The Untold Story Of Owen McKenny: 5 Major Updates On His Life After The Netflix Documentary ‘Unknown Number’

The story of Owen McKenny, a young man who became the central figure in a shocking, real-life cyberstalking case, has captivated millions globally following the release of the Netflix documentary, Unknown Number: The High School Catfish. As of December 2025, the focus has shifted from the trauma he endured to his remarkable resilience and future. This article provides the most current and detailed updates on Owen’s life, his academic and athletic career, and how he is moving forward after the events that rocked his small Michigan community.

The intense public scrutiny from the documentary, which detailed the horrific cyberbullying he and his then-girlfriend Lauryn Licari suffered, has not defined him. Instead, McKenny has channeled his focus into his passion for sports and his future at a collegiate level. His journey is a powerful testament to overcoming unimaginable adversity in the digital age, proving that a victim's story does not end with the crime.

Complete Biography and Profile: Owen McKenny

Owen McKenny's life story is one of a typical small-town, multi-sport high school athlete whose life was dramatically interrupted by a bizarre and cruel act of cyberstalking. Here is a complete profile of the young man at the center of the Unknown Number documentary:

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• Full Name: Owen McKenny
• Hometown: Beal City, Michigan (Isabella County)
• Known For: Subject/Victim in the Netflix documentary Unknown Number: The High School Catfish.
• High School: Beal City High School, Class of 2025
• High School Sports: Varsity Athlete in Baseball, Football, and Basketball.
• Baseball Position: Right-Handed Pitcher (RHP), Shortstop (SS), and Center Fielder (CF).
• College Commitment (2025): Hope College, Holland, Michigan, for Baseball (NCAA Division III).
• Parents: Jill McKenny and Dave McKenny (both featured in the documentary).
• Key Adversity: Subject of a prolonged cyberstalking and cyberbullying campaign that began in October 2020.
• Perpetrator: Kendra Licari (mother of his then-girlfriend, Lauryn Licari).

Major Update #1: Owen McKenny's College Baseball Commitment to Hope College

The most significant and inspiring update on Owen McKenny's life as of late 2025 is his successful transition to collegiate athletics. After graduating from Beal City High School, Owen officially committed to playing baseball for the Hope College Flying Dutchmen in Holland, Michigan.

This commitment is a powerful symbol of his dedication and ability to focus despite the years of psychological trauma he endured. McKenny was a standout multi-sport athlete for the Beal City Aggies, excelling in football, basketball, and especially baseball. His recruiting profile listed him as a versatile player, capable of pitching as a Right-Handed Pitcher (RHP) and playing key defensive positions like Shortstop (SS) and Center Fielder (CF). The decision to play for a Division III program in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) allows him to continue his athletic passion while pursuing his academic goals.

His commitment, which was finalized in 2024, signaled a definitive step forward, away from the shadow of the 'high school catfish' case and toward a promising future.

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Major Update #2: Life Post-Graduation and the 'Homecoming King' Title

Owen McKenny graduated from Beal City High School in May 2025, alongside his former girlfriend and co-victim, Lauryn Licari. His senior year was marked by a moment of community support and personal triumph: he was voted Homecoming King. This honor was more than a typical high school achievement; it represented the community's acknowledgment of his character and resilience through a public ordeal that had been documented for a global audience.

The documentary highlighted the immense psychological toll the cyberstalking took on Owen and his family, Jill and Dave McKenny, who were also targeted by the perpetrator. Despite the years of stress, suspicion, and confusion caused by the malicious texts that started in 2020, Owen maintained his academic and athletic commitments. His success in graduating and being recognized by his peers demonstrates a remarkable ability to overcome a bizarre and deeply personal form of abuse.

Major Update #3: The Current Status of His Relationship with Lauryn Licari

A major point of curiosity for viewers of Unknown Number is the status of the relationship between Owen McKenny and Lauryn Licari, the couple at the heart of the cyberstalking case. The documentary revealed that the perpetrator, Kendra Licari (Lauryn’s mother), was attempting to break up the young couple through the aggressive, anonymous messages.

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While Owen and Lauryn graduated together in May 2025, reports indicate that the intense pressure and emotional fallout from the stalking ultimately led to the end of their romantic relationship. However, they remain on civil terms, having shared a unique and traumatic experience that forever binds them as survivors. Both have successfully moved on to their respective college careers, with Lauryn also pursuing higher education.

Major Update #4: Owen McKenny’s Privacy and Social Media Presence in 2025

Given the nature of the crime—cyberstalking—and the subsequent global exposure from the Netflix documentary, Owen McKenny has taken significant steps to protect his personal life and privacy. As of late 2025, his social media accounts, including his Instagram and other platforms, are reportedly set to private.

This decision is a practical and necessary measure for a young man who has endured years of digital harassment. The documentary itself serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of online anonymity and the invasion of privacy. By keeping his online presence restricted, McKenny is able to maintain a sense of normalcy and control over his life as he begins his college journey, minimizing the potential for further unwanted attention or digital intrusion.

Major Update #5: The Current Status of Perpetrator Kendra Licari

The resolution of the legal case against the cyberstalker provides a sense of closure, which is a vital part of Owen McKenny's ability to move forward. The perpetrator, Kendra Licari, Lauryn's mother, was ultimately identified and prosecuted for her actions.

In 2023, Kendra Licari pleaded guilty to two counts of stalking a minor and four counts of using a computer to commit a crime. She was sentenced to a minimum of 19 months to a maximum of 5 years in prison. The court also ordered a lifetime ban on her using social media and required her to pay restitution. This outcome, which resulted in a prison sentence, provided a definitive end to the harassment and a measure of justice for Owen, Lauryn, and their families. The legal closure allows Owen to focus entirely on his new chapter at Hope College, leaving the years of fear and confusion behind him.

Owen McKenny's Legacy: A Survivor's Resilience

Owen McKenny’s story, which began as a harrowing account of cyberbullying and digital deception, has transformed into an inspiring narrative of teenage resilience. His life today in late 2025—committed to a college baseball team, a high school graduate, and a survivor of a widely publicized crime—serves as a powerful message.

The entities surrounding his story—the Beal City community, Hope College, the Netflix documentary, and the tragic figure of Kendra Licari—all contribute to a modern cautionary tale. However, the most important entity is Owen himself, who has chosen to move past the trauma and embrace the future. His commitment to athletics, his pursuit of privacy, and his focus on academic life demonstrate that the victims of cybercrime can and do recover, turning a painful chapter into a foundation for future success.