The snapshot in the documentary: A teenage girl and her boyfriend get flooded with vicious texts from a mysterious number, turning their lives upside down. But what was the real shocker? The bully was hiding in plain sight. It’s time to watch Netflix’s newest true crime series that exposes the dark side of parental love gone wrong.
Have you ever wondered how far someone might go to “protect” their child? Netflix’s latest documentary, “Unknown Number: The High School Catfish,” an story about a bizarre case of cyberbullying that shocked a Michigan town. A couple of weeks ago, everyone was buzzing about family secrets and online harassment in this film. Director Skye Borgman is known for her gripping true crime stories, and this film unravels a story that’s both heartbreaking and unbelievable. A must-watch movie for parents and kids.
Its story starts back in October 2020 in Beal City, Michigan. Thirteen-year-old Lauryn Licari and her boyfriend, Owen McKenny, began getting strange texts from an unknown number. At first, they brushed it off. But in September 2021, the messages turned nasty – full of threats, insults, and personal details that only someone close to me could know. Harassment for 15 long months has become increasingly severe, leaving the teens terrified and the community on edge. School officials and parents got involved, and soon, local law enforcement stepped in.
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Sheriff Mike Main led the investigation, suspecting classmates or friends at the start. Tensions rose as fingers were pointed everywhere, fracturing friendships at the tight-knit high school. One girl, Khloe Wilson, even became a prime suspect because of her connection to Owen. But when the case hit a wall, Officer Bradley Peter from nearby Bay City teamed up with the FBI. Tech experts were able to trace Lauryn’s texts back to her own mother, Kendra Licari.
Yes, you heard that right. Kendra, who looked like the ultimate “cool mom” – coaching sports, volunteering at school events, and even bonding with Lauryn’s friends – was behind all of it. She used apps to hide her number and sent hundreds of vile messages, some sexually explicit, to her daughter and Owen.
Unknown Number: The High School Catfish | Official Trailer | Netflix
Why? Experts speculate it might tie to Kendra’s own past trauma, like an assault she suffered as a teen, or even Munchausen syndrome by proxy, where a parent fakes illness or danger for attention. It further adds complexity to this catfishing nightmare, even though it has never been officially diagnosed.
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In a gut-wrenching confrontation captured on a body cam, a shocking revelation was revealed. Lauryn’s world shatters as she learns the truth. Kendra was arrested in December of 2022, charged with stalking minors and using a computer for a crime. She pleaded guilty and got 19 months to five years in prison, but was paroled on August 8, 2024. Now, at 18, Lauryn is rebuilding her life, growing closer to her dad, Shawn, while keeping a cautious distance from her mom. Owen and Lauryn? They split before the case closed and haven’t spoken since.
This documentary film further explores the broader side of digital abuse. In a world where kids face constant online threats, it highlights how cyberbullying can come from unexpected places – even at home. Borgman interviews key players which includes Lauryn, Owen, investigators, and friends like Khloe, who shares how suspicion nearly ruined her life.
But wait, there’s more the film left out of. For instance, Kendra allegedly texted other students to “comfort” Lauryn during the ordeal, and school staff tried quirky traps like leaving shoes in hallways to catch the culprit. Kendra, originally from near Detroit, struggled to fit into Beal City’s close community, which might have fueled her actions. And in a bizarre twist, after the case blew up, Khloe’s mom dressed as a Halloween scarecrow as Kendra, complete with a mugshot mask!
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“Unknown Number” is a true crime documentary; it’s a conversation starter about parental control, teen mental health, and the dangers of anonymous apps. If you’re into stories like “The Tinder Swindler” or “Abducted in Plain Sight,” this one’s for you. You can now Watch it now on Netflix and enjoy. What would you do if the enemy were your family?
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