Tragedies of Merced's Stayner Family
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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
Пікірлер: 771
The most disgusting thing about this is the SHORT sentences his abductors got.
@garyschultz7768
Жыл бұрын
Liberal California ..
@flightofthebumblebee9529
10 ай бұрын
Parnell was an absolute monster. The other guy was not bad.
@talkingstraightwithnate
10 ай бұрын
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
10 ай бұрын
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
10 ай бұрын
@@flightofthebumblebee9529 The one that kidnapped Steven ?
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
2 жыл бұрын
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.
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
2 жыл бұрын
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
2 жыл бұрын
God bless Steven and Timmy. It's so horrible. It goes to show how horrible crimes ripple out and destroy many lives.
@ninademci1500
Жыл бұрын
@conniephillips8217, I wholeheartedly agree!
@1Maddd2mackxxx
3 ай бұрын
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
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!
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
2 жыл бұрын
I agreed. What a sad story 😢
@flightofthebumblebee9529
2 жыл бұрын
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
Жыл бұрын
both perps got ridiculous sentences
@ninademci1500
Жыл бұрын
@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
Ай бұрын
Makes it even worse is his brother destroyed his younger brothers reputation by committing horrific murders.
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.
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! 🙏
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.
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! 🙏
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
2 жыл бұрын
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
2 жыл бұрын
@@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
2 жыл бұрын
@@GrapeApe2018 God bless you too, and Randy’s mom and family and friends.
@GrapeApe2018
Жыл бұрын
@Julie Patrick 💜
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.
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.
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.
Gripping and sad story, the respect you showed for Steven and Timothy shines through.
@jbenziggy
2 жыл бұрын
We hope that the respect showed! Thanks!
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.
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.
Your videos are so well produced and narrated....Thanks!
@jbenziggy
2 жыл бұрын
Wow, thank you! We appreciate the praises! Thanks!
Such a sad story. It's really no wonder Steven couldn't adjust to life after all he'd been through RIP Steven
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!
You did a wonderful job telling this sad story. My heart goes out to Steven and his parents.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
OMG, what an episode... Thank you, Jeff for telling us this story. I had never heard of this family. 💔🌈
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.
Growing up in the Central Valley, I remember these stories so well. Such tragedy in this family. Well done Jeff.
@CindySeifen
Ай бұрын
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. 💔
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!👍
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
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.
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)
Thank you Jeff for this documentary, very well done! I remember this like it was yesterday, both Steven and Cary‘s stories. I wasn’t aware Timothy had become a police officer. Unfortunately I have to think of Cary every time I pass the Cedar Lodge on my way to Yosemite. That image just won’t leave my mind! The news of the murders and subsequent man hunt so dominated the Central Valley at the time. I am glad Steven‘s heroism was recognized with a statue. It helps bring awareness to victims of kidnapping. Dirtbag Parnell got off way too lightly. It’s a shame!
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.
So many sites and videos about this but as expected, History Hunters presented it with a new perspective, omitting the more gruesome and sensational aspects, remembering the many victims touched by this tragedy. Thank you.
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).
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
Great video Jeff. I’ve heard of this story a long time ago but not as in depth as you have shown and explained to us. It’s unfathomable that someone could think or let alone act out these heinous acts on a child? Absolutely disgusting! And the guy that abducted Steven I think should of been given a lot harsher sentence than he originally got and the same with the accomplice! It’s a tragedy what happened to Stevens brother and fortunately he was caught and put away. Thanks again for the great video and all the hard work you put in to them! Take care and see ya on the next one! Frank from Philadelphia, PA.
Very respectful history lesson on these tragedies of the family. I remember two victims were found in the car trunk off of highway 108 above Long Barn. The car was driven on a forest road and set on fire. Being in the winter it wasn’t found until Spring. Sad to hear Timmy White died early, RIP.
Appreciate all your efforts in bringing us your thoughtful videos
He was my age and I remember when he was abducted and when he came home. Then when he died in the motorcycle accident I felt so bad. I never knew him but I felt so bad that he went through so much in his short life. He was a Hero in my eyes. Then the brother did what he did and I remember the Modesto police found a wallet on Briggsmore belonging to one of the Yosemite tourist and they somehow connected it to a guy living in Modesto and chased him down and he happened to enter a home to barricade himself and it was near my parents house. And my daughter’s school bus was stopped by police because the bus used to stop in front of the house the guy was barricaded in. But later they realized he wasn’t the murderer. It’s a small world . Prayers for all these victims. Thank you for sharing their stories 🙏🕊️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️❤
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
2 жыл бұрын
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.
What is survival? It's lifetime of facing the past - some days good, some not. The real struggle is to not let it define you. Steven survived and defeated evil by not becoming the monster his captors were. He became a loving father and devoted husband. No matter his struggles with his inner demons, we know all we need to know about Steven's heart when he saved Timothy. Despite evil's intentions, Steven did the right thing. I pray that any child suffering right now be free of their bonds. This was very powerful and very personal. Thank you.
@jbenziggy
2 жыл бұрын
You put it in words very nicely! Wonderful reflection on Steven’s life!
@jennypotts2008
2 жыл бұрын
Yes🙏🏾
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 🙏🏼
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.
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.
One can really sence that extra effort put into making this video. To see the inside of the Staynor house gave it that extra dimension and made it feel more real without being tasteless.
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
Great job on a sad story 😢
Thank you for sharing this tragic yet uplifting story.
What a story !!! Thank you for sharing!!!
Tragic story. You did an amazing job in the storytelling and quality of the video. We appreciate the skill and professionalism in all involved!!
You did a great job sharing two very hard stories to tell.
I hope your channel goes all over the world and there was a lot of people watching
A very sad set of tragedies, I remember it all very well as I lived in Modesto at the time. I was in Jr High when Steven was taken and we were very careful after that. How heartbreaking that Steven was killed, then his parents had to endure the horrific truth of his brother. As usual you did a very good job of telling a difficult story to hear. I always look for your episodes to watch w/my Sunday morning coffee. This one took me back to my youth as I am a grandma now. But it still breaks my heart all these years later.
Thank you so much Jeff. I lived in Merced for many years and remember these tragedies like they happened yesterday. Raised my 4 children in that town. There were so many gruesome murders in Merced, involving children, that the kids in town started referring to it as "Merdead". This was an extremely emotional video and I appreciate all the hard work you did in making it.
Thank you again Jeff! What a horrendous situation for Steven!! I look very forward to every new episode of History Hunters.
Jeff, I've heard that a good story will evoke emotion. This one certainly does. I found myself wrestling with sadness, anger, fear and utter disbelieve. Memories of both these breaking and shocking events brought them all back. No doubt a tough one to present, many thanks to both you and Sarah for doing such a thoroughly good job on this sensitive and moving story. I also appreciate the exclusive tour of the Stayner residence. This episode has to be one of your finest. Keep up the good work and congratulations on surpassing the 60k mark! Wishing you both much, much more success!
I didn’t realize Steve was just 4 days older then me, I’ve couldn’t imagine being abducted at such a young age. RIP Steven.
As always outstanding job
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.
I remember this incident back in the late 1980’s. I watched the movie made about him and saw the new media about Steven motorcycle accident. In fact I rented the Steven movie from blockbuster back in the day. You cover some AWESOME STUFF 😀
Jeff, I appreciate your compassionate telling of this story. Thanks for the time you take to research these things.
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 🙏🏻🕊
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.
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.
Wow, what a great episode! The months of hard work show. This episode is very well put together, the story is told in a linear, and easy to follow fashion, and the use of then and now images really help put the viewer into the story. I especially like the side-by-side photo of the intersection of the motorcycle crash. Just like the Highway to Heaven episode where you overlay the graveyard from the HTH to your visit. I love that extra effort. Great work.
This is such a complicated and sad story all around, thank you for putting this together, you did a great job! So tragic about this family. I hope Steven is resting in peace.
Thanks for sharing .
Such a sad story. The video you made however was so well done, great job.
Great job as usual. I am learning so much
Thankyou, again and again for always touching my heart with your sharing
That’s is awesome. Extremely well done.
Thank you , awesome video
Great show Keep them coming
Thanks for this
Great video
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 !
Great Work Jeff the most in depth video of this story, Sad to see that the cause that started all this Pain to the Victims and Family they got away with it with just a few years.
What a tragic story. I hadn't heard of it before, and glad you put it up. There's nothing worse than a missing child. Thanks!
Another excellent and thorough video. Thank you Jeff for all your tireless work.
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
2 жыл бұрын
Wow, thank you, June. I appreciate you watching!
Jeff, thanks 👍 for doing this story and getting this message out.
Think you for all your videos.
Awesome video Jeff and Sarah!, Thanks
@jbenziggy
2 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
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
2 жыл бұрын
I also was thinking about Steven's wife and children...such tragic memories for them.
@salysellsss
2 жыл бұрын
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.
This was a disturbing video but presented in your usual tactful manor. I cringe to think of how hard it was for you to deal with this subject matter for months. Thank you for presenting it to us. God bless you and Sarah. 😔🙏🏻❤️
Well done video. Thank you for sharing.
@jbenziggy
2 жыл бұрын
You are welcome! Thanks for the compliment, Cheryl!
Such an incredible story. Thank you for sharing.
Wow. What a story. Thanks for sharing it!
Such a tragic story, but needed to be told! Thank you Jeff. Gr8 as always!
Thanks Jeff, great video. So sad for that family.
Love your channel!! Learn so much of history. Thank you
Jeff , You always do a fabulous job . I watch every one you make and look forward to the next one .
thanks for sharing...great video
I remember all of this very well! Outstanding work Jeff!
Beautiful Episode Jeff & Sarah... very emotional..... im speechless. Thank you
Excellent video this morning. We look forward to your Sunday Morning history postings.... Thank You.
This was amazingly told. Thank you for your preparation!
@jbenziggy
2 жыл бұрын
You are so welcome! Thank you for watching, Dan!
Thank you for sharing. 🌹
@jbenziggy
2 жыл бұрын
You’re welcome! Thank you for watching!