasn't recovering from her illness, and one day she came home from school with swelling to her feet and lower legs. Heather's mother then decided that it was time to take her to the doctor. The doctor informed them that this was only another symptom of the flu. They were told to monitor the illness and bring her back if they needed to.
When Heather didn't improve, her mother took her back. This time, the doctors suggested that maybe Heather's illness was a reaction to a spider bite. Her mother wasn't convinced, and took Heather back yet again when the medication she had been taking wasn't helping her. They did tests and found that Heather's intestinal tract was infected with an organism called Giardia lamblia. This was common in the area where Heather lived, and usually found it's way into someone's body if they drank untreated water.
This puzzled the doctors though, because Heather drank the same water as her family, and none of them were infected. Heather was given medication to treat this, and her condition seemed to improve. Her mother took Heather for many check-ups, and she seemed to be getting better. This medication puffed up her cheeks, which can be seen in the third Poltergeist movie. Gradually, Heather was weaned off this medication, and her appearance returned to normal.
Near the end of January, 1988, Heather began to feel ill again. Heather didn't complain about very much, but she did casually mention to her sister that she didn't feel like going to P.E. at school that day. She didn't ever say why though. She went to her classes, and the next day, she stayed at home most of the day. She did go out to eat with her family and seemed to be feeling alright. The next day, however, it was obvious that Heather was not feeling well at all.
Heather's mother and stepfather woke up to hear Heather being sick in the bathroom. Her mother called out to her and Heather slept with her mother and stepfather for the rest of the morning. She spent to rest of the day resting on the couch. Her mother gave her fluids because her symptoms were, again, flu-like.
On February 1, Heather woke up to go to school. It was Monday, and she had been sick the day before, but she still joined her mother in the kitchen. Kathleen was preparing breakfast. Kathleen asked Heather how she felt, and Heather said she felt "Okay.". She also informed her mother that she wanted to go to school. Kathleen gave Heather a piece of toast while she tried to decide if she was going to keep her home that day to be sure that she was feeling okay. A few minutes later, Kathleen noticed that Heather was having a difficult time eating her toast. Kathleen asked Heather how she was feeling. This time, Heather answered "Mom, I can't swallow." Kathleen now noticed that Heather's face was very pale, and her hands were cold. Her fingers had a blueish tint to them and it seemed like Heather's breathing was shallow. Kathleen called the hospital who told her to bring Heather in right away. She told Heather to get dressed, but when Heather got out of her chair, she slumped to the floor, holding her stomach.
Heather's stepfather now called 9-1-1. While they waited for the ambulance to arrive, Heather remained on the floor. She was still coherent. When the paramedics arrived, they started treating Heather instantly. They fitted her with an oxygen mask and she protested. She told them that she didn't need it. When the paramedics asked how she was feeling, all she said is that she felt 'a little sick', but that she was 'alright'.
Heather was loaded into the ambulance and driven to the emergency room. She was still alert during most of the trip, and she was able to speak as well. Despite this, shortly before arriving at the hospital, she lapsed into unconsciousness. The paramedics tried to revive her. Eventually they restored her vital signs. She was stabilized enough to be transported by helicopter to another hospital. Her mother was informed of this.
It was realized that Heather had went into shock. They also noticed that her stomach was swollen, which was a sign of a bowel obstruction. They suspected the obstruction had already burst, spreading the infection across Heather's body. When Heather arrived at the other hospital, she was stable, but in a critical condition. She remained unconscious and unresponsive while they prepared her for possible surgery. Her stepfather and mother were told that she may have already suffered permanent brain damage. It was found that her small intestine had indeed already burst and spread infection.
They performed surgery, but Heather was in horrible condition even before the surgery began, so her family was informed that she may not survive. The operation was completed, but afterwards, Heather showed no signs of improvement. She never regained consciousness, and her brain showed no activity. She stayed alive until around 2:00 p.m. when her condition worsened, and she slowly stopped breathing. It was discovered that Heather had intestinal stenosis, a condition of intestinal narrowing. This made Heather more likely to have a bowel obstruction. Heather could have had this condition her whole life. The remaining of the third Poltergeist movie had to be done with a stunt double, only showing the back of Heather's character's head.
Shaniya Nicole Davis was born on February 14, 2004. Shaniya was raised by her father, Bradley Lockhart, and his sister, Carey. Shaniya was described as a happy and friendly little girl who loved playing outside and riding her scooter. Her favorite colors were pink and yellow and she loved helping around the house. She also enjoyed playing dress-up, and going to school in her Kindergarten class.
In September of 2009, Shaniya's mother, Antoinette Davis, contacted Shaniya's father. She told him that she wanted to start having contact with her daughter. Shaniya's mother had struggled in the past, but it appeared that she had gotten her life back together. She had a job, and a place to live.
In November of 2009, a neighbor of Antoinette Davis heard banging noises outside her home. This occurred around 3:00 a.m. At 6:11 the same day, a surveillance camera at a 'Comfort Suites' hotel caught a man carrying Shaniya through the hallway.
The man checked into the hotel with Shaniya, and he stayed for about an hour. At 6:53 a.m., Antoinette reported Shaniya missing from her home. People started searching for Shaniya, believing she had been kidnapped. A blanket belonging to Shaniya was found in a trashcan outside one of Shaniya's neighbor's homes.
Soon after this, Clarence D. Coe is charged with first degree kidnapping. Clarence was Antoinette's boyfriend, and a neighbor saw him drive out of the town with Shaniya with him. Clarence swore that he wasn't guilty, and police identified the man who carried Shaniya on the hotel video as Mario Andrette McNeill.
Shaniya and her father
Around this time, Shaniya's father makes an emotional public plea for the return of his daughter. Soon after this, Mario admits to kidnapping Shaniya. The charges against Clarence are dropped. It didn't take long after this for Shaniya's mother to be charged with human trafficking. Antoinette Davis sold five year old Shaniya to Mario McNeill for the purpose of sexual slavery.
Soon after Antoinette is charged with this, Shaniya's body is discovered. She had been raped, and then murdered by Mario McNeill.
Layla Grace Marsh was born on March 9, 2010. She already had two older siblings who loved her very much. Layla's parents were Shanna and Ryan and her older sisters' names were Claire and Jenna. Layla had a very happy life.
When Layla was 16 months old, she began showing signs of an illness. Her sleeping patterns and appetite were changing. she was becoming very irritable. Her parents took her to the doctor. Her parents thought she was constipated because her stomach felt hard, and she hadn't passed a bowel movement in a long time.
A series of tests and x-rays were done and Layla's parents were sent home to wait for the results to come back. Soon after Layla and her parents reached their home, they received a phone call that said that the tests were in, and they were bad. They were told to bring Layla in immediately. Layla was brought into the ER. A team of doctors was already there, waiting for her.
Layla and her sisters.
Layla's parents were told that Layla had a massive cancerous tumor (stage
4 Neuroblastoma) in her abdomen. The tumor extended from above her left
kidney, around her side, over her stomach, and and wrapped around her
aorta. To add to this, the cancer was in Layla's bone marrow. Layla was referred to a children's hospital where she started the first of her seven rounds of chemotherapy.
Over the next few months, Layla went through surgeries, radiations, blood/platelet transfusions, a bone marrow transplant, and much more. She often had to stay at the hospital for long periods of time so she could do her treatments. Layla seemed to be doing better than ever, so she got to go home for Christmas.
The happy time ended soon, however, because in January, Layla's family learned that she had relapsed. Her cancer was back, and it was going to be a tough fight. Layla's cancer was invading the only good kidney she had left. Because of this, she was left with no other treatment options. Layla was sent home, her family told that she would only live for two more months.
Layla was given morphine that was supposed to help her, but she had an allergic reaction because of it. Eventually, she couldn't even hold her head up any more. Layla passed away surrounded by love with her parents by her side.
Layla was cremated after her death.
Riley Ann Sawyers was born on March 11, 2005. Her parents were Robert Sawyers and Kimberly Dawn Trenor. Riley's family lived with Robert's mother, Sheryl. At this time, Sheryl was Riley's primary caregiver. In October of 2006, Kimberly filed domestic abuse charges and left the house, taking Riley with her. She seemingly 'disappeared'.
On October 29, 2007, the police department received a call from a fisherman who found a storage container on an empty island. This island was only accessible by boat. He tells the police that he believes there are human remains inside the container. When the police arrived at the scene, they discover that there are human remains inside the container, and that they seemed to belong to a small child.
Police released sketches (above) of how they think Riley may have looked when she was alive. They didn't know who she was yet, so they called her 'Baby Grace'. Police started to ask the public for help in identifying the body of 'Baby Grace'. Some people believed it was the remains of Madeleine McCann, although that was soon ruled out.
'Baby Grace' had been wearing a pink pullover top with a matching broom skirt. She had purple velcro-tenis-shoes that lit up. She wore Disney brand panties. An autopsy revealed that the little girl had been dead for two weeks and that she had skull fractures. The case was now classified as a homicide.
In November of 2007, Baby Grace's story had reached many people. There had already been hundreds of tips called in, but none of them helped identify 'Baby Grace'. While they wait for her identification, a wooden cross with 'Baby Grace' carved into it was placed on the island her body was discovered on. Finally, soon after the cross is placed, Sheryl Sawyers calls the authorities and says that she saw the sketch of Baby Grace on the internet and she fears that it may be her granddaughter, Riley Ann Sawyers.
She asked if there was a missing report filed for Riley but there wasn't. Sheryl tells authorities that she hadn't seen her granddaughter since May of 2007. This, of course, was because Kimberly Dawn Trenor took Riley and left, not telling anyone where she went. After Kimberly left, it turns out that she spent a lot of her time playing on the internet. Specifically, The Online World of Warcraft. This is where she met Royce Zeigler II.
Royce seemed kind. He sent Kimberly a diamond necklace, and presents to give to Riley. In early June of 2007, Kimberly married Royce and moved in with him, taking Riley with her. Royce believed that Riley should say words like 'Sir', and 'Ma'am' to adults. When Riley didn't do this, he thought that corporal punishment was the only way Riley would learn.
According to a videotaped confession, on July 24, 2007, Kimberly and Royce beat Riley with two leather belts and held her head under the water in the bathtub. Royce also picked Riley up by her hair and threw her across the room. Riley hit the wall and fell down, causing her head to slam into the tile floor in the bathroom.
Eventually, Riley was unable to stand up when she was told to do so. They soon realized that she was dead. They went to Wal-Mart and purchased trash bags, cement mix, and a plastic storage container. They put Riley's body in the trash bags, and then into the plastic storage container. They left his container in their shed for some time before dumping it into the bay.
Kimberly Dawn Trenor received a life sentence with the possibility of parole in 38 years. Royce Zeigler II was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. The island Riley was found on is now called "Riley's Island'.
