NETFLIX’S UNKNOWN NUMBER EXPOSES A MOTHER’S DECEPTION

Megan Grobler

@megan.gro_bler

 

A chilling new Netflix documentary dives into the emotional turmoil of a catfishing scandal that shook a small town to its core.

 

The popular true-crime documentary, Unknown Number: The High School Catfish, tells the story of a digital scandal that spiralled out of control — targeting an unsuspecting teenage couple and leaving a trail of emotional trauma in the small town of Beal City, Michigan.

 

Released on Netflix on 29 August 2025, and directed by Skye Borgman, with Ross M. Dinerstein and Rebecca Evans as producers, the film follows the shocking case that unfolded in a seemingly ordinary school. Lauryn Licari (13) and her boyfriend, Owen McKenny (13), began receiving strange messages from an unknown number — texts that would unravel friendships, destroy trust, and expose a truth no one saw coming.

 

Through candid interviews with multiple people — including Lauryn Licari and her ex-boyfriend, Owen McKenny, classmates, parents, school staff, and law enforcement — the events of the digital harassment are explained from different perspectives. The documentary depicts the extent to which cyberbullying can damage relationships, mental health, and community trust.

 

After more than two years of dating, and 13 months since the messages began, Lauryn and Owen succumbed to the strain caused by the threats and lies, ultimately ending their relationship.

 

The messages sent to Lauryn escalated into death threats and emotional attacks after the breakup, which severely affected her mental state. This harassment led Sheriff Mike Main to get involved.

 

The investigation initially led authorities to suspect one of Owen’s classmates and friends, Khloe Wilson, who had previously caused tension in Lauryn and Owen’s relationship. However, this theory was ruled out after police traced the number of the mysterious sender back to Lauryn’s mother, Kendra Licari.

 

According to NBC News, Kendra pled guilty to two counts of stalking a minor and two counts of using a computer to commit a crime. She was sentenced to a minimum of 19 months in prison.

 

Her admission of guilt, lack of accountability, and Lauryn’s subdued reaction to her mother’s exposure caused viewers to express anger and frustration on social media.

 

Since its release, the documentary has sparked heated online discussions, with many viewers questioning Kendra’s short prison sentence and criticising the lack of digital safety measures in schools.

 

Unknown Number: The High School Catfish adds to a growing list of true-crime stories that highlight the very real dangers of online catfishing and the devastating effects it can have on individuals and communities.

 

Unbelievable and deeply thought-provoking, Unknown Number is more than just a documentary — it’s a warning about the very real dangers teens face in a digital world.

 

 

Edited by Simoné de Witt