Not only was it a miracle, but during his escape, he had also rescued another 5-year-old boy who had been kidnapped. The devastation of losing their son twice within 10 years was excruciating for Steven Stayner's parents. Born In: Merced, California, United States, Spouse/Ex-: Jody Edmondson (m. 19851989). Two kidnapped boys, a hero's return, then a tragic twist: The However, his sexual abuse of the boy never stopped. Both Kay and her husband confessed that they were not the best parents even when Steven returned feelings were still never discussed. Jody said (perThe Spokesman-Review): Im very, very, very angry. In the time leading up to Stevens sudden death in 1989, the couple had been estranged but were working towards making things better. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! Over the next few years, he had some trouble adjustingto living with his family. Hawkins said: She was the one who stayed so strong and calm and collected through that seven-year-ordeal. He later moved with his mother, his two half-sisters, and a half-brother to Bakersfield, California, where his mother operated a boarding lodge. Then in 1980, as Stayner matured, Parnell kidnapped a younger boy, 5-year-old Timothy "Timmy" White. The officers soon realized that both of the boys had actually been kidnapped, and the one identifying himself as Dennis Parnell was actually Steven Stayner. A $300-million (minimum) gondola to Dodger Stadium? Steven had become a famous figure, and not everyone liked all the attention he was getting. As reported by The Famous People, the man, who was later identified as Ervin Edward Murphy, said he was a representative of a local church and was seeking donations for his parish. He also had a small, speechless role in the TV series as one of two policemen who escort his 14-year-old self to his onscreen parents. He was a good student, a good artist, and he was very loving. She let go of all the values instilled in her as a child and cried while begging them to spare Carys life. [14] He paid $100 for a birth certificate and had $400 on his person for the completion of the transaction when he was to receive the child on January 3, 2003. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. He loved his brother, his former calssmate, Jack Bungart, told the news outlet. [16][17] According to prison officials, Parnell died of natural causes. MERCED, Calif. (AP) _ Steven Stayner, kidnapped at the age of 7 and forced to live as the sexually abused foster son of his abductor until he escaped seven years later, has been killed in a hit-and-run traffic accident.