The whereabouts of ‘Unknown Number’ subject Kendra Licari have piqued curiosity among many. In a small town in Beal City, Michigan, a disturbing cyberbullying incident took place involving teenagers Lauryn Licari and Owen McKenny from 2020 to 2022. The FBI eventually uncovered the perpetrator – Lauryn’s own mother, Kendra Licari, leading to her arrest in December 2022, as reported by NBC News. The chilling details of this case have been brought to light in Netflix’s documentary ‘Unknown Number: The High School Catfish’, shedding light on the harrowing ordeal faced by the victims.
Following her arrest, questions arose about the life Kendra Licari led before and after the cyberbullying incident. Kendra, born in August 1980, appeared to have a normal life in Beal City. She was a dedicated sports coach to her daughter Lauryn, involved in the local community, and had a job in the IT department at Ferris State University. However, things took a drastic turn in 2021 when Kendra seemingly changed, becoming more isolated and exhibiting unusual behaviour, as documented in The Cut.
The mystery behind why Kendra resorted to cyberbullying her daughter Lauryn and her boyfriend Owen remains a significant topic of interest. The initial strange text messages received by the teenagers in 2020 escalated into a relentless harassment campaign starting in September 2021, with as many as 40 to 50 threatening and explicit messages daily, reported by NBC News. Kendra, in a surprising twist, admitted to her actions, claiming she was motivated by suppressed childhood trauma and fear for her daughter’s safety.
The case eventually made its way to the FBI, who diligently worked to trace the source of the harassment messages. Through meticulous investigation and analysis of phone records, Kendra Licari was identified as the perpetrator. In August 2022, Kendra confessed to her deeds when confronted by law enforcement, leading to her arrest and subsequent charges of stalking and communication for criminal purposes, according to NBC News.
As Kendra faced legal repercussions for her actions, her personal life also underwent significant changes. Her husband, Shawn Licari, divorced her and obtained full custody of Lauryn, as reported by The Cut. Kendra, after serving time in prison, was released on parole in August 2024. While she remains under supervision until February 2026, Kendra and Lauryn are currently not allowed to see each other. Despite the challenges, there are hopes for reconciliation in the future, with both expressing a desire to rebuild their relationship when the time is right.
The compelling story of Kendra Licari’s downfall and the aftermath of her actions serve as a cautionary tale about the devastating impact of cyberbullying within families. It highlights the importance of addressing underlying issues and seeking help to prevent such tragic situations from occurring. The resilience shown by Lauryn and her family in the face of adversity demonstrates the strength needed to overcome such traumatic experiences.