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Description
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Cary Anthony Stayner: The Yosemite Serial Killer

Introduction

Cary Anthony Stayner is an American serial killer who terrorized Yosemite National Park in 1999. His crimes involved the brutal murders of four women, leading to his arrest and conviction. Stayner’s case gained nationwide attention due to the horrific nature of his killings and his family’s tragic past, as his brother, Steven Stayner, was a kidnapping victim who became famous for escaping captivity.

The Crimes

Between February and July of 1999, Cary Stayner committed four brutal murders in and around Yosemite National Park in California. His victims were three tourists and a park employee, each meeting a tragic and violent end.

Victims

  • Carole Sund (February 15, 1999) – A 42-year-old woman from Eureka, California. She was traveling with her daughter and a family friend when they disappeared. Her burned-out rental car was discovered on March 18, 1999, and her charred remains were found inside the trunk.
  • Juli Sund (February 15, 1999) – The 15-year-old daughter of Carole Sund. Her remains were found in a remote area near Lake Don Pedro on March 25, 1999. She had been strangled.
  • Silvina Pelosso (February 15, 1999) – A 16-year-old exchange student from Argentina traveling with the Sunds. Her body was found in the burned-out vehicle along with Carole Sund. She had been strangled to death.
  • Joie Ruth Armstrong (July 21, 1999) – A 26-year-old Yosemite naturalist who was beheaded near her cabin in Yosemite National Park. Her body was discovered the following day, with her head found some distance away.
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Victims
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Confirmed Victims: (4)
  • Carole Evon Sund Age: (42), Date of Death: February 15, 1999
  •     ...View 3 additional victims
    Suspected Victims:
  • Patricia Marie Patty Hicks Dahlstrom Age: (28), Date of Death: September 1982
  • Jesse Jerrold Jerry Stayner Age: (42), Date of Death: December 26, 1990
  • Sharalyn Mavonne Murphy Age: (24)
  • Denise Smith Age: (34)
  • Michael Larry Mike Madden Age: (20), Date of Death: August 10, 1996
  • Links to Additional Sources (14)
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    Killer's Details

    Cary Anthony

    Stayner

    August 13, 1961 (age 63) Merced, California, United States

    Male

    White

    The Yosemite Park Killer, The Yosemite Killer

    Stayners crimes involved abductions, sexual assault, and murder. His victims were primarily women, and he targeted them in the Yosemite area.

    First degree murder (x4)

    Death

    4

    February - July 1999

    California

    July 24, 1999

    San Quentin State Prison (CDCR #: T75166) — San Quentin, California

    07/03/2025