5 Shocking Revelations From The 'Unknown Number: The High School Catfish' Case

The true-crime phenomenon surrounding the "unknown number the high school" case continues to grip audiences globally, driven by the explosive popularity of the Netflix documentary *Unknown Number: The High School Catfish*. This disturbing story, which unfolded in the quiet community of Beal City, Michigan, goes far beyond a typical high school cyberbullying incident, revealing a shocking betrayal that rattled a family and exposed the dark side of digital anonymity. As of today, December 18, 2025, the case remains a critical talking point on parental abuse, digital forensics, and the psychological toll of catfishing, especially given the recent updates on the perpetrator’s parole.

The core of the scandal revolves around a two-year campaign of vicious text message harassment and cyberstalking directed at two high school students: Lauryn Licari and her boyfriend, Owen McKenny. The perpetrator, initially a phantom "unknown number," was eventually unmasked as someone shockingly close to the victims, turning a local investigation into a national headline and an urgent warning about the dangers lurking in plain sight.

Kendra Licari: The Catfish Perpetrator's Biography and Current Status

The identity behind the relentless "unknown number" was revealed to be Kendra Gail Licari, a mother and former high school basketball coach in the Beal City community. Her profile and the details of her legal outcome are crucial to understanding the full scope of the case.

• Full Name: Kendra Gail Licari.
• Age at Sentencing: 42 years old.
• Location: Beal City, Michigan.
• Former Role: High school basketball coach at Beal City High School.
• Victims: Her own daughter, Lauryn Licari, and her daughter’s boyfriend, Owen McKenny.
• Timeline of Offense: The cyberbullying campaign began in late 2020 and continued for nearly two years.
• Plea and Charges: Licari pleaded guilty on March 22, 2023, to two felony counts of stalking a minor. Three other charges were dropped as part of a plea agreement.
• Sentence: She was sentenced to 19 months to five years in prison.
• Current Status: Kendra Licari was released on parole on August 8, 2024, after serving her minimum sentence. Her parole comes with a strict set of rules and conditions.

The Chilling Timeline: From Anonymous Texts to FBI Involvement

The cyberstalking campaign orchestrated by the "unknown number" was not a brief incident; it was a sophisticated, prolonged act of psychological manipulation that took an immense toll on the young victims. The investigation itself was a complex puzzle, requiring the intervention of state and federal agencies.

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The Onset of Harassment and Psychological Warfare

The relentless texts began around October 2020, shortly before Halloween, targeting Lauryn Licari and Owen McKenny, who were students at Beal City High School. The messages were vicious, constant, and designed to inflict maximum emotional damage, often using highly personal details only a close acquaintance would know. The perpetrator used various sophisticated methods to mask their identity, including virtual private networks (VPNs) and burner phones, making the initial investigation by local authorities in Isabella County extremely difficult.

The nature of the abuse was deeply unsettling. The "unknown number" not only insulted the teenagers but also attempted to sow discord between them, their friends, and their families. The sheer volume and intensity of the digital harassment led to significant emotional distress for both Lauryn and Owen, a key element highlighted in the *Unknown Number* documentary directed by Skye Borgman.

The False Accusation and Escalation

A shocking twist in the case involved the false accusation of another student, Khloe Wilson. The "unknown number" attempted to frame Khloe, diverting the investigation and adding another layer of complexity to the digital forensics efforts. The fact that the perpetrator was able to manipulate the investigation and successfully point the finger at an innocent party speaks to the calculated nature of the cyberstalking. Khloe Wilson's parents were also prominently featured in the documentary, discussing the impact of the false allegations on their family.

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The FBI Breakthrough and The Unmasking

Due to the complexity and the use of sophisticated evasion techniques, the case was eventually handed over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The FBI's involvement proved to be the turning point. Through advanced digital forensics, investigators were able to trace the IP addresses and other digital footprints used by the "unknown number." The data consistently pointed back to the Licari family residence. The final, shocking reveal was that the relentless cyberbully was Kendra Licari, Lauryn's own mother. This revelation transformed the case from a high school bullying incident into a severe case of parental abuse and psychological manipulation, often drawing comparisons to Munchausen by proxy syndrome, where a caregiver fabricates or induces illness to gain attention.

The Long-Term Impact and Urgent Warning

The *Unknown Number: The High School Catfish* documentary serves as more than just a true-crime narrative; it is an urgent warning about the insidious nature of catfishing, cyberbullying, and the blurred lines between online and real-life abuse. The aftermath of the case continues to resonate with victims, legal experts, and parents.

The Psychological Scars on Lauryn and Owen

The documentary details the profound psychological trauma inflicted on Lauryn Licari and Owen McKenny. Enduring nearly two years of constant digital harassment from a trusted family member is a form of emotional abuse that leaves deep scars. The constant accessibility of the texts blurred the line between their private lives and the tormentor's reach, creating an inescapable feeling of dread.

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For Lauryn, the betrayal by her own mother is an unimaginable trauma. The case highlights the devastating consequences when the source of abuse comes from within the family unit, shattering the foundation of trust and safety. The victims' resilience in coming forward and participating in the documentary has helped shed light on the need for stronger emotional and legal support for cyberbullying victims.

Legal Precedent and The Plea Deal Controversy

Kendra Licari's sentencing—19 months to five years in prison—was met with mixed reactions. While she received a felony conviction for stalking a minor, some critics, as discussed in various online forums and podcasts, felt the sentence was too lenient given the severity and duration of the emotional and psychological damage she inflicted. The fact that three of the initial five charges were dropped as part of the plea agreement also fueled this controversy. The case underscores the ongoing challenges in prosecuting complex cybercrime and the difficulty of assigning appropriate legal penalties for psychological abuse.

The "unknown number" case is a powerful reminder that the most dangerous threats often come from the least expected places. It has solidified the term "high school catfish" in the lexicon of true crime, prompting greater discussion about digital literacy, parental oversight, and the critical role of law enforcement in tracing anonymous digital trails.