The Lost Years: Steven Stayner’s Journey from Abduction to Heroism

Early Life in Merced: A Quiet Beginning

Steven Gregory Stayner was born on April 18, 1965, in Merced, California, as the third of five children to Delbert and Kay Stayner. Raised in a modest household, Steven's early years were marked by the typical experiences of a young boy growing up in a close-knit community. His family, including his older brother Cary and three sisters, lived a relatively peaceful life until a tragic event disrupted their world.

The Abduction: A Life Altered

On December 4, 1972, seven-year-old Steven was approached by Ervin Edward Murphy, an accomplice of convicted child molester Kenneth Parnell. Murphy, under the guise of seeking donations for a church, lured Steven into Parnell's car. Parnell then abducted Steven, taking him to a remote cabin in Catheys Valley, California. There, Parnell manipulated Steven into believing that his parents no longer wanted him and that Parnell had legal custody. This deception marked the beginning of seven years of captivity. ...Read More

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