7 Unbelievable Twists In Netflix's 'Unknown Number: The High School Catfish' True Story
The digital age has gifted us with endless connection, but it also harbors sinister secrets, a truth brutally exposed in the Netflix documentary, Unknown Number: The High School Catfish. Released to critical buzz, this true-crime deep dive, which remains a hot topic as of December 22, 2025, chronicles a cyberbullying case that terrorized a Michigan high school couple, only to culminate in one of the most disturbing twists in recent true-crime history. The shocking reality—that the perpetrator was not a stranger, but a trusted family member—has left viewers reeling and questioning the very nature of trust in the online world.
This documentary, directed by Skye Borgman (known for Abducted in Plain Sight), unravels the intricate, two-year-long campaign of harassment against teenager Lauryn Licari and her boyfriend, Owen McKenny. What started as unsettling text messages quickly escalated into a full-blown psychological assault, threatening their lives, relationships, and standing within their community. The ultimate reveal of the "catfish's" identity is a cautionary tale about digital anonymity and the dark side of parental control.
The Central Figures and Shocking Details of the Licari Catfish Case
The story focuses on a small-town nightmare that unfolded in the community of Mount Pleasant, Michigan. The following are the key individuals and entities involved in the case that inspired the Netflix documentary:
- Kendra Licari: The central figure and perpetrator. She was a 42-year-old former elementary school basketball coach and a mother of two. Her shocking actions of cyberstalking and cyberbullying her own daughter and her daughter's boyfriend form the core of the documentary.
- Lauryn Licari: The primary victim. A high school student from Mount Pleasant, Michigan, who endured nearly two years of relentless and emotionally damaging harassment via anonymous texts and social media accounts.
- Owen McKenny: Lauryn's boyfriend and co-victim. He was also targeted by the anonymous cyberbully, which put significant strain on his relationship and his mental health.
- Shawn Licari: Lauryn's father and Kendra's husband. He was initially a concerned parent helping to track the perpetrator, unaware of his wife's double life.
- Mount Pleasant High School: The setting for the initial events, where the cyberbullying campaign began and targeted students.
- Michigan State Police (MSP): The law enforcement agency that took on the complex investigation, eventually tracing the IP addresses and digital footprints to the culprit.
- Isabella County Prosecutor's Office: The legal entity responsible for charging and prosecuting Kendra Licari.
- Skye Borgman: The director of the Netflix documentary, known for her work in the true-crime genre.
- "Unknown Number": The title of the documentary, referring to the anonymous texts that kicked off the terrifying ordeal.
The investigation was particularly challenging due to the sophisticated nature of the cyberbullying, which involved using VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) and burner phones to mask the source. The sheer volume of messages—over 12,000 texts, calls, and social media posts—demonstrates the obsessive nature of the perpetrator's campaign.
The Unmasking: How the Mother Became the Most Unlikely Catfish
The biggest reveal, which catapulted the story into global headlines and made the Netflix documentary a must-watch, was the identity of the person behind the "Unknown Number."
The Digital Breadcrumbs That Led to Kendra Licari
For nearly two years, the Licari family, along with local authorities, were baffled. The cyberbully seemed to know intimate details of Lauryn and Owen's lives, their schedules, and their private conversations, leading them to suspect a close friend, a jealous classmate, or perhaps a disgruntled teacher. The case languished until the Michigan State Police got involved and began the arduous process of tracing the digital trail.
The breakthrough came when investigators were able to link the anonymous messages to multiple IP addresses. The crucial piece of evidence, however, was a slip-up: one of the anonymous accounts was briefly logged into without the use of a VPN, exposing a home IP address. That address belonged to the Licari family residence.
Investigators initially suspected the father, Shawn Licari, or another relative. The true shock came when forensic analysis pointed directly to Kendra Licari. The discovery was not just a legal development; it was a devastating personal betrayal that shattered the family unit. The documentary meticulously details the emotional toll on Lauryn, who had been seeking comfort and help from the very person terrorizing her.
Where Are Kendra, Lauryn, and the Victims Now? (2025 Update)
The most pressing question for viewers of Unknown Number: The High School Catfish is the current status of the individuals involved, especially the perpetrator and the victims. The legal proceedings and the aftermath have been closely watched, providing a necessary update to the documentary's ending.
Kendra Licari's Sentencing and Current Status
Kendra Licari faced serious charges, including two counts of stalking a minor and two counts of using a computer to commit a crime. In 2023, she pleaded guilty to all charges. The judge sentenced her to a minimum of 19 months to a maximum of five years in prison, reflecting the severity and duration of the psychological abuse she inflicted.
As of late 2025, Kendra Licari is serving her prison sentence in a Michigan correctional facility. Her case serves as a stark reminder of the legal consequences of cyberbullying, even when the perpetrator is a parent. Her motivation remains a subject of intense speculation, with theories ranging from a desire to control her daughter's life to a deep-seated psychological issue.
Lauryn Licari and Owen McKenny's Lives Post-Documentary
The documentary highlights the immense trauma suffered by Lauryn and Owen. The emotional damage from the constant harassment and the ultimate betrayal by a parent is profound. However, both have shown incredible resilience.
- Lauryn Licari: She has moved on from the ordeal, focusing on her education and her future. Her participation in the documentary was a courageous step toward sharing her story and advocating for greater awareness about cyberbullying and online safety. She has sought to maintain a private life away from the spotlight since the trial concluded.
- Owen McKenny: He also had to navigate the emotional fallout from the cyberstalking. The experience was a major disruption to his high school years, but he has also worked to rebuild his life and move forward, finding ways to cope with the violation of his privacy.
The case has had a lasting impact on the entire community of Mount Pleasant, Michigan, prompting discussions about digital literacy, parental oversight, and the true meaning of online safety. The documentary is not just a true-crime sensation; it is an urgent warning about the hidden dangers that can lurk within the closest family circles in the age of the internet.
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