Don’t Be Fooled: Netflix’s ‘Unknown Number’ Lets Kendra Licari Manipulate.

The Netflix documentary “Unknown Number: The High School Catfish” unveils a disturbing case of parental digital betrayal. It details how Kendra Licari, a mother from Beal City, Michigan, relentlessly cyberbullied her own daughter, Lauryn, and Lauryn’s boyfriend, Owen McKenny. The film exposes the devastating impact of online harassment and the complex motivations behind Licari’s actions, sparking a crucial dialogue about digital safety and accountability.

A Campaign of Cyber Terror

Beginning in October 2020, Lauryn, then 13, and Owen became the targets of a relentless barrage of abusive text messages. Kendra Licari, using an app to disguise her phone number, sent thousands of threatening and sexually explicit messages. According to reports from People.com, the messages included insults, death threats, and even encouragement for Lauryn to commit suicide. The harassment paused briefly but resumed in September 2021, continuing for approximately 15 months, causing immense emotional distress to both Lauryn and Owen.

The insidious nature of the cyberbullying was amplified by Kendra’s use of technology to conceal her identity. She employed fake accounts and VPNs, making it incredibly difficult to trace the source of the messages. The messages also contained personal details, such as Lauryn’s nickname “Lo,” which initially led investigators to suspect Lauryn’s classmates, according to TIME. This added layer of deception prolonged the investigation and intensified the psychological impact on the victims.

Unmasking the Perpetrator

The investigation involved local police and the FBI liaison, Bradley Peter. The relentless efforts to uncover the source of the messages eventually led to Kendra Licari’s arrest in December 2022. Isabella County Prosecutor David Barberi played a crucial role in bringing Licari to justice. In March 2023, Kendra Licari pleaded guilty to two counts of stalking a minor. As reported by NewsNation, she was sentenced to 19 months to five years in prison in April 2023 and was released on parole in August 2024, with supervision lasting until February 2026.

The “Million-Dollar Question”: Unraveling the Motives

The motivation behind Kendra Licari’s actions remains complex and disturbing. Prosecutor David Barberi described it as a “million-dollar question.” One theory suggests that Kendra “fed off” her daughter turning to her for comfort during the harassment, a disturbing dynamic of manipulation. In the Netflix documentary, Kendra offered her own explanations, claiming she was in an “awful place mentally” and that her own past trauma, including being raped at 17, resurfaced as Lauryn entered her teenage years. She stated she didn’t know how to handle things and that her actions became a “spiral” or “snowball effect” that she couldn’t stop. She also initially denied sending the first batch of messages, asserting she started sending texts to try and uncover the original perpetrator. However, both Lauryn and Sheriff Mike Main believe Kendra was responsible for all the texts.

Some have speculated about the possibility of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a psychological disorder where a caregiver seeks attention by inducing illness or harm in another person. While this remains speculation, it highlights the deeply troubling nature of Kendra’s behavior. The documentary on Netflix presents these various perspectives, leaving viewers to grapple with the complexities of the case.

The Devastating Impact and Aftermath

The cyberbullying had a profound and lasting impact on Lauryn’s life. It severely affected her mental health, social life, and overall well-being. The emotional toll on both Lauryn’s and Owen’s families was immense. As reported by ELLE, Lauryn and Owen eventually broke up, further highlighting the destructive consequences of Kendra’s actions. The case brought national and global attention to the issue of digital harassment and its profound psychological impact. The prosecutor noted that the documentary, while impactful, struggled to fully convey the constant trauma the families endured for over a year.

Rebuilding After Digital Betrayal

Despite the trauma she endured, Lauryn has shown remarkable resilience. Now 18, she is pursuing a degree in Criminology, demonstrating a desire to understand and address the types of crimes she experienced firsthand. She has also rebuilt her relationship with her father, Shawn Licari, while maintaining a cautious bond with her mother. Kendra Licari’s parole conditions include mandatory mental health treatment and a no-contact order with her daughter until her supervision ends in February 2026. This aims to protect Lauryn and facilitate Kendra’s rehabilitation. According to Bark, these measures are crucial steps towards healing and preventing future harm.

A Cautionary Tale for the Digital Age

The case of Kendra and Lauryn Licari serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of cyberbullying and the importance of digital safety. It underscores the need for greater awareness, education, and accountability in the online world. The Netflix documentary “Unknown Number: The High School Catfish” has sparked important conversations about the psychological impact of online harassment and the urgent need for effective prevention and intervention strategies. As technology evolves, it is crucial to address the evolving forms of abuse and ensure that victims receive the support and justice they deserve. The digital betrayal suffered by Lauryn Licari highlights the devastating consequences of unchecked online behavior and the long road to recovery.