Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in May 2023.
Missing Girl Reunited With Father After 6 Years—Mother Surrenders to Police
Mother Turns Herself In
Heather Unbehaun, the woman accused of abducting her daughter six years ago, has turned herself in to authorities, ending a case that drew national attention. She is now in custody at the Kane County Adult Justice Center in Illinois, facing abduction charges without bail.
Kayla Found Safe in North Carolina
Just days before her surrender, police located 15-year-old Kayla Unbehaun safe in Asheville, North Carolina. She has since reunited with her custodial father, Ryan Iserka.
Police arrested Heather Unbehaun on Saturday on a fugitive warrant from Illinois. Initially held on a $250,000 bond, she was released on Tuesday morning after posting bail, according to Asheville PD spokesperson Samantha Booth.
Side by side photos of Kayla Unbehaun, Photo Credit: ABC 7 Chicago/Youtube
Netflix Episode Leads to Breakthrough
The key break came when a vigilant viewer of Netflix’s Unsolved Mysteries recognized Kayla and alerted police. Authorities moved quickly, resulting in her safe recovery and Unbehaun’s arrest.
Custody Battle History
Court records show a tense legal battle between the parents. In early 2017, a judge granted Iserka full custody. Unbehaun was allowed unsupervised parenting time, but concerns over Kayla’s health led the court to give Iserka sole authority over medical decisions.
Concerns Over Bond Release
Iserka’s attorney, John Vojta, criticized Unbehaun’s release on bail, pointing to her six-year fugitive status. Still, Iserka expressed gratitude for the outcome, thanking law enforcement, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and supporters from the “Bring Kayla Home” Facebook page.
Legal Process Continues
Unbehaun is due in court again Wednesday morning at the Kane County Judicial Center. With the case still unfolding, the public remains captivated by its emotional twists and legal implications.
