Netflix’s Documentary Reveals Shocking Cyberbullying Case
Netflix’s new documentary, Unknown Number: The High School Catfish, tells the true story of Lauryn Licari and Owen McKenny, a high school couple who faced relentless cyberbullying for almost two years. The film, which premiered on August 29, dives into how they were targeted by an unknown attacker, revealing a twist no one saw coming.
In Beal City, Michigan, Lauryn and Owen were known as the “Golden Couple.” After being together since junior high, their bond got stronger as they entered high school. However, everything changed when they began receiving mysterious text messages from an unknown number. Initially, they dismissed the messages, which falsely claimed that Owen was cheating on Lauryn.
But as time went on, the harassment intensified, with Lauryn and Owen receiving as many as 40-50 messages a day. The texts turned threatening, causing panic and confusion. The couple could not block the sender’s number due to an app that generated new numbers, making it difficult for the police to trace the source.
After nearly two years of torment, the FBI intervened. Their investigation revealed that the harasser was someone they never expected: Lauryn’s own mother, Kendra. The documentary provides a detailed account of the unfolding events, showing where Lauryn and Owen are now.
First Menacing Messages
Their nightmare began in October 2020, shortly before Halloween, when they received an initial wave of threatening texts claiming to come from an unknown number. The messages questioned Owen’s feelings for Lauryn, stirring doubt between the couple.
Accusations Against Friends and Family
As the harassment continued, friends and family were drawn into the investigation. The couple’s school principal contacted the police, but initial inquiries failed to identify the sender. Multiple suspects emerged but were quickly cleared.
Stress from the messages took a toll on Lauryn and Owen’s relationship, ultimately leading them to break up. Despite this, the harassment escalated, with physical threats and disturbing messages about Lauryn’s well-being.
FBI Solves the Mystery
The FBI’s investigation took a turn when they examined phone records from the app used by the sender. This eventually led them to identify Kendra as the culprit. Upon confrontation, Kendra admitted to sending the messages, shocking both Lauryn and her father.
Kendra faced serious legal consequences, being charged and later pleading guilty to multiple counts of stalking. She is currently serving a prison sentence but has sought to communicate with Lauryn since her release.
Aftermath of the Incident
Kendra’s actions shattered her relationship with Lauryn, leading to a divorce from Lauryn’s father, who gained full custody of his daughter. Although Kendra has expressed a desire to reconnect with Lauryn, the young woman has made it clear that she needs time before considering rebuilding their relationship.
The documentary also highlights that Lauryn and Owen, despite their past love, have not rekindled their romance and have since drifted apart.
Unknown Number: The High School Catfish offers a powerful look into the impact of cyberbullying and the complexities of family relationships.
