‘Yosemite Serial Killer’ is an episode that covers the life and actions of Cary Stayner, a convicted felon who murdered four people around Yosemite National Park from February to July 1999. Many analysts believe that Cary’s behavior was influenced later in life by his experience as the elder brother of kidnapping victim Steven Stayner.
However, because he has never officially addressed the issue, they remain merely theories. That being said, if you’re interested in learning more about Steven Stayner and his life, we’ve got you covered.
Who Was Steven Stayner?
Steven Stayner was the third of five children born to the Stayner family in Merced, California on April 18, 1965. Steven appeared to have a regular upbringing, with supportive parents, three sisters, and an older brother, but everything changed on the afternoon of December 4, 1972.
Ervin Edward Murphy, masquerading as a church preacher, accosted the second-grader as he walked home from Charles Wright Elementary School when he was seven years old. Steven was quickly offered and gratefully accepted a trip home.
Instead, convicted pedophile Kenneth Parnell drove him to his cabin. Kenneth allegedly raped Steven on the first night, but the real rapes allegedly occurred thirteen days later. As the boy begged to return home, the pitiful criminal informed him that he had been granted custody since his parents could no longer afford five children.
Steven was later renamed Dennis Gregory Parnell, and Kenneth pretended to be his father. They lived across California together and had no trouble enrolling Steven in school, despite the fact that his genuine middle name and birth date were utilized.
Steven was frequently left alone, but he made no attempts to flee because he was unsure how to summon aid. Kenneth permitted his hostage to begin drinking and doing anything he wished at a young age. Steven was a regular schoolboy during the day, but at night he was a victim of terrible rapes.
Despite this, “Dennis” excelled in his academics, appeared to have a terrific personality, and had a girlfriend. When Kenneth reached puberty, he began seeking for another youngster to abduct. The kid purposefully sabotaged Steven’s efforts until he convinced one of Steven’s pals, Randall Poorman, to act as an accomplice.
Kenneth and Poorman abducted 5-year-old Timothy White from Ukiah and took him to his house in February 1980. Steven observed the toddler’s conditioning for the next two weeks and resolved to take matters into his own hands. While Kenneth was at work, the two escaped together and hitchhiked to Ukiah.
Steven attempted to deliver Timothy to his front door, but because he didn’t know his location, they went to a nearby police station instead. During his visit, Steven exposed the truth, saying, “I know my first name is Steven.” That day, they were both reunited with their families.
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How Did Steven Stayner Die?
Steven Stayner became a national hero almost overnight, especially since Kenneth Parnell was arrested the next day, March 2, 1980. He was accused, convicted, and sentenced to seven years in jail for kidnapping and false imprisonment. Unfortunately, Kenneth was released after five years, which was less time than he had Steven in “custody.”
Due to the statute of limitations, the sexual assaults were not listed on his rap sheet. Kenneth was discovered perpetrating the same act again in January 2003 and was transported to the state jail, where he died in 2008.
But things were very different for Steven. He struggled to re-adjust in his family home, where he was expected to follow rules, laws, and procedures, as well as compete for parental attention with siblings. When he started attending a nearby school, he was bullied for the assault and victim shamed, and his sexuality was frequently scrutinized. Steven eventually dropped out and resumed drinking, which resulted in his eviction from the house. Steven had a very poor connection with his father.
Steven endured brief counseling sessions while still a teenager but never received adequate therapy to deal with the emotional trauma, partly because his father believed he didn’t need it. The renown he garnered from books and movies about his ordeal and escape faded as well.
Despite this, Steven moved on, found love, and had two children. Steven Stayner married Jody Edmondson in 1985 when he was 20 years old, and she helped him acknowledge his strength, be happy with who he was, and find serenity.
Unfortunately, Steven’s life was cut short just when it seemed to be coming together. On September 16, 1989, on his way home from the pizza business where he worked on his motorcycle, he collided with a car that pulled in front of him.
He died almost immediately after suffering severe head wounds. Steven was 24 years old and enjoying being a father and working with child abduction and safety organizations. Timothy White, at 14 years old, served as a pallbearer at his funeral.
