Netflix’s latest true-crime documentary, Unknown Number: The High School Catfish, has stunned audiences with its chilling twist: the cyberbully tormenting two teenagers for nearly two years turned out to be far closer than anyone imagined.
The Shocking Story Behind the Documentary
The film centers on Lauryn Licari, a 13-year-old from Beal City, Michigan, who in October 2020 began receiving a barrage of anonymous, threatening messages alongside her boyfriend, Owen McKenney. The harassment, which at times reached more than 40 texts per day, not only targeted Lauryn but also pressured her to take her own life.
Although the messages temporarily stopped, they returned in September 2021, beginning another relentless cycle of abuse.
Investigators Focus on the Wrong Suspect
At first, suspicion fell on one of Lauryn’s classmates, Khloe Wilson, a freshman athlete. Digital evidence initially appeared to point in her direction, since the harasser had used spoofing apps to disguise phone numbers—making it impossible to block the messages. However, Khloe fully cooperated with investigators, even handing over her phone for forensic testing. When no evidence was found, the case went cold.
The truth eventually surfaced thanks to Bay City police officer Bradley Peter, who worked alongside the FBI. Their digital tracing revealed the disturbing reality: the person behind the harassment was Lauryn’s own mother, Kendra Licari.
Kendra Licari’s Arrest and Sentencing
In December 2022, Kendra was arrested and charged with two counts of stalking a minor and two counts of using a computer to commit a crime. She later pleaded guilty to the stalking charges and, in April 2023, was sentenced to 19 months to five years in prison. She was released in August 2024 but remains on parole until February 2026.
Director Skye Borgman, who helmed the Netflix project, revealed that Kendra joined the documentary after much of it had already been filmed. Borgman noted that while Kendra expressed remorse, her actions deeply fractured her relationship with Lauryn.
Fallout for the Licari Family
The scandal tore apart the Licari household. Kendra’s husband, Shawn, divorced her after learning what she had done, saying in the documentary that he felt utterly betrayed. Shawn was later granted full custody of Lauryn.
For Lauryn, the consequences were devastating. She not only endured the psychological toll of the harassment but also lost her relationship with Owen, who eventually broke up with her in hopes of ending the harassment. When he later started dating someone new, that girl also became a target of the anonymous messages.
Now 18, Lauryn has expressed mixed feelings about her mother’s release. While she says she longs to see Kendra, she remains wary of rebuilding trust. Speaking in the documentary, Lauryn said:
“I want to see my mom when the time is right… I think I want to trust her now, but I don’t think I can.”
Director Borgman added that Lauryn’s perspective has shifted over time: initially, she wanted her mom back in her life, but now she approaches the situation with more caution and independence.
Life After the Scandal
- Lauryn Licari, now under her father’s care, is working to move forward with her life while navigating the complex emotions of her mother’s betrayal.
- Owen McKenney has since committed to play baseball at Hope College in April 2025. He has said he does not expect to reconcile with Lauryn.
- Khloe Wilson, once wrongly suspected of the harassment campaign, graduated from Beal City High School in 2025. She has since taken to social media, including TikTok, to share her side of the story and counter bullying allegations made against her in the documentary.
Final Thoughts
Unknown Number: The High School Catfish exposes how online harassment can spiral into unimaginable territory—and how its impact can shatter families and friendships. For Lauryn, her journey is only beginning as she rebuilds her life and decides what role, if any, her mother will play in her future.
