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In Beal City, Michigan, a case of digital deception unfolded, revealing a shocking betrayal that has captivated the nation. The Netflix documentary “Unknown Number: The High School Catfish” details the harrowing experiences of two high school students who were relentlessly cyberbullied. But the true shock came when the perpetrator was revealed to be someone close to home: the mother of one of the victims. This article delves into the specifics of this disturbing case, exploring the who, what, when, where, and why behind the “Unknown Number” scandal.
The Key Players
The “Unknown Number” case involves several individuals whose lives were profoundly impacted by the cyberbullying. The primary victims were Lauryn Licari and her then-boyfriend, Owen McKenny, both students at Beal City High School. According to Cosmopolitan Magazine, the relentless harassment they endured led to significant emotional distress and ultimately the end of their relationship. The perpetrator was Kendra Licari, Lauryn’s mother, whose actions shocked the small town and beyond.
The investigation involved local authorities, including Isabella County Sheriff Mike Main, who initially struggled to trace the anonymous messages. As detailed by TIME, the investigation escalated to the FBI, with FBI liaison Bradley Peter playing a crucial role in uncovering the truth. Others deeply affected include Lauryn’s father, Shawn Licari, and Owen’s parents, as well as a classmate, Khloe Wilson, who was wrongly suspected early in the investigation.
The Timeline of Terror
The cyberbullying began in October 2020, just before Halloween, according to reporting by People.com. Lauryn Licari and Owen McKenny started receiving a barrage of cruel and threatening text messages from an unknown number. The messages, sometimes reaching 40 to 50 per day, were sexually explicit, insulting, and designed to cause maximum emotional harm. As Yahoo News Singapore reports, the sender displayed an alarming level of intimate knowledge of Lauryn’s life, using her nickname “Lo” and commenting on her clothing.
After a brief lull, the messages resumed with increased intensity in September 2021, continuing for over a year. Local police became involved in January 2022, with the FBI joining the effort in April 2022. Kendra Licari was eventually arrested in December 2022. In March 2023, she pleaded guilty to two counts of stalking a minor and was sentenced to 19 months to five years in prison in April 2023, as noted by Parade. She was released from prison in August 2024.
Unmasking the Catfish: How It Happened
The investigation into the “Unknown Number” case was complex due to the perpetrator’s use of technology to mask their identity. The sender used an app to disguise phone numbers and a virtual private network (VPN) to hide their location, as detailed by Forbes. Initial suspicion fell on classmates, including Khloe Wilson, who endured a year of public scrutiny before being cleared.
According to DMT, it was FBI liaison Bradley Peter who ultimately cracked the case by tracing the digital footprint, subpoenaing phone records, and matching IP addresses. This meticulous work revealed the shocking truth: Kendra Licari was behind the messages. The revelation sent shockwaves through the community and had a devastating impact on Lauryn and her family.
The Beal City Betrayal: Kendra’s Motives
The motives behind Kendra Licari’s actions remain complex and disturbing. Prosecutor David Barberi suggested the possibility of “cyber Munchausen’s syndrome,” where Kendra sought to make her daughter feel bad or need her, according to Entertainment Weekly. Kendra herself cited unresolved trauma from her teenage years, including being raped at 17, stating she was afraid of her daughter growing up and wanted to protect her, as reported by Big Rapids Pioneer.
Mix 1049 further notes that questions were raised about whether Kendra harbored a secret attraction to Owen. Additionally, Kendra confessed to lying about her employment during this period. These factors paint a picture of a deeply troubled individual whose actions had catastrophic consequences.
Lasting Impact and Aftermath
The “Unknown Number” case has had a lasting impact on everyone involved. Lauryn and Owen’s relationship ended due to the psychological toll of the harassment. Lauryn and her father expressed profound disbelief and anger upon learning of Kendra’s actions, according to the NZ Herald. Khloe Wilson, wrongly suspected, endured a year of public suspicion and scrutiny.
Newsweek reports that Kendra Licari served her prison sentence and was released in August 2024. Lauryn, now 18, plans to study criminology and, despite the immense betrayal, has expressed a desire to eventually rebuild a relationship with her mother, contingent on Kendra seeking necessary help. The entire community of Beal City grappled with the shock and betrayal caused by the incident. The story has gained national attention through the Netflix documentary “Unknown Number: The High School Catfish,” which premiered on August 29, 2025, bringing the unsettling details of this case to a wider audience.
Dr. Kirk Honda, on his YouTube channel, has analyzed the psychological aspects of the case, offering insights into the motivations and behaviors of Kendra Licari. His analysis, along with the extensive media coverage, underscores the profound impact of this case on the individuals involved and the broader community.
Conclusion
The “Unknown Number: The High School Catfish” case is a stark reminder of the potential for technology to be used for malicious purposes and the devastating consequences of cyberbullying. The shocking betrayal by a mother figure adds another layer of complexity to an already disturbing situation. As the community of Beal City and the nation grapple with the implications of this case, it serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of vigilance, mental health support, and the need to address the root causes of such destructive behavior.
