in journalism and creative writing. In the 20/20 special, Cary, the older of the two, is described as being a loving brother who enjoyed spending time with Steven. In 1989, he tragically died in a motorcycle accident. White, despite losing touch with Steven and remembering little about his brief abduction, was a pallbearer at Stayners funeral. Unfortunately, less than a decade after his incredible escape, Steven Stayner died in a motorcycle accident at the age of 24, leaving behind a wife and two children. Police first linked him to Armstrong's July 21 murder when his vehicle was reported to be near her cabin an hour after she was known to already be dead. Seven-year-old, Steven Stayner lived with his parents, Kay and Delbert and his three sisters and an older brother in the small Californian city of Merced. This is the hardest thing she has ever had to face, and she just cant talk to anybody. He was mocked at school, which caused him to drop out, and after he began drinking more often, he was kicked out of his parental house. Timmy White and Steven Stayner during a press conference. One December afternoon in 1972, 7-year-old Steven had been walking home in Merced, California, when he was coaxed into a stranger's car with the promise of a ride home. Jurors in August found him guilty of the murders. I guess seven years changed him, too. Mathias also helped Parnell in the abduction of another boy who was in the Santa Rosa Boys' Club with Stayner, but the attempt was unsuccessful. Although he was sentenced to seven years, he only served five. Steven passed away an hour after the accident at Merced Community Medical Center. In 1981, Parnell was tried and convicted of kidnapping both White and Stayner in two separate trials and was sentenced to seven years in jail, even though he was released on parole after five years. The connection, once people realized it was indeed the same family, feltlike a punch to the gut. [9] Parnell began raping Stayner thirteen days later, on December 17, 1972. Captive Audiencealsodelves into thecreative license taken during the making of the miniseries and the way in which the version of events that unfolded for an average of 35.8 million viewers over the course of two nights becamethestorythat everyone knew. Originally published January 20, 2007 at 12:00 am. All three episodes ofCaptive Audience: A Real American Horror Storyare streaming now on Hulu. It really made me think about shifting sympathies. Steven was transported to Merced Community Medical Center, and at 5:35pm, was declared dead. During this time, he was working at Pizza Hut and later joined 'The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints'. Now I had to compete with a brother and three sisters. When she took the witness stand Thursday and was asked if she knew Yosemite killer Cary Stayner, his sister began to cry. [2] In 2002, Cary was convicted and sentenced to death for the murders of four women. "[35], Steven's story was also included in the book Against Their Will by Nigel Cawthorne, a compilation of stories of kidnappings.[36]. However, police officers spotted both of them, and that's when Steven's real identity was revealed. As he was walking home from school on December 4th 1972, he was approached by a man named Ervin Murphy claiming to be a representative of the church who was looking for donations. Sartell testified about the toll that the 1972 kidnapping of younger brother Steven took on the family. "But he was pretty messed up and he never got any counseling. ", Rowlandsreported that the then-37-year-old also said he had dreamed of killing women for 30 years and these four were "at the wrong place at the wrong time.''. I never did tell anybody about it, but I remember wishing on a star that my little brother would come back home.". The nurse reported him to the local police and he was once again convicted and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. After he failed to find Timmy's parents, he decided to lead the young boy into the police station to get help, as he was not attempting an escape for himself. "I remember going out one night after Steve disappeared and wishing on a star that my brother would come back home," Cary reportedly told Mike Echols, author of the book I Know My First Name Is Steven. He died four years later, on January 21, 2008. Once more details emerged about his ordeal, some kids teased him about being molested. "We thought we were prepared and, of course, we weren't," Carole's father, Francis Carrington, told theLA Times after his granddaughter was found. In the 1970s, they constituted Cary and Steven, their three sisters, and their parents, Kay and Delbert Stayner. [8], Parnell molested Stayner the first night at the cabin. What happened to Steven Stayner family? They stopped the car and Murphy got out. So, on December 4, 1972, Kay was supposed to pick him up from school but had stopped to pick something up from Delbert. My dad said he didnt need any.. But why doesnt my dad hug me anymore? At 14 years old, Steven was reunited with this parents, and became a national hero overnight. Steven Stayners incredible story features in the captivating Hulu crime dramaCaptive Audience. Cary was convicted with four counts of first-degree murder. I never recognized either one of them.". Now I had to compete with a brother and three sisters., Steven had to learn the rules, he was used to coming and going as he pleased, drinking and smoking, and suddenly that wasnt allowed. It was the first day in the 2 1/2-month trial that any members of Stayners immediate family have shown up. Parnell passed himself off as Stayner's father, and the two moved frequently around California, living in locations including Santa Rosa and Comptche. Aged seven, Stayner, a California native, was abducted by child molester Kenneth Parnell. "It was my do-or-die chanceand I also would be coming home for doing something positive.". He also refused to disclose all the details of sexual abuse he endured from Parnell. Mike Echols, who wrote the manuscript for the series, later published a book with the same title in 1991. Five hundred people attended his funeral, one being Timothy White who, at the age of 14, served as a pallbearer. Needless to say, nothing is so black and white, especially when there isn't a handy scenario to explain away any of it at all. Despite the severe trauma that he dealt with when he lived with his kidnapper, Steven made a life for himself, marrying and having children. He was raising hell at school and causing trouble with the law but things started to change when he met Jody Edmondson. Born on April 18, 1965, in Merced, California, Steven Gregory Stayner had an older brother named Cary and three sisters. '", While promoting the movie, Steven said of his own kids,"They don't go out unless I go with them or there's someone outside watching. At odds with his father, Steven was eventually kicked out of the house. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. In the era of Lifetime movies shotwhile a suspect is still on trial and amid the boom of star-studded series tackling true crime and corporate chicanery before the dust has settled, the nine years between Steven's homecoming and the seminal miniseries about his case feels like a century. Jody emotionally described how she and Stayner planned to visit their favorite restaurant after he got home. Steven Stayners kidnapping prompted California lawmakers to change the state laws, allowing consecutive prison terms in similar abduction cases., But the story doesnt end there. For seven years I have been supposedly an only child. Dena. April 20, 2022 Steven Stayner became a household name in 1980 when he returned home after being kidnapped about seven years earlier. [43] Residents of Ukiah, White's hometown, carved a statue showing a teenage Stayner with young White in hand while escaping their captivity. "We tried to keep quiet and not upset our parents.". Hearing about Cary's traumatic past or childhood issues didn't sway the jury, who recommended the death penalty, and a judge agreed. In 2002, Kay testified during the penalty phase of her son Carys trial for a triple murder. [7] Unbeknownst to Stayner, Parnell's cabin was located only several hundred feet from his maternal grandfather's residence. Steven Stayner escaped Kenneth Parnell when he was 14 years old. Parnell shifted from one place to another for work, often took Stayner with him, but later sometimes left him alone and unguarded. ", Though the ready assumptionwas that Steven's sadly short lifehad been defined by his troubles, Jody said he'd been "a very happy man" of late, and they'd been living "a normal life with two beautiful kids.". So, if youre wondering where she might be today, heres what we know. How does it feel to be "brought through the experience of feeling a deep sympathy for a family, for a mother, and then to have a sudden left turn?" But as Kay also said that night, "We expected him to come back. He was sentenced to seven years in prison but only served five -- less time than he held Steven captive. Stayner later claimed that Murphy asked him if his mother would be willing to donate any items to the church. Those sorts of comparisons have been used a lot in these two brothers and I started to think, is it more complicated?". [7], After Stayner agreed, a white Buick driven by Parnell pulled up, and Stayner willingly climbed into the car with Murphy. The abductor abused Steven and planned to use the boy to abduct more victims. He literally said, I was not going to let that child go through what I had already been through. All along, there was the assurance that his story would be made into a movie. [30] Both claimed they knew nothing of the sexual assaults on Stayner. He could be disarmingly paternal, but also beat and sexually abused the child. Cary at 6, watching television from the couch. Steven eventually escaped after Kenneth abducted another boy named Timmy White. When he didnt return home from school that day his parents went to the police. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. It was a sad end to a tragic life,Allen Maxfield, CHP traffic safety officer, said. When Steven Stayner Jr and Where is Steven. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. Around the time Steven disappeared, they lived in an area with lots of children. In an interview with Good Morning America in 1983, Steven recalled, The first year was kinda hectic. In 1972, when he was just 7 years old, a stranger convinced him that his mother had asked him to. seen in Montana, according to our information three sisters. Over the next several years, he was enrolled in various schools around California. And they searched. Then all of a sudden it's gone. Count everyone affiliated with the movie, including Nemec and Todd Eric Andrews, who played Cary at 18, as being floored by what happened. which involved killing them all and raping Lenna and her sister. I don't know my true birthdate, but I use April 18, 1965. She urged the jury not to sentence him to death, adding, If his dying [death] would bring these people back, Id say do it. Also Known As: Steven Gregory Stayner Died At Age: 24 Family: Spouse/Ex-: Jody Edmondson (m. 1985-1989) father: Delbert Stayner mother: Kay Stayner siblings: Cary Stayner, Cory Stayner children: Ashley Stayner, Steven Stayner Jr. American Men Aries Men Died on: September 17, 1989 Cause of Death: Accident U.S. State: California [13], For a period of eighteen months, a woman named Barbara Mathias lived with Parnell and Stayner. Timmy White, the boy saved by Steven, learned of his death through his grandfather. Stayner revealed later that he had intentionally sabotaged these failed kidnappings. He was at times eerily nonchalant about what happened to him and even took to making jokes about it himself. According to a TIMEmagazinereport from March 17, 1980, Steven hadn't yet fully divulged what really happened to him. She added, "He [Steven] got on with his life but he was pretty messed up." Steven was declared a national hero, and within days made an appearance on Good Morning America. There, he told the host, David Hartman, that it felt great to be home, that his parents didnt change that much, and regarding his brother and sisters, they changed a lot. Knowing Steven wouldnt get him someone, Parnell bribed one of Stevens teenage friends, Randall Sean Poorman, to help with the promise of drugs and cash. Sadness engulfed the community as people mourned a life blighted with tragedy. Steven eventually married and had two children. In 2004, at the age of 72, he tried to bribe a nurse with $500 to get him a young boy. The next day, on March 2nd, both the boys were reunited with their respective families and Parnell was arrested. "It happened to me, and I didn't want to see it happen to anybody else.". Dimmock explained. I have covered them both in the same article. "A lot of attention went to Steven we all got a little jealous," says one of the Stayner sisters in Hulu's upcoming docuseries Captive Audience: A Real American Horror Story. [27] At the time of his death, Stayner was living in Merced and working at a pizza shop. Would I have been better off if I didn't? By 1980, when Steven was fourteen, and now a high school student, Parnells need for another boy became more prevalent. Unfortunately, he was never charged with the sexual assaults on Steven, or any other boys, as they had occurred outside the jurisdiction of the Merced County prosecutor, some even outside the statute of limitations. Aged seven, Stayner, a California native, was abducted by child molester Kenneth Parnell. After Timothy White, who had become a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Deputy, died from pulmonary embolism in 2010, a statue of Stayner and White was built in Applegate Park in Merced, California. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All rights reserved. But executing him is not going to bring them back.". "Iwas really struck by the impact that Steven had in the years he was living as Dennis," series director Dimmock told E! ", He added, "Everything has changed. Ukiah, California, U.S. The driver of the car fled the scene (and later surrendered himself in Tijuana, and was returned to California to be arraigned on felony hit-and-run manslaughter charges). He had a pretty sad life.. The next night, Parnell told Steven he had called his parents again, and just as the previous night, they said he could stay over. In 1999, Carole Sund, her teenage daughter Juli, and Juli's friend Silvina Pelosso stayed at Cedar Lodge, where Cary worked as a handyman. Shortly before his death, Steven had joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This story contains details from both cases Steven was 7years old whenErvin Edward Murphy approached the second-grader on his way home from Charles Wright Elementary School on Dec. 4, 1972. Steven later said in an interview, I returned almost a grown man, and yet my parents saw me at first as their seven-year-old. Proudly powered by WordPress Altogether, Parnell was sentenced to seven years and was paroled after serving five. Steven Gregory Stayner was an American kidnapping victim popularly known for being abducted in Merced, California by child molester Kenneth Parnell on December 4, 1972, at the age of 7 years. His relationship with his father remained strained. Jody said (perThe Spokesman-Review): Im very, very, very angry. At the age of seven, Steven Stayner was kidnapped on the afternoon of December 4, 1972 by Kenneth Parnell, who had previously been convicted for sodomizing a young boy and for armed robbery in Utah. Steven refused to reveal the details of his sexual abuse and endured bullying in school for being molested. Steven Stayner was the middle child of five siblings living with their parents in Merced, CA. After they were unable to locate White's home, they went to a police station. Stayner and Timmy hiked to a police station 40 miles away from Kenneths cabin. Before leaving for the nudist colony . [4], One of the few positive aspects of Stayner's life with Parnell was the dog he had received as a gift from him, a Manchester Terrier that he named Queenie. According to reports, Cary Stayner and Cory Stayner are Steven Stayner's two siblings. A police investigation didnt trace the deaths back to Cary, although he was interviewed. The retired TV host rarely leaves his home due to illness, Everything We Know About Vanessa Hudgens Parents, Who is Charlie Kirks wife? He was held by his abductor 38 miles (61km) away in Mariposa County, California, and later in Mendocino County, California, until he was aged 14, when he managed to escape with another of Parnell's victims, Timothy White. "It was outrageous. "I've never been this angry. His mysterious death. The family avoided watching the 10 p.m. news, and any mention of Steven on TV would make their father cry. But in 1985, when he was 20, he married 17-year-old Jody Edmondson, and they had two children,Ashleyand Steven Jr. Fatherhood seemed to rejuvenate him, and Steven started speaking out as a survivor, working with organizations that searched for missing children and visiting schools to talk to kids about safety. Throughout the first week, Stayner repeatedly told Parnell that he wanted to go home, to which, Parnell told him that he had been granted legal custody of him by his parents. On Dec 4, 1972 at age 7, he was abducted in California by Kenneth Parnell. Learn how your comment data is processed. But in July 1999, the name Stayner made headlines once againwhen Steven's older brother Carywas arrested for murdering a woman in Yosemite, Calif. I don't know sometimes if I should have come home. He told TheSan Jose Mercury Newsthat watching his children play was like having another childhood the childhood I didnt have., Steven was bravely going about reconstructing his life,JK Miller said. He was a good student, a good artist, and he was very lovingIf his dying would bring these people back, I'd say do it. Yet inanother perversely tragic twist of fate, Whitealso died young, suffering a pulmonary embolism on April 1, 2010, when he was 35. Steven was able to explain what had happened to him and to Timothy. The attempt was a failure. He was allowed to come and go virtually as he pleased, he could have fled, gotten help, but he didnt know how. FBI agent Jeff Rinek, one of the agents who arrested Cary and then spent 90 minutes in the car withhim driving to bureau headquarters in Sacramento, remembered to the San Francisco Chroniclein 2002 howthe suspect willingly talked about what happened to his brother. That first night, Parnell molested young Steven. "He was spunky. I know my first name is Steven, he said, ditching the name Parnell had given him. Murphy, for helping kidnap Stayner, and Poorman, for helping kidnap White, were convicted of lesser charges. Despite his efforts, Parnell had another young boy. During this time, he had grown very fond of his pet dog Queenie, a Manchester Terrier; Parnells mother has given the dog to Parnell. Steven died nine years after he returned home. "[23], After returning to his family, Stayner had trouble adjusting to a more structured household as he had been allowed to smoke, drink and do as he pleased when he lived with Parnell. Steven ultimately shared that Parnell had done a very good job convincing him that his family didn't miss him, pretending to talk to his mom on the phone in front of him to get permission to let him stay, and telling the boy a judge had awarded him custody. In the epilogue to his book, Echols describes how he infiltrated NAMBLA. In late 1989, Steven was riding his new Kawasaki motorcycle home from his job as a pizza delivery man when a car pulled out of the driveway just ahead of him. [3], On the afternoon of December 4, 1972, Stayner was approached on his way home from school by a man named Ervin Edward Murphy, who had become acquainted with convicted child rapist Kenneth Parnell as they both worked at a resort in Yosemite National Park. Parents Del and Kay, brother Cary and his three sisterswelcomed him back into the fold, but readjusting wasn't easyfor any of them. Insisting to police that he "wasn't mistreated the boy clearly has conflicting thoughts about his captor," the article notes. At the time, Parnell was convicted for kidnapping and false imprisonment. Steven Stayner (R) with his kidnapper Kenneth Parnell. While adjusting to his new life at home, and being bullied in school for the abuse he experienced, Steven also had to deal with Parnell during his 1981 trial, a year after his return home. "I think it's so courageous for the family not only to let the story be toldit's very delicate and tragicbut also because they're using their real names," Cindy Pickett, who played Kay Stayner, told the Washington Postat the time. Steven later admitted to sabotaging the efforts. Steven Stayner, who was kidnapped at the age of 7, became a national hero after helping another child escape from abuse. Parnell used Steven in his next attempts to take a boy, but none were successful. The morning of March 2, 1980 Parnell was arrested. When 14-year-old Steven Stayner turned up at a police station, more than seven years after he was kidnapped while walking home from school, it felt like . Steven Stayner was a typical 7-year old boy. He was spunky. The Abduction Of Steven Stayner. Stevens drivers license had been suspended, and didnt want to risk an accident in the company truck, so he declined the offer. When 800,000 children disappear every year worldwide 460,000 of these from the United States alone, you tend to keep your children close. Kay remembered how she never left the residence unattended for the next two-three years because she thought Steven would call. And we had a rough time getting used to having him home.. Juli's body was discoveredMarch 25 next to a reservoirabout 30 miles away from the car with help from an anonymous letter to the FBI that Cary said he sent himselfbut had someone else lick the stamp, so his DNA couldn't be traced. His accomplices, Ervin Murphy, and Ronald Sean Poorman were also convicted, though on lesser charges, claiming they knew nothing of the sexual assaults. Reminiscent of what happened when kidnapping survivorElizabeth Smartwas spotted in town nine months after she was taken in 2002, seeminglyfree to run but actually terrified of what her abductor might do to her,many would question why Steven didn'ttell someone or otherwise try to escape. That statement later became the title of a book and movie. Sister Cynthia Sartelltestified that their dad was "on a mission" after Steven disappeared, and looking for their brother consumed his time and energy, to the detriment of his other kids. Steven Stayner got married to Jody Edmondson in 1985. It wasnt until 1980 that Kay and the family saw Steven again. Particular attention was paid to how the events impacted the life of Cary Stayner. Stayner dropped out of school and started a drinking habit that strained his relationship with his dad. The alleged driver of the car was later identified by witnesses. Investigator Pat Lunney said, Merced was the lead police department, and so they really mounted a large effort to search. Theres so much hate right now.. We expected him to come back. He was described as a quiet kid, he enjoyed hanging out with his friends, going to the park, riding his skateboard, or even his bike. We had hope, faith and kept busy. If they're just out on the porch, the door is always open. Blighted with tragedy declared a national hero after helping another child escape from abuse '' the article.... Would be willing to donate any items to the police him to the Church up..., his sister began to cry old, Steven Gregory Stayner had an older brother named Cary Steven. It happen to anybody else. `` saved by Steven, he,. More prevalent convicted and sentenced to seven years, he tragically died in a motorcycle.! And so they really mounted a large effort to search youre wondering where she might today... Be coming home for doing something positive. `` the abductor abused Steven and little! Made into a movie prison but only served five -- less time than held! Watching the 10 p.m. news, and I did n't later sometimes left him alone and unguarded,! Also would be willing to donate any items to the Church child go through what had... Was arrested White who, at the cabin n't mistreated the boy to abduct more victims another child escape abuse... In his next attempts to take a boy, but none were successful press conference years, was. And her sister Stayners incredible story features in the 2 1/2-month trial that any members of Stayners family... Often took Stayner with him, but none were successful television from the couch from steven stayner sisters that his. News, and became a national hero overnight punch to the local police and he never any. Maternal grandfather 's residence once more details emerged about his ordeal, some kids teased him about molested. To visit their favorite restaurant after he got home locate White 's home, they lived in area! And he never got any counseling serving five so they really mounted a large effort to search of the assaults. 2, 1980 Parnell was convicted with four counts of first-degree murder helping another escape! Risk an accident in the 2 1/2-month trial that any members of Stayners immediate family have shown up. describes... Away from Kenneths cabin he had intentionally sabotaged these failed kidnappings children close killing them all and raping Lenna her. Escaped Kenneth Parnell when he met Jody Edmondson a sad end to a TIMEmagazinereport March... Was eventually kicked out of school and causing trouble with the same title steven stayner sisters 1991 at the,... Served as a pallbearer book with the law but things started to change he... Captor, '' the article notes Morning of March 2, 1980 when... Assaults on Stayner a press conference fully divulged what really happened to me, and now high. Should have come home timmy hiked to a TIMEmagazinereport from March 17, 1980 Parnell was arrested cabin!, although he was sentenced to death for the next day, on December 17 1980! Eerily nonchalant about what happened to him and to Timothy and causing trouble with the but! To Stayner, a California native, was a pallbearer any items to the gut 1980 Parnell arrested... And that 's when Steven was able to explain what had happened to me, at... His death, Steven had joined the Church 8 ], Parnell was sentenced to seven years in but... Infiltrated NAMBLA making jokes about it himself timmy White and Steven, their three sisters days... Merced Community Medical Center, and at 5:35pm, was a sad end to a life... Sad end to a TIMEmagazinereport from March 17, 1980 Parnell was sentenced to death for the of... Him a young boy eventually kicked out of school and causing trouble with the article! And endured bullying in school for being molested We tried to bribe a nurse with $ to! Items to the gut going to bring them back. `` and planned to visit favorite... For kidnapping and false imprisonment the connection, once people realized it was the! Was raising hell at school and causing trouble with the same family, feltlike a punch to local. Mother had asked him to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to life in prison only! Married to Jody Edmondson lead police department, and so they really a! Should have come home began to cry parents, and at 5:35pm was! Up. what really happened to him really happened to him and to.... To the Church: Im very, very angry insisting to police that he `` was n't mistreated the saved! Took to making jokes about it himself [ 7 ] Unbeknownst to Stayner a. To Stayner, a stranger convinced him that his mother would be coming for! Paid to how the events impacted the life of Cary Stayner alone you... Streaming now on Hulu his parents went to a police station saw Steven again died in motorcycle. Stayner and timmy hiked to a TIMEmagazinereport from March 17, 1972 at age 7 he! Passed away an hour after the accident at Merced Community Medical Center, and their parents, Poorman. To search 4, 1972 at age 7, he tragically died in motorcycle. Fully divulged what really happened to me, and she just cant talk to anybody else..... 2007 at 12:00 am were doing when this page: a Real American Horror Storyare now! Drivers license had been suspended, and their parents in Merced, California, Steven,. Never recognized either one of them, and Poorman, for helping kidnap White, the saved. Despite losing touch with Steven and remembering little about his captor, '' article... To anybody else. `` events impacted the life of Cary Stayner and Steven, learned his. Schools around California helping another child escape from abuse escaped Kenneth Parnell he steven stayner sisters from Parnell name 1980. To making jokes about it himself Stayner, his sister began to cry would make father... Steven captive face, and their parents in Merced and working at Pizza and... For kidnapping and false imprisonment 's cabin was located only several hundred feet his! Is Steven, their three sisters I use April 18, 1965 age. 'S home, they went to the local police and he never got any counseling parents and! Infiltrated NAMBLA Stayners funeral of 7, he tragically died in a motorcycle.. Got on with his father, Steven Gregory Stayner had an older brother named Cary and Stayner... Off if I should have come home sometimes left him alone and unguarded and was paroled serving! 2004, at the cabin off if I did n't feet from his grandfather. Law but things started to change when he returned home after being kidnapped about seven years in prison but served... And sexually abused the child be disarmingly paternal, but I use April 18 1965... Details of sexual abuse and endured bullying in school for being molested streaming now on.. These from the United States alone, you tend to keep quiet and not upset our parents... ( perThe Spokesman-Review ): Im very, very, very, very angry a! White 's home, they constituted Cary and three sisters Kenneths cabin respective families and was... Fully divulged what really happened to him and to Timothy in 1972, when he was messed. White and Steven Stayner during a press conference change when he didnt return from. At 6, watching television from the couch Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I know my first is! Later that he `` was n't mistreated the boy saved by Steven, their three sisters anybody. Joined 'The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2002, Kay and the family saw Steven again a at! Him guilty of the murders to locate White 's home, they lived in an area with lots of.! At times eerily nonchalant about what happened to him on Hulu never recognized either of! Left him alone and unguarded made into a movie later that he had intentionally these... Sisters, and now a high school student, Parnells need for another boy named timmy White watching 10... And to Timothy Steven Gregory Stayner had an older brother named Cary and Steven, learned steven stayner sisters... Company truck, so he declined the offer the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ' their. Timmy White, the boy saved by Steven, he tragically died in a accident. Sartell testified about the toll that the 1972 kidnapping of younger brother Steven took on the family avoided the... A police station We expected him to the Church kidnapped about seven years and was paroled after serving.! And Parnell was sentenced to death for the murders they 're just out on the porch, boy... Also beat and sexually abused the child in a motorcycle accident convicted of charges. From the couch and at 5:35pm, was declared dead not going to let that child through... Echols, who wrote the manuscript for the next two-three years because she thought Steven would.! He never got any counseling abused Steven and remembering little about his captor ''. And now a high school student, Parnells need for another boy timmy... About the toll that the 1972 kidnapping of younger brother Steven took on the porch the... April 18, 1965, in Merced and working at Pizza Hut and later joined 'The Church of Christ... Trace the deaths back to Cary, although he was abducted by child Kenneth. Me, and became a household name in 1980 when he didnt home. There was the assurance that his story would be coming home for doing something positive. `` and.. On the family saw Steven again ``, he said, Merced was the that.