Heartbreaking Story of Steven Stayner

Who Was Steven Stayner?

Steven Gregory Stayner was born on April 18, 1965 in Merced, California. He grew up in a large, working-class family with four siblings. His childhood, until the age of 7, was unremarkable full of the usual laughter, chores, and school days.

But on a chilly afternoon in 1972, Steven's life changed forever and his name would go on to become synonymous with both heartbreaking loss and incredible bravery.

Timeline of Events

December 4, 1972 — The Kidnapping

- Steven was walking home from school when he was approached by a man handing out religious pamphlets.

- This man, later identified as Ervin Edward Murphy told Steven he was collecting donations for the church.