Netflix’s Unknown Number: The High School Catfish exposes Lauryn and Owen’s cyberbullying ordeal, but these 8 shocking case details reveal an even darker side of the story that never made it into the documentary.
Netflix’s Unknown Number: The High School Catfish has gripped true crime fans with the disturbing story of Michigan teens Lauryn Licari and Owen McKenny, who endured nearly two years of relentless cyberstalking. The shocking twist came when investigators revealed that Lauryn’s own mother, Kendra Licari, was behind the anonymous, threatening texts. She was arrested in December 2022, pleaded guilty to stalking charges in April 2023, and was sentenced to 19 months to five years in prison. Kendra was later released on parole in August 2024.
While the documentary dives into the psychological toll on the teens and the intense investigation involving the FBI, there are several jaw-dropping details about the case that Unknown Number left out. Here are 10 revelations that add even more depth to the already chilling story.
1. Kendra Struggled to Fit in with Beal City’s Tight-Knit Community
Originally from near Detroit, Kendra wasn’t a Beal City native like many of the families around her. She tried to integrate by coaching Lauryn’s sports teams and volunteering, all while being the breadwinner of her family.
2. She Was Considered the “Cool Mom” and Even Owen’s “Second Mom”
Kendra bonded with Lauryn’s friends and especially with Owen, her daughter’s boyfriend at the time. Owen described her as a “second mom,” highlighting just how trusted she was before her shocking betrayal.
3. Kendra Pressured Lauryn and Owen to Reunite After a Breakup
Even after the couple split, Kendra allegedly encouraged Lauryn to get back with Owen, once sending her daughter texts urging her to sit with him at a sports game. She also stayed close with Owen’s parents, fueling suspicions later on.
4. She Allegedly Texted Other Students as Part of the Scheme
Kendra reached out to Lauryn’s friends, Owen’s sister, and even community members under the guise of supporting Lauryn, further embedding herself in the web of lies.
5. The High School Tried to Trap the Bully
At one point, administrators placed Lauryn’s shoes in a hallway to see if the harasser would steal them after claiming her belongings were being taken. The plan didn’t work, but it showed the community’s growing desperation.
6. Some staff and Parents Suspected Kendra Early On
Principal Dan Boyer and others noticed red flags, such as Kendra having two phones. Parents also voiced concerns, with Khloe’s mother warning police that Kendra herself could be responsible.
7. Lauryn Began to Suspect Her Own Mother
Though the documentary shows Lauryn’s shock during Kendra’s arrest, friends alleged that Lauryn had already begun to suspect her mother in the final weeks of the investigation.
8. A Scarecrow Mocked Kendra at a Halloween party
After the ordeal, Khloe’s parents poked fun at the scandal by dressing a scarecrow in a prison jumpsuit with Kendra’s mugshot taped to its face. Phones were placed in its hands, symbolizing the messages that terrorized Lauryn and Owen.
These additional details underscore just how layered and unsettling this case truly was. While Unknown Number delivered a haunting look at the betrayal, the reality of what happened in Beal City is even more bizarre, painful, and unforgettable.
