Where Is Owen McKenny Now? Inside the Teen’s Life After Years of Cyberstalking

Owen McKenny, a teenager who became the subject of a shocking cyberbullying case, has since been the focus of curiosity surrounding his life post the traumatic experience. Owen and his then-girlfriend, Lauryn Licari, were targets of relentless cyberbullying from an unknown individual for several years. The situation escalated to a point where the FBI discovered that it was Lauryn’s own mother, Kendra Licari, behind the vicious messages.

The torment began when Owen, at just 13 years old, and Lauryn started receiving menacing texts from an undisclosed number in October 2020. The messages subsided briefly before resuming in September 2021, growing increasingly aggressive and threatening. After their parents and school authorities intervened, investigations revealed Kendra Licari as the sender. Following her arrest in December 2022, where she faced charges for stalking a minor, Kendra eventually pleaded guilty and received a 19-month to five-year prison sentence.

Recently, Owen, Lauryn, and Kendra shared their experiences in the Netflix documentary, ‘Unknown Number: The High School Catfish’, which shed light on the traumatic events that unfolded. Despite the passage of time, the ordeal continues to shape Owen’s life nearly three years on. The texts, originating from random numbers generated by an app, caused Owen and Lauryn great distress. The messages were personal, targeting their relationship and inflicting paranoia on the young couple.

As the cyberbullying persisted, Owen and Lauryn’s parents sought help from the authorities, leading to the startling revelation that it was Lauryn’s mother behind the harassment. The impact on Owen and Lauryn’s relationship was profound as they battled with the emotional toll of the cyberbullying. Their breakup in November exacerbated the situation, but the texts persisted, causing further anguish for both parties involved.

In the aftermath of Kendra’s arrest and subsequent imprisonment, the family dynamics underwent significant changes. Kendra’s husband divorced her while gaining full custody of Lauryn. Kendra, upon her release on parole in August 2024, expressed remorse for her actions, acknowledging the impact it had on Owen and his family. Despite these developments, the relationships between Kendra, Lauryn, and Owen remain strained as they navigate the aftermath of the cyberbullying episode.

Owen, resilient in the face of adversity, continued his studies at Beal City High School and graduated in May 2025. He secured a spot at Hope College in Michigan to pursue his passion for baseball. While Owen has made strides in moving forward, the scars of the cyberbullying experience linger. Reflecting on the tumultuous period, Owen expressed bewilderment at the actions of his former girlfriend’s mother, underscoring the lasting impact of the ordeal on his life.

The story of Owen McKenny serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence and repercussions of cyberbullying. As he embarks on a new chapter in his life, Owen’s resilience and determination to overcome the traumas of his past are a testament to his strength. The ‘Unknown Number: The High School Catfish’ documentary offers a glimpse into the resilience of those affected by cyberbullying and the long-lasting effects it can have on individuals and families.

In a society increasingly influenced by digital interactions, Owen McKenny’s story underscores the importance of raising awareness about the damaging effects of cyberbullying and the need for support systems to help individuals navigate such challenges. As Owen forges ahead with his aspirations and endeavors, his journey stands as a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit to overcome adversity.