Crime & Justice • Serial Killer

Cary Stayner

Cary Anthony Stayner is an American serial killer convicted of murdering four women in California in 1999.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Cary Anthony Stayner is an American serial killer convicted of murdering four women in California in 1999. He became known as the Yosemite Killer because the killings occurred near Yosemite National Park. He was sentenced to death in 2002 and remains on death row.

Background

Cary Stayner was born in 1961 in the United States and later worked in California. He is also known as the older brother of Steven Stayner, whose abduction and escape drew national attention.

Murders

In 1999, Stayner killed four women over a period of months near Yosemite National Park. The crimes led to the nickname Yosemite Killer or Yosemite Park Killer.

Trial and sentence

Stayner was convicted in 2002 on murder and related charges. He received a death sentence and has remained incarcerated on death row in California.

Public attention

The case attracted major media coverage partly because of the earlier fame of his brother Steven Stayner. It also became one of the best-known serial murder cases associated with Yosemite National Park.

Key facts

Stayner murdered four women between February and July 1999 in and around Yosemite National Park.
The victims included Carole Sund, Juli Sund, Silvina Pelosso, and Joie Armstrong.
He was a mechanic or maintenance worker in Mariposa County, California, during the killings.
He was convicted in 2002 and sentenced to death.
He is the older brother of Steven Stayner, who was abducted as a child and later became widely known for escaping captivity.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Cary Stayner?

Cary Stayner is an American serial killer convicted of murdering four women in California in 1999.

Why is he called the Yosemite Killer?

He was called the Yosemite Killer because the murders took place near Yosemite National Park.

How many victims did Cary Stayner have?

He was convicted of killing four women.

What happened to Cary Stayner after his trial?

He was sentenced to death in 2002 and remains on death row in California.

Is Cary Stayner related to Steven Stayner?

Yes. Cary Stayner is the older brother of Steven Stayner.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cary_Stayner
Supports: Birth date, identity, victims, nickname, conviction, and death sentence
Biography — https://www.biography.com/crime/a65637626/cary-stayner-yosemite-serial-killer
Supports: Overview of the 1999 murders, conviction, and sentencing
ABC News — https://abcnews.com/US/steven-cary-stayner-tale-brothers-horror-heroism/story?id=60529944
Supports: Relationship to Steven Stayner and status on death row
Modesto Bee — https://www.modbee.com/news/local/crime/article224880635.html
Supports: Brother relationship, case summary, and sentencing