The Yosemite Killer: Serial Killer Cary Stayner’s Trail of Death

Yosemite National Park — a place of breathtaking beauty — became the backdrop for one of the most shocking murder cases in American history. Cary Stayner, a hotel handyman with a tragic family past, turned serial killer in 1999, brutally murdering four women near the park. What stunned the public even more was his connection to another infamous case: his younger brother Steven Stayner had been abducted as a child and later became a national hero for escaping.

In this chilling episode, we dive deep into the twisted psychology of Cary Stayner, his carefully planned murders, and the contrast between two brothers forever linked by trauma and crime. From serene landscapes to horrifying crime scenes, this is the story of how a killer hid in plain sight — and how Yosemite became the scene of unspeakable horror.

Content Warning: This episode contains graphic content, including descriptions of sexual violence and murder.

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