Kenneth Eugene Parnell, born on September 26, 1931, ascended to notoriety as an American sex offender, convicted kidnapper, and child rapist. His infamous deeds unfolded in the abduction of two juveniles in Merced, California: Steven Stayner, aged 7 at the time, and Timothy White, a mere 5 years old.
In the annum 1972, a scant three weeks anterior to the jubilant festivities of Christmas, the destiny of 7-year-old Steven Stayner underwent an irreversible metamorphosis. His tranquil existence in the suburban enclave of Merced, California, took a mundane Monday turn on his way home from school.
On this fateful day, a stranger from Texas abducted him—a stranger who would detain him for a harrowing seven years.
In the 1950s, Parnell had already faced incarceration for heinous acts against children and impersonation of a law enforcement official. Subsequently, he secured a position at a resort within Yosemite National Park, attempting to persuade Ervin Edward Murphy to join him in a ministerial career.
By 1972, Parnell had successfully swayed Murphy to aid in the abduction of a young boy.
On December 4th, the abductors cunningly lured Stayner into Parnell’s vehicle, masquerading as benevolent Samaritans offering him a ride home.
Once entangled in captivity, Stayner endured grievous acts of assault within an isolated cabin in the secluded confines of Catheys Valley. Despite chances to escape, Stayner chose to attend local schools under an alias, driven by terror.
As time passed, Parnell directed him to partake in another abduction, as he could no longer sustain his nefarious objectives alone.
The Abduction of Steven Stayner
Steven Gregory Stayner, born on April 18, 1965, in Merced, California, assumed the mantle of the eldest sibling among four. He shared kinship with a younger sibling named Cary, as well as three sisters.
Although nurtured within almond groves and peach orchards by Delbert and Kay Stayner, his upbringing unfolded in the rustic agrarian expanse of Merced.
To enact their stratagem, Murphy approached Stayner, posing as a church representative inquiring about potential family donations.
The young boy affirmed such donations and consented to accompany Murphy. Upon reaching their destination, Parnell informed Stayner that his parents had renounced their parental claims.
Pausing at a highway payphone, Parnell simulated a call to Stayner’s parents, returning with news of their disavowal of any intention of reclamation.
Stayner’s parents, realizing his failure to return home, promptly notified the Merced Police Department. Despite efforts, authorities found themselves impotent in locating the absent child. On December 17th, Stayner was consigned to Parnell’s cabin, suffering the initial instance of abhorrent abuses.
Even as Stayner remained captive, Parnell’s maltreatment escalated. Besides enduring relentless exploitation, Stayner was misled to believe his parents were financially incapable of caring for all their offspring.
He was informed that Parnell now held legal custody, and he would henceforth be known as "Dennis Gregory Parnell," retaining his middle name. Despite Catheys Valley's proximity to Merced, investigators grappled fruitlessly, confronting an abyss of uncertainty. Simultaneously, Parnell enshrined Stayner within Steele Lane Elementary School, portraying himself as the boy’s paternal figure, a mere fortnight following his vanishing.He was informed that Parnell now held legal custody and that he would henceforth be known as “Dennis Gregory Parnell,” while retaining his middle name.
While Catheys Valley in Mariposa County lay a short distance from Merced, investigators grappled fruitlessly for leads, confronting an abyss of uncertainty in their quest. Simultaneously, Parnell enshrined Stayner within Steele Lane Elementary School, casting himself as the boy’s paternal figure, a mere fortnight following his vanishing.
Despite a modicum of expanded mobility, Stayner remained a vulnerable child, bereft of escape capability. Parnell orchestrated relocations, each locale serving as a prison where Stayner endured abuse not solely from Parnell but also from others.
Amid acclimating to his new life and grappling with alcoholism, Stayner received a Manchester Terrier from Parnell, a canine companion named Queenie.
Parnell’s behavior remained unaltered, culminating in inviting Barbara Mathias to cohabitate. This arrangement allowed Mathias to subject the 11-year-old Stayner to maltreatment with impunity.
As Stayner matured, Parnell’s perverse cravings impelled him to seek a younger victim. Although beseeching Stayner to assist, the young boy steadfastly refused.
However, Parnell’s depravity reached its zenith on February 14, 1980, as he exploited Stayner and classmate Randall Sean Poorman to abduct a five-year-old girl, whom he subsequently ended.
Parnell’s Captive Cabin
After seven protracted years, Steven Stayner emerged as a fugitive from his captor’s grasp.
A fortnight since Timothy White's abduction, the anguished cries of the young boy stirred Stayner to action. Despite granted latitude by Parnell, Stayner defied his captor to facilitate Timothy’s escape.
On March 1, 1980, the most dreaded scenario for the kidnapper, Parnell, transpired. Two victims, including Stayner, fled the cabin during his stint as a security guard. Stayner hitched a ride with White, returning him to Ukiah. Though he cooperated fully with the authorities, articulating the ordeal proved initially challenging.
“I know my first name is Steven,” he uttered.
Kenneth Eugene Parnell, having abducted seven-year-old Steven Stayner, endeavored to raise him as his own, inflicting unspeakable torment for seven years. Only through the combined efforts of Steven and another kidnapped boy did they elude their captor’s clutches.
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