A nine-year-old girl named Kayla Unbehaun went missing in 2017 while under the care of her mother, Heather Unbehaun. After six years and several months, Kayla, now fifteen, was found alive in North Carolina. Her mother was arrested on a fugitive charge in connection with the case.
Kayla was recognized by a woman during a shopping trip in Asheville, North Carolina. The woman had seen images of the missing girl in the media and immediately contacted authorities. Kayla’s biological father, Ryan Iskerka, expressed his joy at her safe return and thanked the South Elgin Police Department, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and all law enforcement agencies involved in the case.
The girl went missing around July 4, 2017, following a Fourth of July parade in Wheaton, Illinois. She was supposed to be with her mother, who was the noncustodial parent, but never appeared for a scheduled exchange with her father, who had legal custody.
Iskerka reported Kayla missing when she and her mother failed to show up for the exchange. Despite efforts to locate them, Kayla remained missing until her recent discovery. Her case was featured on the Netflix series “Unsolved Mysteries” in November 2022.
Heather Unbehaun was arrested in Asheville, North Carolina, and released on bond. She is due to appear in court on July 11, 2023, to face charges related to Kayla’s disappearance.
Kayla’s safe return has brought relief to her family and renewed hope to those searching for missing loved ones. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of continued efforts to locate missing persons and reunite them with their families.
The discovery of Kayla Unbehaun has brought a sense of closure to a case that has captivated many. Her story, featured on Netflix’s “Unsolved Mysteries,” highlighted the enduring hope and resilience of families searching for missing loved ones. The news of her safe return has been met with widespread relief and joy, especially from her father, Ryan Iskerka, who has tirelessly worked to find her since her disappearance in 2017.
Kayla’s case is a testament to the dedication of law enforcement agencies and organizations like the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, who played a crucial role in locating her. It also underscores the importance of public awareness and vigilance in cases of missing persons, as the woman who recognized Kayla in Asheville demonstrated.
The circumstances of Kayla’s disappearance and her subsequent discovery raise questions about the challenges and complexities of such cases. The role of the noncustodial parent, as in Heather Unbehaun’s case, adds a layer of complexity to the investigation and underscores the need for cooperation between parents and authorities in ensuring the safety and well-being of children.
As Kayla reunites with her family and begins a new chapter in her life, her story serves as a beacon of hope for families of missing persons everywhere. It reminds us of the importance of never giving up and the profound impact that determination and perseverance can have in bringing loved ones home.
