Tragedies of Merced's Stayner Family

Jeff goes in-depth on this mini-documentary on the tragedies associated with the Stayner family of Merced, California. Steven Stayner was a second-grader when he was kidnapped in 1972 but he was returned home through his own courageous actions in 1980, saving another kidnap victim.
Steven was tragically killed in a 1989 but that wasn't the end of the family's tragedies. Older brother Cary Stayner committed a series of horrific murders of women.
Jeff takes his camera onto the home property of where Steven Stayner and Cary Stayner were raised in Merced, visits the location of Steven's fatal crash in 1989 and to the gravesite.
#stevenstayner #carystayner #historyhunters

[@allies7184]

So sad to hear that Timothy White died at the age of 35 from an embolism. He was a deputy Sheriff's officer in Los Angeles county. May his memory be eternal!

[@rong3378]

The most disgusting thing about this is the SHORT sentences his abductors got.

[@garyschultz7768]

Liberal California ..

[@flightofthebumblebee9529]

Parnell was an absolute monster. The other guy was not bad.

[@talkingstraightwithnate]

It was so eerie when that the very last thing you see in the movie about him says: Kenneth Parnell is a free Man. He got caught for an attempted abduction and died in prison. This case prompted stricter punishments for child abductors and molesters. Before this, there was a statute of limitations on these charges.

[@Serendipityismyfaveword]

Also the fact that a kidnapping peodophile dies of old ages and both Steven and Timothy who did absolutely nothing wrong both died young.

[@Serendipityismyfaveword]

@@flightofthebumblebee9529 The one that kidnapped Steven ?

[@MissHappiness36]

I was about Steven’s age when he was kidnapped. I remember flyers all over the place. I had nightmares. My parents wouldn’t allow me to go anywhere except to one neighbor’s house. It seemed like a miracle when returned all those years later and then to have his life cut short. I just can’t imagine the heartache the parents went through with both Steven and then Cary. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. Thank you History Hunters.

[@angelaedwards5124]

I met Steven because of Society league against molestation. He spoke to our group. He was super nice. We personally know his son Steven. He's a very good friend of my son. Thank you for being gentle.

[@jbenziggy]

I almost reached out to Steven Jr but decided to leave him in peace. Thank you for leaving your nice comment! I wish I had got to meet Steven before his tragic death.

[@conniephillips8217]

May we never forget the heroism of Steven, who took an opportunity to flee and save young Timothy's life. A story that should never be forgotten. Thank you for producing such an excellent video, you did a great job.

[@paulcarpenter999]

His heroism went much deeper than many realize - he knew when he came forward that the details of his years of molestation would become public, and in 1980 that was a devastating stigma for a 14 year old to bear. He also had to make the choice to turn on the man he had known as his father for 7 years, which was also a difficult emotional battle. God bless Steven's memory.

[@flightofthebumblebee9529]

God bless Steven and Timmy. It's so horrible. It goes to show how horrible crimes ripple out and destroy many lives.

[@ninademci1500]

@conniephillips8217, I wholeheartedly agree!

[@1Maddd2mackxxx]

Some of us that are older remember this and also have heard of families where tragedy is a neverending battle Numerous people in certain families have been touch by demon time

[@cindyvargas9277]

Jeff, you tell the story in a gentle honest way while sharing overwhelming facts. You're a gifted storyteller. Steven is a true hero, a survivor and a protector. After years of captivity, Steven knew what was in store for TImothy and took action to prevent it from happening. Amazing strength and courage. The Stayner family has endured two of a parent's worst nightmares come to life. Peace be with them. May we all benefit from lessons learned from the Steven Stayner and Cary Stayner investigations.

[@Julie-ms9ss]

Thank you for telling this story. Steven had such a tragic and short life . I’m glad you told his story so others will know his name . I remembered that his brother was a serial killer , but didn’t remember who he killed until you mentioned their stories. I remember hearing about the lady and her daughter and the exchange student who came up missing and were found murdered. So sad for so many people in this story , but thank you for remembering them. Their stories deserved to be told.

[@GrapeApe2018]

My friend Randy Leach has been missing 33.75 years. He was abducted (and murdered) April 16, 1988. We want more than anything to bring him home to rest. A tragic meeting of the truly good and the worst evil.

[@terri2494]

I was unfamiliar with Randy’s story so I just looked it up. So sad that his parents never gave up the search and his dad died without answers. Randy’s mom continues looking at an age when she should be enjoying her grandkids and her son should be looking after her. It’s tragic that there are so many stories like this. So many people are affected in different ways by the disappearance of just one child. Thank you for helping to keep Randy’s memory alive. You’re a good friend.

[@GrapeApe2018]

@@terri2494 Thank You.❤ I won't stop until he is brought home. Randy's mom is making a direct appeal to Governor Kelly on the 28th, to either ask an outside agency to investigate, or to unseal the records so a private investigation can be done. We are hoping there will be more media coverage this time. Just might put a little pressure on them to do the right thing. Thank you again for your kind words today. God Bless. LeeAnn

[@terri2494]

@@GrapeApe2018 God bless you too, and Randy’s mom and family and friends.

[@GrapeApe2018]

@Julie Patrick 💜

[@WyomingTraveler]

A very sad event, I remember the news story in 1980. The story of the two brothers is a family tragedy. I am happy you ended the episode on a somewhat positive note with the statute of Steven.

[@TheSharron]

Steven was a very brave young man.To tell a child that his parents didn’t want him anymore,had to really mess with his head.He stumbled a bit,(haven’t we all)but most of us cannot begin to fathom what he went through. To save another little boy,proved his strength and determination of what he was...a true hero.His life was short and tragic,but I know his two children & wife,made his life a little brighter. That statue is beautiful and maybe needed in every city,for people to open their eyes and look closer at what is going on around them.Steven should never be forgotten.Thank you Jeff...this was an eye opener for me,even though I knew the story,but shamefully forgotten about it.

[@gr4monster]

My dad, same age as stayner, lived on the same street. Played together. This stuff stays with him to this day

[@salysellsss]

I remember Steven’s kidnapping. I lived just north of Merced at the time and was a little older than him. Many of those places you showed in the video are familiar to me as I traveled those roads as a kid. My dad is even buried at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery at Santa Nella. You presented some very interesting details that I had not been aware of. As usual, your research is very impressive and much appreciated. You bring so much humanity to these moments in local history that would otherwise be swept under the rug. Child abuse and trafficking is a major problem, especially in the Central Valley, and the mainstream media seems to ignore it. Your channel is helping to inform and educate the public on issues that really matter. Thank you! 🙏

[@beckypalmer8511]

There was truly no justice for Steven - not for his kidnapping and not for his death! Thank you for this. You tell this tragic story with such empathy.

[@14Plus1]

I agreed. What a sad story 😢

[@flightofthebumblebee9529]

His own dad was ashamed of him for being molested and he also blamed him for going with Parnell voluntarily. If I could travel back in time I'd go back to that fateful day and walk up to Parnell's car and stick a blade into his skull.

[@toetz4491]

both perps got ridiculous sentences

[@ninademci1500]

@beckypalmer8511, when Steven was killed, my first thought was, “d@mn! Steven survived eight years of Hell, started getting his life together (married, had a home, was raising two kids, and had job), only to be killed by a hit and run driver. He just couldn’t catch a reprieve. The poor guy.

[@DMalltheway]

Makes it even worse is his brother destroyed his younger brothers reputation by committing horrific murders.

[@samageable]

I remember like this was yesterday. Every event that you showed. Such a sad story. But I will never forget it. After he was kidnapped, our parents wouldn't allow us to walk anywhere for a long time.

[@Citos_2015]

Thank you for sharing this. Very sad that Steven didn’t live long enough to see his children grow and be a grandfather as well 🙏🏼

[@rhondaz356]

OMG, what an episode... Thank you, Jeff for telling us this story. I had never heard of this family. 💔🌈

[@Slick2462]

Such a sad and sensitive story! Jeff, you really bring a lot to this painful telling. You mention the research you did for this and I must say it really shows. Thank You!👍

[@toneman335]

Your videos are so well produced and narrated....Thanks!

[@jbenziggy]

Wow, thank you! We appreciate the praises! Thanks!

[@sunhikermutt6797]

Gripping and sad story, the respect you showed for Steven and Timothy shines through.

[@jbenziggy]

We hope that the respect showed! Thanks!

[@lindsaymacpherson8782]

Your hard work went very well in this video Heartbreaking but could not stop watching Thankyou Jeff for sharing such a sad bit of History with us

[@dano8203]

This was amazingly told. Thank you for your preparation!

[@jbenziggy]

You are so welcome! Thank you for watching, Dan!

[@boomtownrat5106]

I remember these events but never connected the two as being brothers. Thank you, Jeff for the wonderful storytelling. By the way, congratulations on having over 60K subscribers.

[@lilianwakarena9274]

Such a sad story. It's really no wonder Steven couldn't adjust to life after all he'd been through RIP Steven

[@greggwatkinsjr.8298]

I feel so sorry for the parents, I can't imagine what it was like going through like that. It's important that we should teach kids not talk to strangers, and find a way for them to stay safe.

[@cindyhamblin5673]

I graduated in 73, and this documentary of this young man came flooding back with memories of this tragic story! Ty for this, this young man needs to be remembered! 🙏

[@TheRealCardoso]

I moved fo Merced about 7 years ago & I remember walking around town with my sister when we first moved there & we saw this statue & I remember reading it but never knew the full backstory until now! Thanks for the video. Interesting to see something from your own town

[@kodiakbearson8815]

The degree of despair that Steven and Cary Stayner's parents must have experienced is unfathomable. The spectrum of suffering from the kidnapping of one child that became a champion of hope and endurance, to the despair of another child that symbolized evil and crime. One hero and one zero. It boggles the mind how through all the adversity, Steven became a symbol of hope, only to lose his life so very young and his brother Cary becomes the epitome of evil and death, yet survives to this day. Your heart weeps for their parents to have lost both boys to such unusual and unlucky circumstances. May Steven and his parents rest in well - deserved peace and may Steven's widow and children keep him in their most cherished memories. Thank you Jeff, for bringing the plight of this family back into focus after all these years in such a reverent and thoughtful fashion.

[@BrittanyAuckerman-iy5tr]

I'm honestly not sure how I even came to know the story of what happened to Steven Stayner, but I have the movie based off of what happened to him and I have watched it many times. I love it and the true heroism of what Steven did to save himself and Timmy White never gets old. I never get tired of hearing it. It's just tragic that both died at such young ages.

[@jacquestedcooper]

You did a wonderful job telling this sad story. My heart goes out to Steven and his parents.

[@donaldbair1523]

Thanks for another well done presentation! It's a shame how short the pervert's sentence was for such a horrible crime.

[@JayS03R]

Very well done!

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks!!!

[@russellj.s.257]

Hard to believe that this happened fifty years ago,I bet a lot of folks who lived in Merced at the time and still to this day live there remember it like yesterday.

[@joelhurley2678]

Thank you Jeff for another fine history lesson. I remember all this, and it was like yesterday. A very sad 😥 story, you always handled it with class.

[@Ravelinn]

Beautiful Episode Jeff & Sarah... very emotional..... im speechless. Thank you

[@janisoconnor6881]

I really like your channel and appreciate how you handled this difficult disturbing story. But I also give you praise for finding and expressing the important lessons and actions we should practice in order to save children suffering abuse.

[@suzanneochs1543]

I so remember this tragic part of history with the Staynor family. Thank you for this in-depth look at both the lives of Steven and Cary. Really enjoyed this episode ! Thank you Jeff and Sarah !

[@frankmarullo228]

Jeff : what can I say but WOW !I left you a comment on your last video and said these video's you and Sarah put together get better with everyone you guys do and you proved me right this one was better then the last one. Also I said about people getting to many chances ! 100 dollar fine. 90 days in jail ? That's crazy... I hope you read this. When you and Sarah run out of stories in CA. Come to montana for some. What became of Stevens wife and children ? Thank you Frank from montana...

[@alanatolstad4824]

I also was thinking about Steven's wife and children...such tragic memories for them.

[@salysellsss]

Part of what makes Jeff’s local videos come alive is the fact that he is from the area and can delve into facts from a more personal perspective. I grew up in the same general area of that part of Merced County so Jeff’s videos really strike a cord with me. Now I’m not saying that he isn’t capable of presenting interesting history of other places because he certainly is a very talented storyteller. He could hold his own against any network TV show, imho. I now eagerly await each new episode! I wish him continued success.

[@junebeardall870]

Thankyou for covering this I have watched the documentary about steven stayner and it was harrowing to watch but your research and coverage was wonderfully done in depth a with compassion,love your channel bless you

[@jbenziggy]

Wow, thank you, June. I appreciate you watching!

[@nadiazahroon6573]

What a tragic story. So many lives intertwined and ruined forever. RIP all. Thanks for this story Jeff. Have a safe week and to Sarah too. I really appreciate the drone shots, they make every story so more understandable and relatable.

[@melissajensen3166]

That was great Jeff. I remember when he got kidnapped. Wasn’t he the first abducted child put on a milk carton? Very sad ending for a remarkable young man. The jail time and fine for the guy that hit him was just infuriating. Thanks for your hard work.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you, Melissa. There are a lot of things that were frustrating about the whole situation. Too much tragedy for a family to have to endure.

[@KA-rq3gz]

Such a sad story. The video you made however was so well done, great job.

[@gerrymaitland9799]

What a sad, tragic story. I'm glad you worked so hard to bring it to us all. You are a very talented storyteller. Keep up the excellent content. Thank you...

[@gregbotlin4446]

Another excellent and thorough video. Thank you Jeff for all your tireless work.

[@barbierebenstorf6153]

Such an incredible story. Thank you for sharing.

[@milliejimenez9434]

Great work putting together this video. It is a very sad story, but i will always remember Steven and Timothy.😢

[@leahreposa4599]

Jeff, this is video brought me to tears. I want to go see that statue. Thank you for the work you put into your videos, I remember so much of this story and the story about his worthless brother. One thing that jumped out at me was the comment about the death penalty being stopped by a jerk that supported it while he ran for office.

[@davepalmerton2429]

Such a sad story, with no happy ending. I couldn't agree more that children are our most precious resource, it's a real shame what some go through. I also feel so sorry for Steven's parents, the misery that they lived through, with both of their children, for different reasons. We must also feel for Timothy's parents, who endured such pain.

[@mariselabaron5249]

As always outstanding job

[@sandygonzalez9701]

I TOTALLY LOVED THE WAY YOU TOLD HIS STORY 💜🦋🙏‼️

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you!

[@MB-vu3ow]

Steven’s story is haunting. It breaks my heart. It is so difficult to imagine the pain this family has endured. How much grief can one family withstand! I will never forget Steven. He is a victim and a hero. R.I.P. Steven.

[@Corgis175]

Your story is very moving and prayers for all the innocents then and now. Peace to all.

[@simons5193]

A tragic but fascinating story. Thank you Jeff.

[@georgesawtooth]

Excellent, sad, beautiful, disturbing, perplexing, and interesting video all rolled up into one from a channel that deserves a million plus subscribers. May all who have passed on in this video be at peace finally.

[@ralphwarkentin7392]

You did a fine job of telling the story,we live here so we are aware of it all thanks

[@JasonKB]

You did a great job researching and sharing the facts of this story. Thanks also to the family who allowed you a brief look into the once Stayner home. That was an especially nice touch.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you so much, Jason!! I appreciate the nice acknowledgement!

[@j.b.a.124]

Another great video. I was moved by the story. Thank you Jeff & Sarah from Jerome in Stevenson Ranch, Ca.

[@beccab6412]

Another great video Jeff. Such an important and tragic piece of history about our little area.

[@pip393]

The tragic events contained within this mind boggling sad story, defy all logic and reason. I'm so distressed my thought processes have completely shut down....I'm lost. 😥.

[@jbenziggy]

I'm sorry it had a bad affect on you. There's no sugarcoating something as bad as this.

[@pip393]

@@jbenziggy I cannot imagine the trauma the innocents of these families had to endure. You seem to have uncovered the very worst of ghoulish humankind in the remarkable events that comprise this very sad story. I dearly hope that through all of this tragedy the survivors somehow were able to find some enduring happiness. You're perfectly correct "There is no sugarcoating something as bad as this". Thank you for your professionalism in publishing a video of this nature in such a painstakingly sensitive and caring way.

[@vernareed2692]

Was so good to see your video come up! Love to hear when you narrate,you have a great voice ! And you all are so thorough & with your facts,teaching interesting stories! Your pictures are so clear,good shots! Keep up the good work! Happy Thanksgiving! I Need to add that poor family,such horrible traumatic events in their lives!! The traumatizing kidnapping of their young boy,never knowing all those yrs,then Steve having to try to heal & live normal after,then his horrible cycle death! And his brother being so evil & sick minded,wonder what made him that way!

[@patrickmcdonald6196]

I dont know how u guys get all the information and even go into their childhood home. You guys do great work and I always look forward to you new posts!

[@jerryrogers3316]

Great show Keep them coming

[@garymckee448]

Thanks another interesting video.

[@gumshoe5365]

Wow, what a very intriguing story you told. Thank you.

[@travelindave]

Another interesting and bizarre complex story and yountell it so well. Thank you Jeff for sharing.

[@mikes3174]

I remember the kidnaping. I was ~12 years old at the time and remember my parents lecturing me and my siblings about this incident, and what to do if..... I also remember when Steven saved Timothy, but did not know about his tragic death until just now. May Steven and Timothy Rest In Peace. Thank you for the time hard work you put into each and every video! God Bless.

[@haroldj.kennedy7300]

I enjoy your postings everytime. Amazing history and insights.. Thankyou

[@WhispersFromTheDark]

Rest in peace Steven. You were, and will always be a hero to everyone who hears your story. God bless you and your Family.

[@melindagordonbeck8958]

Poignant Jeff. We remember this so well. We lived in Merced before moving to the South Valley in Lemoore. As tragic as the story was I can’t thank you enough for all the stops around Merced. We’ve even eaten in the restaurant at Cedar Lodge years ago. So much evil and innocence lost. You did an outstanding job on this. Thank you to the family who allowed you to film the former Stayner home. I’m sure that Delbert Stayner died of a broken heart. Keep the outstanding content coming!

[@wandaweber6613]

Thank you for sharing this story. I had never heard of this.

[@jbenziggy]

You are so welcome! Thank you!

[@susankoch7596]

I remember seeing the lifetime movie about this, so thank you for reporting on it because it’s always more information than what’s in a movie but the movie was good but thank you so much. I appreciate you.❤

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you so very much, Susan. I think the world is a bit wiser from hearing the story of poor Steven. May God sear the hearts of those who would do wrong to children.

[@VinMar-m6w]

It wasn't a Lifetime movie. _I Know My First Name Is Steven_ was a prestigious project produced by NBC and was broadcast on the network over two nights in May 1989. The two-part miniseries was heavily promoted and became a ratings blockbuster, drawing a total of 71.6 million viewers. It was well-received by critics, too, and was nominated for four Emmys: Best TV Movie, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor (Corin Nemec).

[@HUGSANDKISSES62]

Well done!! I like the longer videos, you can put everything in that needs to be told. Thank you!

[@chuckwatson5811]

Another fantastic episode, even though the subject matter was heartbreaking. I remember all of this when it happened, including the discovery that Cary was the suspect and the relation to Steven. So much tragedy all around, more than any family should have to endure. I can only hope for good karma and luck for the surviving members of the Stayner family, (and for the families of Cary's victims).

[@ROBUSTO76]

Great story. Thank you. Hope to visit these statues someday.

[@freesoarsd3294]

Very well done, thank you. I have followed this story since I was a teenager back in the late 80s/90s. I first drew interest from the made-for-tv movie. I was barely 14 at the time. I was in awe of the heroism that Steven did to save both himself and Timothy White. I never realized Cary was the Yosemite killer much later than when it occurred. Such a sad family history, and I hope the other siblings and Steven's Wife and their children are doing well in life. Thank you for showing respect and making a tastefully done documentary honoring Steven and Timothy. I'd love to see you do a documentary of the Donner Party. That is captivating and have taken a big interest in the Pioneer challenges on the Oregon Trail. It would be quite a task to recreate and trace the backstory, but it would be great.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you. We have done several Donner Party episodes! kzbin.info/www/bejne/roCQnnSliZKpd80 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIXLoYl_jNNjo8k kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJyUmWiOd5Kfac0

[@freesoarsd3294]

@@jbenziggy Oh how awesome, thank you! i will watch them.

[@terrydevries914]

Growing up in the Central Valley, I remember these stories so well. Such tragedy in this family. Well done Jeff.

[@CindySeifen]

Yes me too Stockton and Steven and I are same age. 😔 I didn't know bout Timothy till tonight my heart is broke again. Carry killing four amazing woman after the first killing a news interview him and he e be said yeah I'm Steven brother but you could something was off. Ty for telling the story again I will light a candle for be Timothy. The only thing I ever disagreed with Newsom on. 💔

[@staceymay2655]

Always info, Love your channel, Thanks Jeff......

[@stitchlilo01]

Amazing research and another great episode!

[@rebeccahernandez3460]

Thank You for sharing Steven's story. It's so very sad that this young man who had been through so very much, should then die so young, and the same for Timothy White. Neither got the justice they deserved. Rest in Peace Steven and Timothy.

[@dmzabo3914]

Always enjoy the History Hunters. Two really nice people that enjoy the documentation of our American history.

[@denisedean171]

Thanks for sharing .

[@lisadieter-burns]

Wow - wow - wow. I never made the connection with the abducted Steven and his older brother that I also knew from the news. My gosh! Thank you for the education and detail. You always have the right words. This is quite an episode of HH.

[@annhunter6216]

Wow what an incredibly tragic story on so many levels,unbelievable the continued amounts of pain and devastation some people have to endure throughout their lives . Very well put together and researched.

[@pamelag2223]

Thank you Jeff, you have such talent in all the aspects it takes to do these videos and your heart comes through in it always. Hi Sarah! (team)

[@kellyfleming2703]

Very sad story. Very well told by you

[@ronperez5517]

Another remarkable story Jeff, keep up the good work and the stories

[@marydavis57]

You did a great job with this video. I remember when this happened.

[@fountainbiker]

Amazing very sad story, Thanks for your hard work to present this story and may all abductions be resolved in the future. Very interesting to hear this history lesson Jeff.

[@marilynmann265]

Just love all of your videos. You're very informative and give your information in a very calm and an enjoyable way!

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you so much! You’re very kind to say so!

[@pamelaattrux336]

Thanks for this

[@virginiawatson153]

Most informative as are all your videos. Thank you.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks very much!

[@jonheredia8789]

Great job...thank you

[@terrycole9427]

Thank you for the history

[@janicepetty3290]

Very well done.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you kindly!

[@ThomasJamesBeauchene]

Great work! The movie was very sad.

[@chilliechrissy1]

Thank you so much for this amazing video. I’ve always been fascinated with Steven’s story. Seeing his home on the inside and the site where he lost his life, his and Timmy statue, Steven’s grave you did a great job and so respectful. Thank you so much ❤ R.I.P Steven, Timmy and all whom passed 🙏🏻🕊

[@sside8]

Very good video Jeff! Sad story about the Stayner’s.

[@Porsche996driver]

What a beautiful and symbolic statue - thanks for featuring it. We are our brother’s (and children’s) keeper. However - part of your research came up very short - “A court-ordered moratorium on executions has been in place since February 2006, when a federal judge declared that California's lethal injection protocol was unconstitutional.” To combine your pithy misrepresentation of facts with a picture of our Governor is reprehensible. Shame on you.

[@joycemchristiansen6557]

I remember the abduction of Steven then him saving Tim. What a hero. Thank you for sharing his story.

[@dsinavich5141]

Hi Jeff! Although sad , a beautifully told story. You were very respectful to the family . Poor Steven to return home only to pass so young. Once again you are a very gifted storyteller. Thanks for all your hard work to bring us amazing vlogs! Take care ! Deborah Canada

[@normahird9059]

Again another great vlog on Sunday to be followed by the NFL. Thank you for all of the research and preparation for this vlog.