| Full Name | Kayla Unbehaun (also known as Kayla Vaughn) |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 5, 2008 |
| Age When Found | 15 |
| Age When Abducted | 9 |
| Missing From | South Elgin, Illinois |
| Found In | Asheville, North Carolina |
| Date Missing | July 4, 2017 |
| Date Found | May 13, 2023 |
| Abductor | Heather Unbehaun (non-custodial parent) |
| Recognition Moment | Spotted at Plato’s Closet by store owner |
Kayla Vaughn Missing: A Miraculous Reunion After Six Years of Silence
When Kayla Vaughn, born Kayla Unbehaun, vanished from South Elgin, Illinois in July 2017, her family and community were plunged into anguish and uncertainty. She was just nine years old at the time, last seen enjoying the Independence Day parade with her mother, Heather Unbehaun. What began as a joyful celebration turned into a haunting mystery that would stretch over six years and cross state lines.
In an unexpected turn of fate, Kayla was found alive in Asheville, North Carolina, in May 2023, thanks in part to the true crime documentary series Unsolved Mysteries on Netflix.
The Disappearance: July 2017
Kayla’s disappearance occurred during what should have been a routine custody exchange between her parents. Heather, who did not have legal custody, vanished with Kayla after being last seen at the Fourth of July parade. When Kayla’s father, Ryan Iskerka, went to meet them the next day, he found that Heather had deactivated all her social media accounts and turned off her phone. Alarmed, he quickly filed a missing persons report.
Soon after, Ryan launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise awareness and assist with search efforts. Despite widespread efforts by law enforcement and child advocacy organizations, the case went cold.
The Breakthrough via Netflix’s Unsolved Mysteries
Public attention was reignited in November 2022 when Kayla’s case was briefly featured in Unsolved Mysteries, Season 3, Episode 9 titled “Abducted by a Parent.” The episode focused on multiple child abduction cases involving non-custodial parents and included composite age-progressed images of missing children, including Kayla.
Although she wasn’t the central story of the episode, this national exposure played a critical role in her eventual discovery. Viewers were reminded of the ongoing pain families endure during such abductions and renewed public interest helped keep Kayla’s case in the public eye.
Found in North Carolina: A Store Owner’s Sharp Eye
In May 2023, over six years since her disappearance, Kayla was found in Asheville, North Carolina. The breakthrough came when a local store owner recognized her while she and her mother were shopping at a Plato’s Closet, a second-hand clothing store.
The store employee had reportedly seen the Unsolved Mysteries episode and was familiar with Kayla’s face from the composite image. Trusting her instincts, she contacted law enforcement immediately.
Thanks to this brave and observant citizen, authorities were able to locate Kayla and arrest Heather Unbehaun. Heather now faces child abduction charges and is currently awaiting extradition to Illinois.
An Emotional Reunion and a Father’s Relief
Upon hearing the news, Kayla’s father, Ryan Iskerka, shared a heartfelt statement:
“I’m overjoyed that Kayla is home safe. I want to thank the South Elgin Police Department, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and all of the law enforcement agencies who assisted with her case.”
Kayla is now back in Illinois and undergoing a process of reintegration with her family, while receiving support to help her transition after years of being missing.
The Role of Media and Community Vigilance
This case stands as a testament to the vital role of public media and alert citizens. Without the visibility provided by Unsolved Mysteries and the attentiveness of the Plato’s Closet employee, Kayla’s case might have remained unresolved.
It also emphasizes the enduring pain of child abduction and the hope that persists through years of uncertainty.
How to Watch the Kayla Unbehaun Story on Netflix
If you’re curious about Kayla’s case and how it played into her eventual discovery, watch Unsolved Mysteries Season 3, Episode 9 titled “Abducted by a Parent.” While Kayla’s story is not the central feature, she is among several children highlighted through photos and digital renderings.
This episode explores the challenges in parental abduction cases and how easily children can vanish despite court orders and custody agreements.
FAQs about Kayla Vaughn’s Disappearance and Recovery
Who is Kayla Vaughn (Unbehaun)?
Kayla is an Illinois teenager who was abducted by her non-custodial mother in 2017 and found alive in North Carolina in 2023.
How was Kayla found?
A store owner recognized her from an Unsolved Mysteries episode and alerted police during a shopping trip to Plato’s Closet.
Where can I watch the episode that featured her?
Watch Unsolved Mysteries, Season 3, Episode 9 on Netflix. It’s titled “Abducted by a Parent.”
What is Heather Unbehaun being charged with?
Heather is facing child abduction charges and is currently awaiting extradition to Illinois.
How old was Kayla when she was abducted and found?
Kayla was 9 years old when she was abducted in 2017 and was 15 years old when found in 2023.
Conclusion: A Story of Hope, Resilience, and Justice
The return of Kayla Vaughn (Unbehaun) after six long years is a profound reminder that even cold cases can be solved with persistence, public awareness, and a watchful community. Her journey from disappearance to recovery showcases the power of media, the vigilance of strangers, and the resilience of those who never stop searching for their loved ones.
Let Kayla’s story inspire hope for other families still searching—and renew our commitment to protecting vulnerable children.
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