“Unknown Number”: The Shocking True Story of a High School Catfish

In Beal City, Michigan, a disturbing case of digital deception unfolded, shaking a small community to its core. The Netflix documentary “Unknown Number: The High School Catfish” brings to light the shocking true story of how high school sweethearts Lauryn Licari and Owen McKenny were relentlessly tormented by someone shockingly close to home. Directed by Skye Borgman, the documentary chronicles over 15 months of cyberbullying and stalking, revealing a web of deceit that involved local police, state authorities, and even the FBI Computer Crimes Task Force. This article delves into the 5W+1H of this digital nightmare, drawing from reports in publications like TIME and Cosmopolitan Magazine, to explore the devastating impact of online cruelty and the erosion of trust in the digital age.

The Victims and the Villain

The primary victims of this cyberbullying campaign were Lauryn Licari and Owen McKenny, high school sweethearts whose lives were upended by relentless harassment. The perpetrator, identified as Kendra Licari, Lauryn’s own mother, orchestrated a campaign of terror that left the couple emotionally scarred and the community in disbelief. FBI liaison Bradley Peter played a crucial role in unraveling the complex web of digital deception, as reported by the Huron Daily Tribune.

Lauryn Licari and Owen McKenny: Targeted by Deceit

Lauryn and Owen endured a barrage of threatening, demeaning, and sexually explicit text messages from an unknown number. These messages, which began in October 2020, quickly escalated, with the couple receiving as many as 40 to 50 texts per day. According to People.com, the content included demands for the couple to break up, insults targeting Lauryn’s appearance and self-esteem, taunts about Owen’s basketball performance, and even messages encouraging Lauryn to commit suicide. The psychological toll on the young couple was immense, leading to significant emotional distress and ultimately contributing to their breakup.

Kendra Licari: The Unmasking of a Mother

The revelation that Kendra Licari was behind the cyberbullying campaign sent shockwaves through Beal City. Kendra used an application to generate new phone numbers and a virtual private network (VPN) to conceal her location, making it incredibly difficult for authorities to trace the source of the messages. The extent of her deception and the calculated nature of her actions painted a disturbing picture of a mother betraying her own daughter’s trust. As detailed by Yahoo News Canada, the investigation involved sophisticated digital forensics to uncover Kendra’s elaborate scheme.

The Timeline of Terror

The cyberbullying campaign spanned over 15 months, creating a climate of fear and suspicion within the small community. The timeline of events reveals the gradual escalation of the harassment and the increasing involvement of law enforcement.

October 2020: The Onset of Cyberbullying

The nightmare began in October 2020, with the first threatening and demeaning text messages appearing on Lauryn and Owen’s phones. Initially, the couple may have dismissed these messages as harmless pranks, but the frequency and intensity of the harassment quickly escalated, signaling a more sinister intent.

January 2022: Law Enforcement Involvement

By January 2022, the cyberbullying had become so severe that local authorities initiated an investigation. The Beal City Police Department began working to trace the unknown number and identify the perpetrator, but the sophisticated methods used to conceal the source proved challenging. According to the Big Rapids Pioneer, the local police faced significant obstacles in their initial investigation due to the technological expertise employed by Kendra Licari.

April 2022: The FBI Joins the Investigation

In April 2022, recognizing the complexity and severity of the case, the FBI Computer Crimes Task Force joined the investigation. With access to advanced digital forensics tools and expertise, the FBI was able to make significant progress in tracing the unknown number and uncovering the identity of the perpetrator. FBI liaison Bradley Peter played a key role in coordinating the investigation and bringing Kendra Licari to justice.

April 2023: Justice Served

Kendra Licari was eventually arrested and confessed to her actions. In April 2023, she pleaded guilty to two counts of stalking a minor and was sentenced to a prison term of 19 months to five years. The sentencing brought a sense of closure to Lauryn and Owen, as well as the community of Beal City, but the emotional scars of the cyberbullying campaign remained. As reported by Leisurebyte, the sentencing highlighted the serious consequences of online harassment and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.

August 29, 2025: Documentary Release

The Netflix documentary “Unknown Number: The High School Catfish” premiered on August 29, 2025, bringing renewed and widespread attention to this shocking story of cyberbullying and deception. The documentary provides a detailed account of the events, featuring interviews with Lauryn, Owen, law enforcement officials, and other individuals involved in the case. Its release has sparked conversations about the dangers of online harassment and the need for greater awareness and prevention efforts.

Unraveling the Motives

Kendra Licari’s motives for subjecting her daughter and her daughter’s boyfriend to such relentless harassment remain a complex and debated aspect of the case. Several theories have been proposed, ranging from a desire for emotional control to underlying psychological issues.

Cyber Munchausen’s Syndrome

One theory suggests that Kendra Licari may have been suffering from a form of “cyber Munchausen’s syndrome,” a condition in which a caregiver fabricates or induces illness in someone under their care to gain attention and sympathy. In this case, it is theorized that Kendra may have wanted her daughter to be emotionally dependent on her, creating a situation in which she could play the role of the supportive and caring mother. As explored by Heaven of Horror, this theory attempts to explain the seemingly irrational and destructive behavior of Kendra Licari.

Jealousy and Rivalry

Another theory, raised by Owen and his mother, suggests that Kendra Licari may have developed sexual or emotional feelings for Owen, viewing Lauryn as a rival. This theory posits that Kendra’s harassment was driven by jealousy and a desire to sabotage Lauryn and Owen’s relationship. While Kendra denied these allegations, the possibility remains a disturbing aspect of the case.

The “Real Perpetrator” Claim

Kendra Licari herself claimed that she initiated some of the text messages to uncover a “real perpetrator,” a claim that was contradicted by evidence. This explanation was widely dismissed as a fabrication, designed to deflect blame and minimize her culpability. The investigation revealed that Kendra was the sole perpetrator of the cyberbullying campaign, and her attempts to shift the blame only further underscored her deceitful nature.

The Devastating Impact

The cyberbullying campaign had a profound and lasting impact on Lauryn and Owen, as well as the community of Beal City. The emotional distress, erosion of trust, and climate of fear created by Kendra Licari’s actions left deep scars.

Emotional Distress and Relationship Strain

Lauryn experienced significant emotional distress as a result of the cyberbullying, including heightened insecurity, anxiety, and depression. The constant barrage of insults and threats took a toll on her self-esteem and her ability to trust others. The harassment also strained her relationship with Owen, as the messages often targeted their relationship and sowed seeds of doubt and suspicion. Ultimately, the cyberbullying contributed to their breakup, leaving both Lauryn and Owen heartbroken.

Community Fear and Suspicion

The cyberbullying campaign created a climate of fear and suspicion within the small community of Beal City. As the identity of the perpetrator remained unknown, friends and family members were initially suspected, leading to strained relationships and a sense of unease. The revelation that Kendra Licari was behind the harassment only deepened the sense of betrayal and disbelief within the community.

Consequences and Lessons Learned

The case of “Unknown Number: The High School Catfish” serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of digital cruelty and the importance of online safety. Kendra Licari’s imprisonment is a direct legal consequence of her actions, and the case has prompted discussions about the need for stronger laws and greater awareness regarding cyberbullying.

The shocking true story of “Unknown Number: The High School Catfish” underscores the insidious nature of digital deception and its potential to inflict profound harm. The relentless cyberbullying campaign orchestrated by Kendra Licari left a trail of emotional distress, broken relationships, and shattered trust. As society becomes increasingly reliant on technology, it is imperative to prioritize online safety, promote responsible digital behavior, and hold perpetrators of cyberbullying accountable for their actions. The lessons learned from this case serve as a cautionary tale, urging individuals, communities, and law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant in the fight against digital cruelty.