A missing person case that spanned more than six years has come to a close. Kayla Unbehaun, a teenager from South Elgin, Illinois, who disappeared in 2017, has been found safe in North Carolina. Her mother, Heather Unbehaun, who had been wanted on charges of child abduction, is now in custody.
The resolution of this long-standing case highlights the importance of public vigilance, law enforcement cooperation, and media coverage in reuniting families affected by abduction.
The Disappearance of Kayla Unbehaun
On July 4, 2017, Kayla Unbehaun, then just 9 years old, was reported missing after attending a parade with her mother, Heather Unbehaun, in South Elgin, Illinois. According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), Heather had legal visitation rights but not full custody of Kayla. When the mother and daughter did not return as scheduled, authorities issued a felony warrant for Heather’s arrest on child abduction charges.
Kayla’s custodial father, Ryan Iserka, was awarded custody, and the case quickly gained national attention. Despite extensive searches and missing person alerts, years passed without any confirmed sightings of Kayla.
Breakthrough After Six Years
The turning point came in May 2023, when Kayla, then 15, was recognized by a member of the public in Asheville, North Carolina. The individual had seen Kayla’s photo featured on an episode of Netflix’s “Unsolved Mysteries,” which covered cases of parental abduction. Recognizing her, they alerted local authorities, leading to Kayla being located safely.
This public tip proved instrumental in closing a case that had gone cold for more than half a decade. The Asheville Police Department confirmed that Kayla was found safe and soon reunited with her father in Illinois.
Heather Unbehaun’s Arrest
Following Kayla’s recovery, authorities moved quickly to apprehend Heather Unbehaun. On Saturday, May 13, 2023, she was arrested in North Carolina on a fugitive warrant issued in Illinois. The charges included kidnapping and child abduction.
Initially, Unbehaun was held on a $250,000 bond in North Carolina. According to Asheville Police Department spokesperson Samantha Booth, she was later released after posting bail before being extradited to Illinois. Upon her return, she was booked into the Kane County Adult Justice Center, where she now faces legal proceedings.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Unbehaun is currently facing felony child abduction charges in Illinois. Court records show that she has been ordered to appear in Kane County Court to answer to these charges. While her legal case continues, Kayla is now back in the custody of her father.
Cases like this often involve both state and federal authorities. In addition to the local charges, agencies such as the U.S. Marshals Service and the FBI may provide support in cross-state abduction investigations.
The Role of Media and Public Awareness
This case underscores the significant role of public awareness and media platforms in solving long-term missing persons cases.
- Netflix’s “Unsolved Mysteries”: The show dedicated an episode to parental abductions, which featured Kayla’s story. The exposure ultimately led to her being recognized in North Carolina.
- NCMEC: The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children continuously circulated alerts and photos of Kayla to keep her case in the public eye.
- Law Enforcement Cooperation: The collaboration between Illinois authorities and the Asheville Police Department ensured swift action once Kayla was spotted.
These combined efforts highlight how traditional investigative methods, public tips, and widespread media coverage can complement one another to achieve successful outcomes.
Kayla’s Return and Reunification
Following her safe recovery in North Carolina, Kayla was reunited with her custodial father, Ryan Iserka, in Illinois. In a statement shared by NCMEC, Iserka expressed gratitude to law enforcement, NCMEC, and the public for their support and vigilance throughout the case.
For Kayla, reintegration into her previous life will likely be a gradual process. Experts in child welfare emphasize the importance of providing support systems, such as counseling, to children who have experienced abduction.
Conclusion
After more than six years, the search for Kayla Unbehaun ended with her safe return and her mother’s arrest. The case highlights both the challenges and successes in addressing parental abduction. It also underscores the importance of collaboration among law enforcement, the media, and vigilant citizens in bringing missing children home.
Kayla’s story stands as a reminder that even long-unsolved cases can have positive outcomes. With ongoing efforts from organizations such as the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and the dedication of both authorities and the public, families affected by abduction can continue to hope for reunification.