ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) — A girl who was abducted six years ago in Illinois by her non-custodial mother has been found safe in North Carolina.
Discovery in Asheville
Kayla Unbehaun, now 15, was spotted on Saturday in Asheville when a retail worker recognized her from a Netflix episode of Unsolved Mysteries.
Unbehaun’s recovery is credited to a remarkable chain of events, bringing relief to her family after years of searching.
The Disappearance
Kayla was last seen on July 4, 2017, in South Elgin, Illinois. At the time, her father, Ryan Iserka, had full custody. When he went to pick her up from her mother’s house, Kayla was gone.
Heather Unbehaun, Kayla’s mother, took her and managed to remain undetected for six years.
“What’s most unusual is the ability to stay off the grid for such a long time,” said Asheville Police Lieutenant Jonathan Brown. “Most people leave digital traces that make it easier to track them down.”
Role of Media in Recovery
Last year, Netflix released a new season of Unsolved Mysteries featuring an episode on parental abductions. Kayla’s case wasn’t the main focus, but her photo appeared briefly during a roll call of missing children, digitally age-progressed.
Despite the brief mention, a sharp-eyed retail worker recognized Kayla from the show and contacted authorities.
“The media plays a crucial role in recovering missing children,” said Callahan Walsh of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. “Even in long-term cases, sharing these stories and images increases the likelihood of recovery.”
Kayla’s Return and Family Reunion
Following her rescue, Kayla was placed under the care of the North Carolina Department of Social Services, which worked with Illinois authorities. Her father drove to Asheville the day after her recovery to reunite with her. Kayla has since returned to Illinois.
“I’m overjoyed that Kayla is home safe,” her father said in a statement. “We ask for privacy as we get to know each other again and navigate this new beginning.”
Mother Faces Legal Consequences
Heather Unbehaun, 40, has been charged with child abduction. She is currently held at the Buncombe County Detention Facility on a $250,000 secured bond.
