Abducted Girl Featured on Netflix’s ‘Unsolved Mysteries’ Reboot Found Safe in North Carolina

• 2025-04-06
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In a heartwarming turn of events, Kayla Unbehaun, a young girl who was abducted by her mother in 2017, has been safely located, thanks in part to her appearance on Netflix’s popular reboot of Unsolved Mysteries.

Kayla Unbehaun Found in Asheville, North Carolina

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children confirmed that Kayla, who was just 9 years old when she was taken by her mother, has been located in Asheville, North Carolina. Her abduction had been a mystery for over four years, sparking widespread efforts to locate her.

Kayla’s mother, Heather Unbehaun, was arrested after being found with her daughter. Heather had been accused of abducting Kayla from South Elgin, Illinois, back in July 2017, and was charged with kidnapping and child abduction.

The Abduction: A Father’s Heartbreak

On July 5, 2017, Kayla’s father attempted to pick her up from her mother’s home, only to find that she was missing. Reports say that Heather packed up her car and fled with Kayla on July 4, leaving no trace behind.

For years, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children worked tirelessly to locate Kayla, sharing both her photo from 2017 and an age-progressed image online. A dedicated Facebook page, “Bring Kayla Home,” was created to help spread the word, and local news outlets occasionally updated the public on the search.

Netflix's Unsolved Mysteries Leads to Kayla’s Rescue

Kayla’s case remained unsolved until her appearance on Netflix’s Unsolved Mysteries reboot. The episode showcasing her story eventually led to a break in the case. A store owner in North Carolina recognized Kayla from the episode and immediately contacted local authorities.

Thanks to this tip, police were able to track down Kayla and arrest her mother, Heather Unbehaun. Kayla, now 15 years old, was placed into protective custody.

Father’s Emotional Statement

“I’m overjoyed that Kayla is home safe,” Kayla’s father said in a statement. “I want to thank the South Elgin Police Department, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and all the law enforcement agencies who assisted in this case. A special thanks to the followers on the ‘Bring Kayla Home’ Facebook page, whose support was instrumental in keeping her story alive and spreading awareness.”

He added, “We ask for privacy as we get to know each other again and navigate this new beginning.”

Healing After the Trauma

While Kayla and her father face the challenge of reconnecting after years of separation, the family is hopeful for the future. Now, with Kayla back home, the process of healing can begin.

Heather Unbehaun faces serious charges for kidnapping and child abduction, but the relief of seeing Kayla safely returned marks the beginning of a new chapter for both her and her father.