how was steven stayner kidnapped

Steven Stayner was kidnapped in 1972 when he was just seven years old. While walking home from school in Merced, California, he was approached by a man named Kenneth Parnell, who was posing as a private investigator. Parnell told Steven that his parents had given him permission to take him away for a while. Trusting the man, Steven went with him. Parnell abducted Steven and took him to a remote cabin in Catheys Valley, California. He changed Steven's name to "Dennis Parnell" and told him that his family had abandoned him. Over the next several years, Steven was subjected to physical and emotional abuse, and he lived in fear of Parnell. Despite the traumatic circumstances, Steven eventually learned to survive the situation and made efforts to adapt to life with his captor. In 1980, after seven years of captivity, Steven escaped and returned home to his family. His story gained national attention, and he became a symbol of hope and resilience for many. The case also drew attention to issues of child abduction and the importance of child safety.