One Brother's Abduction Led to Another's Killing Spree

Nearly 50 years ago, the Stayner family was thrust into the spotlight when 7-year-old Steven Stayner was abducted and held captive for seven years. Decades later, the family’s story took another dark turn when Steven’s older brother, Cary Stayner, was arrested for the brutal murders of four women.

Steven’s Abduction and Heroic Escape

On Dec. 4, 1972, Steven Stayner was walking home in Merced, California, when he was lured into the car of Kenneth Parnell, a convicted child rapist posing as a minister. Parnell took Steven to a remote cabin and eventually convinced the boy that he had legal custody, renaming him Dennis Gregory Parnell. For seven years, Parnell moved Steven across California, enrolling him in school while sexually abusing him in secret.

As Steven entered his teenage years, Parnell began seeking a new victim and tried to involve Steven in his plans. Despite Steven’s attempts to thwart him, Parnell successfully abducted five-year-old Timothy White in February 1980. Determined to protect Timothy, Steven seized an opportunity on March 1, 1980, to escape with Timothy while Parnell was at work. The two boys hitchhiked to Ukiah, where Timothy lived, and went to the police. Parnell was arrested and convicted of kidnapping both boys. He died in prison in 2008.

Kenneth Parnell’s mugshot taken after his arrest.

Steven’s life ended tragically in 1989 when he died in a motorcycle accident at age 24. But the Stayner family’s trials were far from over.

Cary Stayner’s Crimes

In February 1999, Carole Sund, her daughter Juli, and Silvina Pelosso, a 16-year-old Argentinian exchange student, vanished while staying at the Cedar Lodge near Yosemite National Park. Their burnt car was found a month later with Carole and Silvina’s charred remains in the trunk. A note soon directed police to Juli’s body, found an hour away from the car.

Among the people interviewed was Cary Stayner, Steven’s older brother and a handyman at Cedar Lodge. Though not initially a suspect, the investigation took a shocking turn when Joie Armstrong, a 26-year-old Yosemite naturalist, was found decapitated in July 1999. Witnesses had seen an International Scout vehicle near her cabin, leading police to Cary Stayner.

Confession and Conviction

Under questioning, Cary Stayner confessed to the murders of Joie Armstrong, Carole Sund, Juli Sund, and Silvina Pelosso. He was convicted of multiple charges, including first-degree murder and kidnapping, and sentenced to life without parole for Armstrong’s death. In a separate trial, he was sentenced to death for the murders of the Sunds and Pelosso. Cary Stayner, now in his 60s, remains on death row at San Quentin State Penitentiary.

2018 prison photograph of serial killer Cary Stayner.

The Stayner family story, marked by Steven’s abduction and Cary’s brutal crimes, is a harrowing tale of tragedy and resilience. It serves as a chilling reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the enduring impact of trauma and crime on victims and their families.

Reference: Heroism and Horror: One Brother Was Kidnapped, The Other Became A Serial Killer