Family Torn Apart by Shocking Cyberbullying Case
In a troubling turn of events, Beal City, Michigan resident Shawn Licari found himself in the middle of a disturbing cyberbullying scandal. His daughter, Lauryn Licari, and her boyfriend, Owen McKenny, endured relentless harassment for nearly two years.
The shocking truth came to light when the FBI revealed that the source of the torment was none other than Shawn’s wife, Kendra Licari. This case is highlighted in Netflix’s new documentary, Unknown Number: The High School Catfish, which premiered on August 29.
The ordeal began in October 2020, when Lauryn and Owen started receiving threatening messages from unknown numbers. The relentless messages intensified, with the couple receiving up to 50 texts a day. As the harassment continued, suspicions fell on various classmates, and the couple ultimately felt forced to separate.
In August 2022, the FBI stepped in and uncovered Kendra as the perpetrator. Using an app that masked her identity, she sent the harmful messages, making it difficult for authorities to trace them. When investigators checked records from the app, they linked the IP address to Kendra, leading to her arrest in December 2022.
Describing the moment he learned the truth, Shawn said he was in disbelief when the sheriff told him the bully was his wife. He rushed home, only to learn Kendra had been unemployed for nearly a year, which explained their financial struggles.
Following the shocking revelation, Shawn confronted Kendra about her actions. He expressed his anger and insisted she leave the family home temporarily for everyone’s safety. Despite Kendra’s pleas to stay for Lauryn’s sake, Shawn remained firm.
After Kendra’s arrest, Shawn filed for divorce and gained full custody of Lauryn. He reflected on the betrayal, stating he couldn’t fathom how she could hurt their daughter.
In March 2023, Kendra pleaded guilty to stalking charges and was sentenced to serve time in prison. As of now, Shawn is focused on rebuilding his life and supporting Lauryn as they deepen their father-daughter bond. Lauryn has expressed how much closer they have become since the incident, appreciating the chance to enjoy life without the shadow of their past trauma.
Kendra was released from prison on parole in August 2024 but is currently not allowed to see Lauryn. As of early 2025, Kendra is living with family near Detroit, while Shawn remains committed to providing a stable and happy life for Lauryn.
Despite the public attention from the documentary, Shawn has not yet publicly commented on it. He continues to prioritize his relationship with Lauryn as they work through the aftermath together.
