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.

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

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.

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.

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! 🙏

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!

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 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! 🙏

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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)

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!👍

Appreciate all your efforts in bringing us your thoughtful videos

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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).

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.

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 🙏🕊️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️❤

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.

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.

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!

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.

Tragic story. You did an amazing job in the storytelling and quality of the video. We appreciate the skill and professionalism in all involved!!

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

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.

Thank you again Jeff! What a horrendous situation for Steven!! I look very forward to every new episode of History Hunters.

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.

I hope your channel goes all over the world and there was a lot of people watching

Jeff, I appreciate your compassionate telling of this story. Thanks for the time you take to research these things.

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

You did a great job sharing two very hard stories to tell.

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.

Thank you for sharing this tragic yet uplifting story.

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

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.

Thank you for taking the time to bring us the history videos that you do

Thankyou, again and again for always touching my heart with your sharing

Thanks for this

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.

Jeff , You always do a fabulous job . I watch every one you make and look forward to the next one .

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

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.

Thanks for sharing .

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.

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

Thank you , awesome video

Good job, this was a tough one to approach and you covered it very well.

What a story !!! Thank you for sharing!!!

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 !

New subscriber here. Have devoured your videos in the past few days, adding a slough of places I want to visit or re-visit. Love and appreciate your coverage of local places, people and events that time has somehow dissolved. I almost didn't watch this video because the tragic stories of Steven and Cary have been regurgitated too often, but I'm glad I did. You did a great job at delivering the events in a direct but compassionate manner. Happy to learn about the memorial that was erected for Steven (and Timothy). Added that to my places to visit! What a beautiful tribute to him and a nod to his parents for raising a benevolent, courageous young man. I can't imagine the hell that family has endured. So many victims in this tragedy, not to mention the inexcusable sentencing laws for predators. Thank you for your diligence in providing us with this level of detail. Much appreciated.

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.

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!

Love your channel!! Learn so much of history. Thank you

Think you for all your videos.

This was amazingly told. Thank you for your preparation!

Great job on a sad story 😢

As always outstanding job

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...

Great show Keep them coming

I really appreciate and enjoy your videos, thank you and keep them coming.

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.

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

Great job as usual. I am learning so much

I love your channel. Everything is so interesting.

Great job Jeff!! Really appreciate the amount of effort you put into these vids, even for just a 20 min video. I will make sure to share your vids. Keep up the great work and content!

Awesome video Jeff and Sarah!, Thanks

Jeff, thanks 👍 for doing this story and getting this message out.

I remember all of this very well! Outstanding work Jeff!

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

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

Such a tragic story, but needed to be told! Thank you Jeff. Gr8 as always!

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!

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...

Well done. Well researched. Beautifully and respectfully narrated and presented xo

Great video guy's! Me and my uncle love your videos and the history we learn about the area we live in!! Thanks and keep up the great work

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

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.

Thank you for all your hard work!!!