Steven Stayner Interview - March 14th, 1980

[@Hannah-zm4et]

It’s so sad. Even after being returned to his family, he was let down. His abductor was sentenced to a few measly years in prison after stealing his childhood. His father didn’t let him get therapy because “he didn’t need it”. He never got to confront everything that happened. They were gonna name a park after him but decided against it because his brother was a murderer. He died so young. But at least he was able to save Timothy. And I hope now he’s finally at ease.

[@estrellaashleywilliams4061]

Timothy also died at age 36 sad both died so young

[@gabrielafreeman94]

@@estrellaashleywilliams4061 yeah I just read that very sad 😞

[@arlenerodriguez1479]

Do you know how to get the full movie?

[@the_real_ebonienichole]

@@arlenerodriguez1479 honestly your best bet is Amazon. I just bought it for less than $8.

[@pugfan6866]

Timmy grew up to be a deputy sheriff & left behind a wife & 2 kids when he passed away. I have a feeling he was a good law enforcement officer & I bet he was also an overprotective dad considering what he we through as a child

[@stephenrafter1022]

You can see when he rolls his eyes, he reliving the kidnapping moment. That boy has post traumatic stress right there. He looks exhausted. He is a hero and is much loved around the world

[@shirleywong4333]

@Floyd1504 that's what I think but then he had his own loving family. then there's the horrible parents kicking him out hope someone kicks them . and the abomination done him . that could made him suicidal . is the culprit dead already .. actually I thought his folks were godly. Christians my bad .

[@frankpaya690]

@@shirleywong4333 it was a motorcycle accident. A lot of people get hurt or or killed on two wheels. You need to have some evidence to play the "what-if" game.

[@shirleywong4333]

@@frankpaya690 I hope he got to heaven poor guy so letdown especially by the very ones who should protected shielded him from pain after the madness inflicted on him by that vile being his captor. the evil that humans capable of is why yahweh has to mete out pure justice in the end judgment day . he was handsome boy . maybe that's why he's brother turned killer to somehow revenge his brothers kidnap . only the Lord knows what's on our hearts

[@KloiePicot]

horrific how he has to recount his trauma, what was he doing this for? His parents didn't know enough to protect him after he came home?

[@rustinstardust2094]

@@KloiePicot No, and apparently he got teased in school for having been molested, started drinking, and eventually his parents kicked him out of the house. This was back in the 80's, and ppl weren't as enlightened as they are now about the root causes of behavioral issues. It's really sad.

[@stephaniebaker1542]

This right here, is why kids should not be told to just "respect" and listen to random adults who cross their path. Steven was raised in an era when he was told that any adult who came along was to be trusted and listened to without question or else.

[@yoyo2ma]

I believe it was this story that made it a priority for parents to tell their kids not to talk to strangers. Too bad it wasnt before this case.

[@Katwoman4318]

Stephanie Baker very true

[@shirleywong4333]

@@yoyo2ma too bad it wasn't before any case

[@Dan5819]

Right, and that's why Adam trusted the man, Otis, who ended up killing him.

[@FrankiesFancy]

This was during the "change over" period, when we were changing from strictly conservative values to liberal values. I was 12 when Steven was kidnapped. Under a conservative society values, the laws were NOT easy at all on perverts. Parents, neighbors, everyone, would chase down, beat up creeps who went after kids. And the laws were vicious concerning a pedophile. Kids were safe, so being respectful to an adult was safe. Listening to or going with a strange adult was not what we were told to do. Just simply be respectful to our elders. We were told not to get into strange cars. Being respectful to adults and doing what they tell us to do are two completely different things. Steven was most likely told not to get into that strangers car. Be respectful, be polite, but say NO. And Steven told him no several times. But then he just did it anyway. We weren't told to "trust and listen" to just anyone "without question or else". If you believe that, then you are a blathering moron. And we didn't have so many pedophiles like we do today, thanks to the hippies and their "everybody live and love free" ideals. The hippies f*cked up society and look where we are today. 16 kids missing in the course of just two days...a dead 6 year old girl who was just playing in her front yard. But most don't know about it or care about it because it isn't shocking like it was back in 1972. We're immune to it now thanks to the immoral bastards that have taken over and ruined society. But back then it was innocent, decent and moral...we didn't expect it and when it happened, we were shocked. How many of the missing and dead from today will be remembered like this in 40 years? None. Because we won't remember it. Because we're immune to it. It's no longer shocking. Its commonplace. Pedophiles are only given a smack on the wrist and let go. But our values live on inside prison...once that creepy freak is put into prison, he gets beat every day. We need to go back to the old ways. It worked. Stop being snowflakes, wimps, enablers for the abusive!

[@annieoakley2925]

I can't believe his parents exploited Steven by making him do all these tv interviews so soon after he got home.

[@SHAWNEESKYWALKER]

Annie Oakley I can. His parents were seriously fucked up.

[@deannamarin318]

"They wanted Fame and Glamour for it all. Sick Bastards. "

[@megtanz2992]

“. One relative described child sexual abuse as “like a family sickness” because it had been going on for so many generations.”

[@Muirmaiden]

His parents also discouraged him from seeking any kind of psychiatric help. One of the uncles in the family was a predator as well. So much denial.

[@polishherowitoldpilecki5521]

His parents kicked him out after a while due to stayers inability to function properly.

[@MP-yz6sb]

I still remember when this happened. Steven was a little older than me but I remember seeing it in the news. As if his captivity wasn’t bad enough he had such a hard time adjusting to “normal” life after he escaped. I believe I read that his dad kicked him out of the house because of his behavior after. And then sadly he’s killed in a motorcycle accident. Poor guy didn’t deserve any of this.

[@deannamarin318]

His dad was a Tool.

[@theeggtimertictic1136]

His brother murdered 4 women! He first fantasized about killing a woman at age 7. I wonder had it anything to do with his brother being kidnapped?

[@tommymcdonald8351]

@@theeggtimertictic1136 Right kinda glad he wasn’t around for that cause just imagine all the other things you have to deal with than finding out your brother is a serial killer

[@jalaneperry7643]

Ya well i hate to say this his parents didn't give a shit With all their Bible crap they should have taught him about strangers and less of that Bible shit that didn't Help after he was sodomized the parents need to be horse whipped for their stupidity

[@freddiegrace3770]

@@deannamarin318 I think they thought they were getting back a kid, but really Steven was living like an adult with a sexual predator that let him smoke when he was about 8 years old.

[@almasantiago1100]

I cannot believe that they are asking this kid all these kinds of questions in front of millions of people how traumatic and f***** up is this oh my God this is so wrong!!

[@SocialExperiment232]

They’re acting like he won the science fair and they all wanna know how he made his volcano look so real. It’s sick. I was in shock at how lighthearted he was being about the whole thing as if he had just been gone a few days and just got a few scabs and bruises. I... I seriously cannot comprehend this. The ignorance in this entire group of people... ffs...

[@cautionTosser]

what did they ask that was so traumatic? They didn't ask about any gory details - mostly just what happened the day of the abduction and his feelings about his family. He was with his family and a lawyer. I honestly thought this was a very sensitive interview. You're forgetting this was a HUGE news story. And Steven himself went on to tell his story numerous times in order to help and educate other children. Would it be better today with countless strangers just taking vids of him without his knowledge and posting it to social media? I don't think you know how news works.

[@randomwhiteguy8784]

Why is it traumatic? It’s fair game. They had a lawyer present to help make sure nothing was said or asked that would be out of line.

[@stephaniereach7502]

You can see all the hell and hurt in his poor eyes. Just to think the hell he went threw in those 7 year's. So sad how he died:( I wish I could just hug him. This breaks my heart so much

[@DMalltheway]

Timmy too

[@hugsangel1]

he just needed to know he was loved but instead he had gotten ridiculed by his peers because of what happened.

[@Lauren-bd2fr]

@DMalltheway Thankfully steven saved timmy from most of the trauma he went thru, his biggest priority was making sure Timmy wasn’t SA’d, which gave him the courage to finally bring Timmy and himself to safety only 2 weeks after Timmy had been abducted, and after seven long years of torture to Steven. Both boys went through a lot, but Steven made sure that Timmy never had to live with the same trauma as him

[@jennylynch7503]

Poor baby🥺...this story made me sick!! And pissed!!

[@yoyo2ma]

Me too. That sicko only did 5 years and lived a long life while this poor soul died in an accident at age 23.

[@alistent21]

Jenny its ok i will console you

[@Choices2aa]

Yeah I know, His parents were to blame for what happened b/c they didnt' teach him about Stranger Danger or how to use the phone and Carey Stayner suffered too and he became a serial killer.

[@wvu05]

@@Choices2aa That wasn't really much of a conversation in 1972.

[@paigeturner5358]

@Floyd1504 I feel only disgust for the parents. They didn't think Steven needed professional help. Had he got it his life may have been somewhat normal. Instead they kicked him out of home. He said he wished he hadn't escaped. Timmy died of cancer.

[@shanny7583]

Very sad story.. since both boys are now Deceased 😔

[@tanzil8193]

A few years later the parents ended up kicking him out of their house. Such great parents :)

[@orsan_bc]

Seriously!!?

[@tanzil8193]

@@orsan_bc yeah. His parents blamed him for being molested and treated him as if he was still a kid, to a point where Steven says he wished he hadn't escaped 🙁

[@orsan_bc]

@@tanzil8193 ohh gosh that made me speechless.

[@mayaa.7263]

Orsan Sami He died at the age of 24. Just 24. He seems so good person and he is. He saved another child’s life!!! with so much sad life. Really hope he is resting in Peace. Here is his words though.. “I returned almost a grown man and yet my parents saw me at first as their 7-year-old. After they stopped trying to teach me the fundamentals all over again, it got better. But why doesn't my dad hug me anymore? [...] Everything has changed. Sometimes I blame myself. I don't know sometimes if I should have come home. Would I have been better off if I didn't?"

[@orsan_bc]

@@mayaa.7263 he said that at an interview or what ??

[@ianmeadows3527]

Stephen Stayners story helped me overcome my abuse. Rip Steve

[@amybugg001]

Happy you are safe dear

[@ianmeadows3527]

@@amybugg001 for a long time it mentally screwed me up untill started talking about it. Thank you

[@amybugg001]

@@ianmeadows3527 takes a lot of guts to finally open up. You make sure you take care of yourself and when things get hard sometimes be a little like me and ...watch the stars. Hugs kiddo

[@ianmeadows3527]

@@amybugg001 your very kind.

[@calebdallas5643]

me too

[@Bluemoon2000x]

He was real handsome

[@starsstripes2393]

@USA#1 !! 86 people agree..theres only you with the problem?

[@dannydougin3925]

Weird...

[@nowvoyagerNE]

it may have contributed to why he was targeted for kidnapping.

[@whateverheather655]

I agree he was a handsome young man

[@chrisredig1381]

@USA#1 !! I don't know but he wouldn't have any TV show if he wasn't

[@Choices2aa]

Steven Stayer was so young and he looks so tired and numb and Corin Nemec played him in the TV series about Steven's abuse and how he managed to come home. His older brother Carey Stayner was 10 when Steven disappeared. He became a serial killer and Steven Stayner was a hero. RIP Steven Stayner your kids would be so proud of you. He has a statue in Merced CA! Tim White died as well. The whole story is beyond sad.

[@fire12731]

Angel Simone oh wow I didn’t know Timmy White died

[@starrfishhill]

Who was Timmy white...??? Oh my gosh... for real? His older bro became a serial killer.. is he in prison... ok that’s it.. I’m googling this!! Ughhh

[@fire12731]

Starrfish Hill yes research this case . It’s so heartbreaking . 💔😢😢Watch documentaries on this case too .

[@sarahvand3628]

Timmy carried Steve's coffin ❤

[@fire12731]

sarah vand 💔💔😢 🙏🙏

[@navyskaterdude]

I always felt bad for Steven....So Sad

[@lexywilliams1367]

navyskaterdude Steven is my cousin my aunt Kay’s son

[@paigeturner5358]

@@lexywilliams1367 Is? Don't you mean 'was'. WTH was wrong with your aunt to be such a horrid mother?

[@lexywilliams1367]

@@paigeturner5358 she was far from horrid who’s horrid is you and your twisted version of our story. None of that was her fault she was at her lowest when that happened and for you to be saying that about a mother without her son is so awful. What if you were her in that situation

[@paigeturner5358]

@@lexywilliams1367 I'm talking about after Steven came home. He desperately needed therapy to help him adjust after the hell he'd been through. He's clearly suffering from ptsd. To be kicked out of home would have been the last straw for most people but he kept going somehow.

[@kllwc7772]

He sadly& obviously never got the FULL counselling he so desperately needed 💔💔 He radiates post traumatic stress and repression... RIP Steven one can only hope you’re at peace now 🕊🕊

[@SlickArmor]

Well if by peace you mean death then yes, he's found peace. It would have been worlds better had he got to see some peace while alive.

[@kllwc7772]

@@SlickArmor Yes I agree,at least towards the end of his life he seemed genuinely happy in his relationship and being a parent 🌏 I saw a documentary last month and it was amazing to see his son/daughter as adults talking about their father.The premise of the documentary was to find out more about him,at the time all the had to go on was a VERY inaccurate TV film !

[@SlickArmor]

@@kllwc7772 that's cool, I'm glad to hear he had finally slayed his dragons for the most part. Did he ever say how the people who abducted him treated him? From the sounds of it His real family were real monsters.

[@kllwc7772]

@@SlickArmor One of the many things I like/ love about the most recent documentary is how much checkable research has clearly go into it& how balanced it is.His mother was interviewed and for the most part has made peace with the infamy of the case but she’s still reluctant to talk about the abuse Steven went through.The fascinating thing that the documentary revealed was the abuse that is in the families history going back a few generations that included alcoholism & sexual abuse!!There’s no evidence that Steven was abused by his parents * thankfully * but that sense of let’s not talk about it and it will go away * mindset explains why steven wasn’t allowed to tell the police or press about it at the beginning because his father didn’t want him to.There’s quite a lot of chilling moments in the documentary,namely the dark deeds that the brother of Steven got up to ! A clip of his brother looking at Steven during a an interview outside their house is so telling ,it’s a mixture of both hate and jealousy.That can often happen when a child goes missing and or comes back home ,because for the most part ALL of the families energy is directed at the the missing child and NOT at the other kids in the family.So there’s a sense of not being loved as the same way as the child that’s missing.

[@kllwc7772]

@@SlickArmor I think when a child is abducted and or sexually abused and then returned to the family unit,the parents are racked with guilt because they either blame themselves or each other.While trying to adjust to being in the spotlight via local news or even throughout the world.Interestingly enough they were never viewed as suspects because there wasn’t any reason to see them that way.Steven definitely did self medicate to drown out the memories of the abuse/ infamy of what happened to him by drinking and smoking weed for awhile ,then he realised that’s not the way to heal and move on…

[@puddlespickles8810]

Steven never got justice, they gave the monster a few years, for this crime, just shows what character the judge was, makes you think about the judge's decision and the reason for it, did he think it was acceptable , was the judge a monster too?

[@antonioacevedo5200]

I believe that the judge had to follow sentencing guide lines. He could not just sentence Pernell to whatever years he wanted, but I am not sure.

[@wisdomseeker3362]

Pedophiles are everywhere.

[@nuckinfuts7610]

Antonio Acevedo yes, you're correct. Parnell was not charged with the numerous sexual assaults on Steven Stayner and other boys bc most of them occurred outside the jurisdiction of the Merced County prosecutor and/or were by then outside the statute of limitations. The Mendocino County prosecutors, acting almost entirely alone, decided not to prosecute Parnell for the sexual assaults that occurred in their jurisdiction, due to a belief that they were protecting Steven bc rape and molestation victims were seen as "damaged goods." They may also have felt that they were respecting the Stayner parents' reluctance to discuss Parnell's crimes bc of the repulsive nature of sexual abuse. Believe that shit? What's even worse is Parnell was tried and convicted of kidnapping Timothy White and Steven Stayner in two separate trials and so the piece of shit monster was sentenced to only seven years but was paroled after serving five. Just FIVE years. That's less than the amount of years he kept Steven and spent every second of every day in every single year just killing that boy's spirit in countless ways. The whole thing is beyond twisted and absurd.

[@danielhicks4826]

Judges always give pedophiles like 5 or less years, it is one of the most evil agenda today and clear sign something is very wrong, not just leftists judges to though especially them, every single pedophile needs bare minimum life in prison if not execution on first offense zero exceptions!. and Frankly if that wont happen under Trump it never will at that level, but its on all of us and parents and etc not government period.Trump has at least had authorities arrest and go after more sex traffickers and pedos in general though so thats good at least.But yeah.

[@Choices2aa]

Kenneth Parnell died of cancer and he got 5 yrs. Steven Stayner suffered so much hell and abuse when he was younger. He didn't deserve what happened to him he is in a good place now.

[@edieminturn7484]

I saw the movie as a child with a gf (same age as me). Never forgot it, never forgot him. I was devastated when I learned by the end of the movie that he was already dead. To me, to us, he was a hero. 25 years later I still can't forget him. There were a lot of things we did not grasp because we were just too young, but we "got" the big picture.

[@pussycats456]

Same here, I saw the movie when I was around 16 and it haunted me. The family was full of child molesters and violence. The poor boy didn’t stand a chance.

[@Muirmaiden]

@@pussycats456 His brother's crimes cannot be excused, but the molestation, abuse, and neglect in the family did him no favors either. Extremely negligent for his parents not to get their children professional help, but now we know the real reason why they were so opposed to it. They didn't want the family secret to come out.

[@user-cv4mu9pw4y]

Poor Steven :( you can see how hard it is for him to talk about it yet they still made him. He deserved so much better

[@Choices2aa]

Steven Stayner is a true hero and he saved another boy's life and he has been through alot and this is the first time what happened to him. I wish people would have leave him alone and I feel bad for his life and the way things happened and I feel bad for him and he had suffered sexual abuse, abuse and being bullied at school. He is 14 yrs old here. He managed to survive but he died in 1989 at the age of 24. My mom told me about Steven Stayner and now nobody remembers him he is lost and remembered no more. He was only 7 yrs old. He had no idea. Queenie was the only thing that kept him alive. I hope Steven is in heaven now with Tim and Queenie.

[@shirleywong4333]

Sean also saved a boys life . Sean I forgot his surname

[@frankpaya690]

Judging by the comments in every posting about him, I would say he is remembered, and his story is passed on.

[@shirleywong4333]

@@frankpaya690 been nice if he was with us

[@shirleywong4333]

who's queenie

[@MaxSavage]

@@shirleywong4333 Queenie was Steven's dog.

[@brianparent8901]

It was horrible for Steve G. Stayner...my friend Lee knew him. I have nothing but mercy and compassion for Steven and his family

[@SavvyMuhon]

And it’s sad that his heroic story is overshadowed by the horrific actions of his brother :(

[@traceymcconville2470]

What Sort Of Parents Parade Their Child On National TV Just 14 Days After His Return From Being Kidnapped For Several Years ? This Kid Is NOT In A Good Place - Mentally To Be Subjected To Such An Inquisition - Disgusting !! Most Parents Would Want To Shield Their Child, Keep Them Safe - Especially From The Outside World, Spend Time With Their Child, Seek Any Assistance / Help They Could Get - Given That Steven At Some Point Was Having Issues ReAdjusting To Family Life - Acting Out, Risk Taking Behaviours, Etc. Such A Very Sad Situation 💔

[@cyndilelyn]

It was barely 1980, where kidnapping laws werent even a thing. Latch key kids were all over the streets riding bikes and whatever. It was a whole diff world back then. Steven was on the news and interviewed a lot because he saved Timmy White and everyone wanted to hear about it. You never heard of a kid returning home after being kidnapped fror 7years. John Walsh changed so many many many laws when his son got killed.

[@traceymcconville2470]

cyndi eriksen - Thanks For Explainstion 👍👍👍 ❤️❤️❤️ This Child Needed Help / Assistance To Readjust From The Horrors He Experienced / Suffered At The Behest Of These Sick MoFos - Such A Sad Situation For This Young Person And The Many Hundreds Of Thousands That Have Been Subject To Similar Crimes 💔💔💔

[@whereismikeyfl]

And then to chuckle about losing hope he was alive with him sitting next to you. This was a messed up family. Kay's father had molested her and when Steven was abducted he said, that she and her husband "be glad that Steven was gone. Now we only had four children to clothe." Kay herself said she raised her children to not show emotion or affection. And it is believed that Delbert molested his daughters. Delbert himself said he distanced himself from his children. Delbert and Kay say that when Steven returned the family did not discuss any feelings they had Their lack of concern for their children's well-being goes beyond this video interview. www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Stayner-s-parents-fear-losing-another-son-2789304.php

[@cvdixon29]

@@whereismikeyfl Something was definately wrong in that house, his brother was a serial killer.

[@traceymcconville2470]

Chuck Dixon - 👍👍👍 💜💜💜

[@jimfoley8014]

Inappropriate to showcase poor guy like this.

[@pimprunelle1]

R.I.P Steven 🌹 R.I.R Timothy 🌹

[@cinramirez8627]

RIP Steven. Gone but NOT forgotten. 💝

[@Macca-zx7gz]

Such a sad story with a tragic ending for both boys. He is clearly traumatised & struggled to fit back in with his family. Had this happened even a decade later Steven & the whole family would have gotten the counselling they needed when he returned home.

[@DMalltheway]

Only problem is the father refused counseling despite the abuse and bullying Steven was going thru in school, he even wondered if he ever should’ve returned home. Leaving one hell to go to the next, just terrible!

[@jamangel]

😞😞

[@jamangel]

@@DMalltheway Terrible father

[@DMalltheway]

@@jamangel Absolutely and allegedly the uncle, grandfather and father were molesters themselves. Uncle was murdered in 1990.

[@Muirmaiden]

@@jamangel Yes, apparently he sexually abused Steven's sisters, the older brother Cary was molested by the father's brother, and the mother's father, who abused her as a child, lived with the family at one point.

[@ghettoschamanin.]

The interviewer is retraumatizing Steven with his questions. A simple "How are you now?" would have been enough.

[@AshaAsha-rk5ff]

the family he came back to were not that loving unfortunately ..that made it more sad that his father kicked him out ..as if he was not sad for all of those years he was absent

[@SocialExperiment232]

Right? It’s so crazy. Who kicks out the kid that they spent so much time looking for? And who refuses to get them therapy after all they went through? They act like they’re sad but they’re the ones who killed their son.

[@Muirmaiden]

@@SocialExperiment232 There were issues in the family long before Steven was abducted. Cary was having fantasies about torturing and murdering women before Steven disappeared. One of the father's uncles was a predator and the kids were all told to "stay away" from that uncle. There was already a lot of denials, and looking the other way. No one in the family received any counseling or psychiatric help, and the parents' insistence.

[@stephenroney3630]

@@Muirmaiden Could the Uncle /Great uncle have got to the older brother Cary?

[@Muirmaiden]

@@stephenroney3630 Cary did claim that this uncle sexually abused him. The maternal grandfather was a predator as well and actually lived with the family.

[@Satsusss]

And wouldn't hug him

[@unsexynova]

His story got me crying :'( poor little dude they should've thanked him and gave him a pause for what he went through

[@lanabanana68]

watching the mini series as a 21 year old broke my heart...now it chills me to the core,my own sons name is Steven :( poor lad,hope he has Peace now :(

[@MsBush-zi4gd]

Came here from watching a serial killer documentary about his brother, Cary.

[@TeamDokyeom]

such a heartbreaking story. steven stayner was a good kid. he have so much good value in him. he never got the chance to be heal from the 7 years trauma. the parents didn't really help him heal. :( may he rest in peace.

[@selfesteem3447]

The disconnect of his mother and father. It's no wonder that he didn't question, that they had gave him away something very strange about his parents. It was said that his father, after Stephen was returned, said that his son did not need therapy and that he was okay. In actuality they all needed therapy. Makes me so mad to hear this. Stephen you were hero thank you for saving Timothy, I understand you didn't live very long and I'm glad you are at peace with God finally getting the love you deserve.

[@MrBmick79]

maybe they did sell him.....

[@itaomahony502]

May he rest now in peace and his heart and soul are healed. Poor darling. ❤️

[@HomieWitDaXtraChromie]

This is so heartbreaking that this happened to him. My heart goes out to him and his family.

[@survivrs]

This is one of the most horrific cases ever. I hope and pray that Steven is at peace in heaven. Such a tragedy.

[@mlrisner03]

So, the mom went "merrily" on her way believing her son would come home. As a mom and decent human being, I cant believe those words came out of her mouth.

[@clintmitchell8816]

It was her coping mechanism

[@paigeturner5358]

@@clintmitchell8816 Yet she didn't cope when he did finally come home.

[@susanmurphy958]

Poor Steven. Never had a chance in this lifetime. R.I.P. Steven Stayner.

[@SpeedyBlueDemon]

Steven deserved better :(

[@amandalopez2040]

I remember watching this movie as a kid over and over crazy that he was just a year older than my dad he was such a handsome kid too it’s so sad that he passed away.

[@pommiebears]

I’d never sleep a decent night again if my kid was missing. I’d need sedation. She went “merrily” on her way with life?? What sort of mother is that??

[@rebeccafantstegall1899]

I remember watching the made for tv movie as a kid, this story never left me. For many reasons I guess, I thought it was heartbreaking what happened to him, then at the end when it said he died I was devastated for him, his mother & his wife & child. He's still the hero for saving little Timmy.

[@irenemiller]

This young men was no hero...he was an angel borrowed from Heaven. R.I.P. Steven

[@kitkatballin2553]

This family suffered so many tragedies. Their son’s kidnapping, was just one. He was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident after he was happily married. Then their older son becomes a serial killer. So much suffering.

[@SHAWNEESKYWALKER]

Kitkat Ballin The only ones who suffered in that family were the kids due to having cold fucked up parents.

[@tidusjecht9143]

lois miller lois miller You shut the fuck up and quit stalking people.

[@DMalltheway]

Apparently there was much more going on even before the kidnapping

[@flea8332]

Steven may you rest in peace and our family thank you for helping timmothy....You may be gone but we will never forget what you gave back to use....

[@annan1200]

His father shouldn't treat him liked that

[@gregrice1532]

It's so sad he was killed in accident his parents were the worst I blame them

[@joyurizzzz]

mr. stayner had such a tragic life and it’s so cruel that his parents did nothing to help him. i cant imagine the unfixed trauma the poor boy has. his parents had the chance to do better for him, but they didnt and just disposed of him like trash. rest in peace ❤️

[@Muirmaiden]

The parents had their own secrets, hence why they didn't get help for any of their kids.

[@joanbaczek2575]

The father would refuse to hug Steven because of the details he knew about his the abuse Steve suffered and both parents allowed Cary to be raped by an uncle since Cary was 7. Parents are secretly monsters themselves no different than Parnell. Cary was actually victimized longer than Steven. Steven was protected from that uncle and Cary was not Cary was served on a platter to that uncle long before Steven was even kidnapped.

[@Bruce_Wayne35]

@@joanbaczek2575 I didn't know Cary had also been raped. I seem to remember something about Steven's father molesting Steven's sister? None of this stuff is mentioned in the movie, I Know My First Name Is Steven.

[@bobbierobinson6269]

That's some of the nastiest questions I've ever heard for an abducted child.

[@bevcd3625]

😥😥😥 I listened to the podcast, this poor boy went through hell. Breaks my heart 💔

[@tabbykat9]

What's the name of the podcast? This is such a sad story...

[@wariannn1253]

Rest In Peace beautiful man.

[@barbd5607]

Bless his heart x Poor boy needed protection from the media and, it seems, his parents!

[@fathergabrielstokes4706]

He was beautiful 💖

[@gabrielamunoz4087]

he only escaped physically but could never escape mentally

[@tuesday6928]

this is so heartbreaking ..hope he is resting in peace now,

[@july5699]

The fact that this happened in my town-

[@shawnaclarkson9401]

That poor beautiful innocent child .... this Still is one of the saddest stories

[@maddyr2780]

2:50 his face after he said the guy got “possession” of him kinda broke my heart. He just looked so angry and sad

[@maddyr2780]

@ny giants fan raider fan yeah I know. That’s why it’s sad

[@LMamaBaddx]

Those parents seemed they didn’t even care. If that’s was my son I would have been so heartbroken. I would have died

[@tulayamalavenapi4028]

Their son was a real diamond, but they thought he was only a piece of broken glass.

[@wildrose6609]

My heart break's for this kid. It's so sad.

[@hannahtaybooks]

Steven is a hero.

[@82566]

The PTSD this boy must of been going through, its tragic the awareness of the psychological impact and handling of it was not recognized or respected at this time .

[@Michaelahol]

They did a movie "I know my first name is Steven" and the actor Corin Nemic potrayed him. Corin does resembles Steven.

[@severina336]

Corin played very strong! I like this movie)

[@notthatguypal14]

Found his name on google looking for killer documentaries. So sad what happened to him when he was 9 by those men. Sad this happens to kids everyday!

[@davemaclfc41]

steven was 7 when he was abducted..

[@jamangel]

😞😞

[@jamangel]

@@davemaclfc41 even worse poor baby rip

[@charlottebuchanan3193]

This is too sad to watch.

[@patr70]

I know. Imagine how much strength you would have to find to be able to function every day after your Own Child has been Snatched.

[@shirleywong4333]

@@patr70 they didn't care . hope they get punished too

[@SHAWNEESKYWALKER]

Shirley wong Exactly. His damn parents can rot in hell. They deserve no sympathy whatsoever.

[@antonioacevedo5200]

Kenneth Pernell got 7 years in prison for what he did to this innocent child.

[@nora4981]

What an angel… RIP Steve.

[@patcola7335]

His dad looks like the father on that 70s show. Yikes!

[@ryanthompsonthompson820]

I thought the same thing.

[@deannamarin318]

He looks Gay.

[@DMalltheway]

That actor would’ve been a better fit for the role than John Ashton.

[@lostwishes]

What a hero. poor guy and died so young too, had such a rough life bless him

[@LoKi-pm7nh]

These people knew nothing about having children. Even his dad looks like Red from That 70's Show, and he knew nothing either. I'm glad I am part of a new generation of parents. Say what you want about Millenials, but we at least try to do things better. Truly tragic the life Steven had...

[@laufmin]

Man...he has been through so much and only had to deal with more under the national spotlight once found.

[@SouthMeckStunna]

The fact that this interview was only 2 weeks after he escaped is terrible… He should have been in therapy, not doing publicity stunts.

[@sm3dc]

So sad this happened to Steven, so innocent to fall into the hands of a sick creep. Off topic, his dad is Red Forman, wth!

[@BlueJWay999]

Very sad story...Steven didnt really get to enjoy his freedom before he died young and a few years ago, Timmy White died as well.

[@shirleywong4333]

yeah gut wrenching that . but then other kids were killed right away didn't get to see daylight .. so I hope in that . he died with his own beautiful family . his family were abusers too right .there were some goings-on along those lines ??

[@sirfgmk2]

After 19 years from this interview, no one ever thought that his brother Cary will become a serial killer.

[@mistertrucker]

This guy Steven was born on April 18 1965. When he died, I was shocked and saddened to hear that. And his brother is another sad story.

[@carolcarpenter7133]

This poor young man. He never really had a shot at life. At least he found love before he died. Sad story.

[@Fazzassuperbabies]

It’s so sad that Steven died from an car accident years later. They got him back and then he is taken away from his family once again. What an awful horrible experience he went through, both boys

[@DMalltheway]

His family kicked him out of the house while he was also getting bullied at school. Extremely sad.

[@tracey8698]

It was a motorcycle accident

[@juliak9585]

Natascha kampusch was 8 years missing she got a whole movie Steven was 7 years missing and no one ever heard of him his brother is a serial killer and he died in an accident with just 24 years I think he deserves way more respect

[@musicaltheatergeek79]

Steven got a two-part miniseries that was greatly publicized and got big ratings. It was also critically-acclaimed and was nominated for several awards. It has been reaired on TV for the past 30 years.

[@JINXV11]

My grandma told me this randomly and now I’m here

[@water2wine1]

Who were the “they” he is speaking of? I thought it was just one man who took him. It strikes me odd that his mom says she went merrily on her way knowing he would be home one day. Weird.

[@rustinstardust2094]

There was a second person who aided in the abduction, and Steven later said the guy was probably a victim of Parnell's, as well.

[@tatum2739]

There was a woman that Parnell got to babysit Steven. She molested him as well. Not sure if that is who Steven is referring to though. In the lifetime movie that they made about Steven, Parnell had another guy with him named Murphy I think who helped kidnap steven

[@rustinstardust2094]

@@tatum2739 Yeah I think it was Murphy. Steven actually liked him; said he was really nice. Definitely NOT the woman.

[@musicaltheatergeek79]

@@tatum2739 *I Know My First Name Is Steven* wasn't a Lifetime movie. It was a prestigious miniseries that originally aired on NBC and was broadcast over two nights to great acclaim and big ratings. Afterward, Lifetime and others got the rights to re-air it on their respective channels.

[@ranatangboo1185]

Cant believe thete other son becomes a serial killer...feel sorry for parents been thru hell and still r

[@Thatmfgurl]

Freddie Hankins how you know

[@jordanbee1764]

Freddie Hankins Wow. Tragic.

[@Ego-de4dt]

Linda Gamble “how you know”. Well, some people read and educate themselves. Try it ❤️

[@lightingcar8357]

@@Ego-de4dt asshole

[@lillylazer429]

@Freddie Hankins OMG. No wonder he didnt want Steven to get therapy.

[@girlanonymous]

His parents and the Media back then let Steven Stayner down too. There is no way they should’ve hounded him and shoved him in front of cameras the way that they did. He was a teenager. Still traumatized, fresh from the ordeal. All of the details of what happened to him in those 7 years had not even came to light when he did many of these interviews.

[@Ego-de4dt]

7 years old alone. That was a sign of the times. This poor boy. The scene of the movie with the hooker. Ugh. My stomach.

[@frankpaya690]

That's the thing when people make a fictitious account, based on a true event. Creative writers need to stick to fiction, nobody including the author seems to know where the true part is and where the made-up part lies.

[@ph9692]

Poor kid..what ge went through i just saw the movie..terrible..may he rest in peace..🌹

[@brandyvaughn1]

He is so Brave

[@karahughes874]

There is no way my child or me are doing an interview let alone just two weeks prior! So sad!!!

[@knk4ever83]

RIP, young man.. you're loved..

[@Stevie-hn7mp]

Very sad story . I know my first name is Steven . So sad he died young and his brother became a serial killer .

[@Natural_920]

He was killed in a hit and run while riding a motorcycle. It was a HIT because he would’ve been a great police Officer that really stood for Justice!

[@brendatanner1259]

The heartless questioning. How could we all have been so stupid, to think this was ok?? That poor boy.

[@crispycream]

I don’t know what you mean. The media is still like that. 🤷‍♂️ nothing has changed.

[@bekki1960]

how awful that his parents let this interview happen two weeks after he returned

[@tulayamalavenapi4028]

Yes, and yet by being so staunch and humble in himself, he let the world see what the flimsy character of such birth parents was. His tragic life will be etched in the hearts of good people as to how cruel unjust, manipulative and unpleasant human beings will be, especially those devoid of sensitivity to Krishna or God.

[@trishasmith2354]

So sad what happened to him he finally found peace and his life was cut short . He seemed so sweet and he was so handsome. He truly was a hero to that other little boy Timmy. he saved from the horrific life he endured. My dad actually taught me the opposite he always said don’t trust anyone don’t believe adults that I would ever send someone to pick you up or want you to go with a stranger and as well if I were ever abducted he told me to fight , kick ,scream and not be cooperative . But being so young you wonder what you would do yourself. Get in a strangers car ? who knows. As well my dad probably would have killed the creep . so a trial would have not been necessary . This guy got out and again tried to get another child .I mean really it’s disgusting he got a slap on the wrist for what he did. Justice system is really screwed up. As well I don’t think his parents forced him to do interviews I think he wanted to do it as well his mother didn’t want him to make a mini series movie but Steven wanted to do it. It’s just sad he had to relive the abuse . But sometimes not pushing it under the rug helps with the healing . RIP Steven you were a precious human who was very strong and brave .

[@court529]

This interview should never have taken place. Poor Steven.

[@haleylynncook]

everything about this interview is wrong to me. the last thing I would be doing after getting my child back after 7 years would be putting them on national tv to relive their trauma. i feel so sorry for Steven. i read that he said after he came back home he sometimes questioned if he made the right decision to come back. can you imagine that???? being sexually abused by a stranger for years and finally getting the chance to try to return to normalcy, only to be cast out and treated terribly by people who should have welcome you back with loving arms and gave you all the help you could possibly get. this whole situation is heartbreaking and the fact he died so young is such a tragic end to his story.

[@jaimeaugusta2567]

His kidnapping was 5 years before I was born. I only heard about the movie in 1989. But this child suffered so much for those 7 years but I’m glad he found out the truth when Timmy was abducted. Steven is a true hero. I’m sorry for both families. I know that Steven and Tommy died young. My heart goes out to anyone who has lost a child. ❤️🙏🏻.

[@elisamastromarino7123]

This reminds me of that film _Gardens Of The Night._ I wonder how often this happens and how many kids are alive.

[@variousJnames]

His family totally failed him in his recovery from sexual abuse! 😢 That monster only served 5 of the 7 year sentence😡

[@sarah6557]

Wtf...... Not the PARENTS fault at all..... Stup up u sound stupid 🙄🙄💯

[@Muirmaiden]

His parents wanted to keep the family secret (sexual abuse) safe and that's why they didn't get Steven or his siblings any professional help. All of the kids were sexually abused at one point - the girls by the father, the older brother by the uncle, and it's possible that the maternal grandfather (who had abused the mother when she was a child, and who lived with the family) may have molested the kids too.

[@ronniestar8762]

Just watched the Hulu documentary of this, I remember the story when I was a kid. So many whys? Why not let him get therapy? Why did the media harass the family? Why didn’t the family just lay low instead of sling interviews? You can just see how over whelming it was him, there was no need for it

[@TINIITALIA.]

Povero ragazzo che vita sfortunata

[@eilselbell5315]

Steven rest in peace 😪