A Life Full of Purpose
Carole Evon Sund (April 25, 1956 – February 15, 1999) was a vibrant woman whose life was tragically cut short during a vacation in Yosemite National Park. A devoted mother, wife, and friend, her story is one of love, loss, and a legacy of compassion. This post honors Carole, focusing on her life and the impact she left behind, as part of our commitment to centering victims in the Dark Dialogue narrative.
A Life Full of Purpose
Carole, born in Eureka, California, was a prominent realtor alongside her husband, Jens Sund, in the Stockton area. Known for her meticulous organization, she lived by a thick daily planner, balancing family, work, and community with grace. She was a mother to four children—three adopted and one biological, including her daughter Juli, who was 15 at the time of their tragic trip. Carole’s nurturing spirit extended to Silvina Pelosso, a 16-year-old Argentine exchange student and friend of Juli’s, whom she welcomed into their home for three months. Her love for her family was evident in every detail, from tracking dozens of birthdays to planning memorable trips, like the one to Yosemite in February 1999.
Carole’s warmth and reliability made her a pillar in her community. Her parents, Francis and Carole Carrington, were also real estate developers, and her father described her as someone who mirrored his work ethic—completing tasks before seeking pleasure. She was known for never veering from her planned route, making her disappearance all the more alarming. Her dedication to her family shone through in moments like taking Silvina to Disneyland, San Francisco, and Yosemite to ensure her visit was unforgettable.
The Tragic Yosemite Trip
On February 12, 1999, Carole, Juli, and Silvina embarked on a trip to Yosemite, a place Carole knew well from past visits. After flying to San Francisco and renting a red Pontiac Grand Prix, they stopped in Stockton for Juli’s cheerleading contest before checking into Cedar Lodge in El Portal on February 14. On February 15, they were last seen dining at the lodge’s restaurant. That night, Cary Stayner, a handyman at the lodge, gained entry to their room under the pretense of fixing a leak. He bound the trio with duct tape, strangled Carole and Silvina, and later killed Juli near Lake Don Pedro. Their bodies were found weeks later—Carole and Silvina in the burned-out rental car on March 19, and Juli on March 25, after Stayner sent a taunting map to authorities.
The case drew national attention, with Jens Sund and the Carringtons offering a $300,000 reward for information. Despite a massive FBI search, the truth emerged only after Stayner’s confession following his arrest for a fourth murder in July 1999. He was convicted in 2002 and sentenced to death, though California’s moratorium on executions leaves him on death row. Carole’s wallet, found in Modesto, was a deliberate misdirection by Stayner, adding to the family’s anguish during the month-long search.
A Legacy of Compassion
Carole’s loss, alongside Juli and Silvina’s, left an indelible mark. Her parents, Francis and Carole Carrington, channeled their grief into the Carole Sund/Carrington Memorial Reward Foundation, established in April 1999 with a $200,000 donation. The foundation has since provided over $1.1 million in rewards across 30 states to help families of missing or murdered loved ones. This legacy reflects Carole’s caring nature, ensuring her spirit continues to support others in crisis.
At her memorial in Eureka on April 11, 1999, Carole was remembered as a woman who brought people together. She and Juli share a tombstone at Saint Bernard’s Cemetery, a symbol of their unbreakable bond. Jens spoke of their opposite personalities forming a perfect team, while their daughter Gina’s poem captured the profound grief: “Deep in my heart I know something my mind does not want to learn.”
Honoring Carole’s Memory
Carole Evon Sund was more than a victim of a heinous crime. She was a planner, a protector, and a beacon of love for her family and community. As we share her story on Dark Dialogue, we honor her by focusing on her life, not just her death. Let’s hold space for her memory and reject sensationalism, as her family urged during the investigation. If you have information about unresolved cases, contact authorities, not social media.
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