5 Shocking Revelations From Netflix's 'Unknown Number: The High School Catfish' And Where The Mother Is Now
The true-crime landscape was irrevocably shaken on August 29, 2025, with the Netflix release of the documentary *Unknown Number: The High School Catfish*. This film, directed by true-crime veteran Skye Borgman, delves into a cyberbullying case that quickly became a national sensation due to its gut-wrenching twist: the perpetrator was not a stranger, but a trusted family member. The documentary is a chilling exploration of manipulation, control, and the dark side of digital anonymity, forcing viewers to confront the terrifying reality of who might be on the other side of an anonymous screen.
The case, which originated in the small, tight-knit community of Beal City, Michigan, involves a mother's two-year campaign of harassment against her own teenage daughter and her boyfriend. With its recent release, the documentary has sparked renewed conversations about parental control, the psychological toll of cyberbullying, and the adequacy of current laws to address digital crimes.
The Key Figures and Chilling Timeline of the Catfish Case
The documentary centers on a handful of individuals whose lives were dramatically altered by the anonymous messages that plagued their high school years. The perpetrator, who initially posed as a teenage boy, meticulously crafted a persona to torment the victims.
- Kendra Gail Licari: The Perpetrator (Mother)
- Role: Mother of Lauryn Licari and former volunteer basketball coach in the local community.
- Age at Conviction: 42 years old.
- Location: Beal City, Isabella County, Michigan.
- Crimes: Pled guilty to two counts of stalking a minor and one count of using a computer to commit a crime.
- Sentence: Sentenced in 2023 to a minimum of 19 months and a maximum of five years in prison.
- Motive: The documentary explores the complex and disturbing motive, which authorities and psychological experts suggest stemmed from a desire for control over her daughter’s life and relationships. Some viewers and experts have noted a potential sadistic element in the relentless nature of the harassment.
- Lauryn Licari: The Primary Victim (Daughter)
- Role: Kendra's daughter and one of the two primary targets of the anonymous cyberbullying.
- Age at Time of Harassment: 13 years old when the messages began.
- Owen McKenny: The Secondary Victim (Boyfriend)
- Role: Lauryn's then-boyfriend and the other primary target of the cyberbullying campaign.
- Age at Time of Harassment: Also 13 years old when the messages began.
- Skye Borgman: The Director
- Known For: Directing highly successful and psychologically intense true-crime documentaries, including Abducted in Plain Sight, The Truth About Jim, and American Murder: Laci Peterson.
- Style: Known for her deep dive into the psychology of the perpetrators and the lasting trauma on the victims, a style she continues in *Unknown Number*.
The Chilling Campaign: How The Catfish Was Unmasked
The cyberbullying campaign lasted for nearly two years, beginning in late 2020. Lauryn Licari and Owen McKenny, then eighth-graders, were relentlessly targeted with anonymous and increasingly cruel text messages and social media posts. The messages were highly specific, often referencing private events and conversations, leading the victims to believe the perpetrator was someone close to them or even a close friend.
The harassment was so severe and persistent that it led to the involvement of local school authorities and, eventually, the Isabella County Sheriff’s Office. The case was initially treated as a typical high school cyberbullying issue, but the sheer volume and psychological sophistication of the messages suggested a perpetrator with more maturity and technical know-how.
The investigation hit a critical turning point when investigators from the Michigan State Police Cyber Crimes Unit were brought in. They spent thousands of hours tracing the digital footprint, which involved complex IP address tracking and forensic analysis of various social media platforms and communication apps. The key breakthrough came when investigators linked the anonymous phone numbers and IP addresses to Kendra Licari’s own home network and devices.
The revelation that the person behind the screen was Lauryn’s own mother sent shockwaves through the community of Beal City and across the nation. Kendra Licari had even participated in the initial investigation, feigning concern and helping her daughter report the harassment, a layer of deceit that the documentary highlights as one of the most disturbing aspects of the case.
Where Are The Key Figures Now in December 2025?
The documentary’s success has naturally led to intense public curiosity about the current status of the Licari family, especially the perpetrator, Kendra Licari, and the victims, Lauryn Licari and Owen McKenny. The legal chapter of the case concluded in 2023, but the emotional and personal fallout continues.
Kendra Licari: The Aftermath of Her Sentence
Kendra Licari was sentenced in 2023 to a minimum of 19 months and a maximum of five years in prison. The conviction was a landmark moment, highlighting the severity of cyberstalking, even when the victim is one's own child. The severity of the sentence reflected the prolonged and psychologically damaging nature of her actions.
As of December 2025, Kendra Licari has served a significant portion of her minimum sentence. While official updates on her exact location and parole status are closely guarded, true-crime reporting suggests she could be eligible for release in the near future, having served the minimum term of her sentence. Her life post-release will be under intense scrutiny, particularly regarding any contact with her daughter, Lauryn.
Lauryn Licari and Owen McKenny: Moving Forward
The documentary provides a platform for both Lauryn Licari and Owen McKenny to share their experiences and the lasting impact of the catfishing. They recount the emotional turmoil, paranoia, and distress caused by the anonymous bully. The revelation of the perpetrator's identity added a layer of profound betrayal to the trauma of the cyberbullying itself.
Both victims have shown incredible resilience. While the documentary provides a snapshot of their lives following the conviction, they have largely sought privacy to continue healing. Their participation in the documentary serves as a powerful testament to the dangers of online anonymity and the critical need for parents and educators to take cyberbullying seriously. The case has become a cautionary tale used by educators like former Beal City Public Schools Superintendent William Chilman to discuss digital safety.
The Director's Lens: Skye Borgman's True-Crime Authority
Director Skye Borgman’s involvement immediately signals a deep, psychological dive into the case. Known for her work on *Abducted in Plain Sight*, which explored the bizarre kidnapping of Jan Broberg, Borgman has a talent for unpacking the uncomfortable truths that lie beneath sensational headlines.
In *Unknown Number*, Borgman focuses less on the "whodunit" and more on the "whydunit" and the devastating ripple effects. The documentary features interviews with investigators, legal experts, and the victims themselves, but notably includes a focus on the psychology behind Kendra Licari’s actions. This approach elevates the film from a simple crime recap to a critical examination of parental control, Munchausen syndrome by proxy (a theory explored by some experts), and the unique legal challenges posed by cybercrimes.
The film serves as an urgent warning about the digital age, where a simple unknown number can hide the most intimate and shocking betrayal. It reinforces the director's reputation for delivering true-crime stories that are not only shocking but also deeply reflective of societal issues and the vulnerabilities of the human psyche.
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