The case of Kayla Unbehaun, a South Elgin Iyoung girl who was allegedly abducted by her non-custodial mother nearly six years ago, has finally reached a positive outcome. A woman at a Plato’s Closet in Asheville, North Carolina, recognized Heather Unbehaun from media reports and called police. Missing Kayla Unbehaun found safe after 6 years. Keep reading with Nghe Ngong.
I. Missing Kayla Unbehaun: the initial abduction.
Heather Unbehaun, the non-custodial mother of Kayla Unbehaun, has been apprehended and is currently in custody. She is expected to be extradited to northern Illinois, where she faces accusations of abducting her daughter when Kayla was just 9 years old in 2017. The events leading up to the abduction unfolded on July 5 of that year in Wheaton, Illinois.
According to authorities, Kayla’s father had gone to pick her up from an address in Wheaton, only to discover that Heather had already packed her vehicle and departed with their daughter the previous day. This sudden disappearance shocked and alarmed Kayla’s father, triggering an immediate response from law enforcement agencies to initiate a search and investigation into the matter.
After several weeks of investigation and search efforts, the Kane County State’s Attorney’s office issued a kidnapping warrant for Heather Unbehaun, the non-custodial mother of Kayla Unbehaun. The warrant indicated the serious nature of the charges against her related to the alleged abduction of her daughter.
Despite their continued efforts, law enforcement authorities had been unable to locate missing Kayla Unbehaun and Heather until a significant breakthrough occurred on Saturday. A woman at a Plato’s Closet store in Asheville, North Carolina, recognized Heather from “published media” coverage and promptly contacted the police to report her sighting. This observant individual’s quick thinking and attention to detail played a pivotal role in the eventual recovery of Kayla.
II. Years of Searching
In the years following the missing of Kayla Unbehaun, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children played a crucial role in spreading awareness about her case. They posted an alert online, featuring two images side by side. The first image depicted Kayla at the age of nine, reflecting her appearance at the time of her abduction. The second image was an age-progression photo, providing an estimation of how she may have looked as she grew older.
The online alert aimed to reach a wider audience, leveraging the power of the internet and social media platforms to disseminate information about Kayla’s disappearance. By showcasing both her childhood and projected adult appearances, it aimed to assist in recognizing and identifying her if she were found or spotted in public.
Additionally, the case gained further exposure through its inclusion in an episode of Netflix’s “Unsolved Mysteries” series dedicated to parental abductions. The series, known for shedding light on unresolved cases, featured Kayla’s story, raising public awareness and potentially reaching individuals who might have had relevant information about her whereabouts.
III. Discovery in North Carolina:
These efforts, both through online alerts and media coverage, played a crucial role in keeping Kayla Unbehaun’s case at the forefront of public awareness.
Over the past weekend, a significant breakthrough occurred when a store owner, who had seen the episode about Kayla Unbehaun’s case on Netflix’s “Unsolved Mysteries,” recognized her at a shopping center in Asheville. This observant individual promptly contacted the police to report the sighting, missing Kayla Unbehaun finally found safe after 6 years of searching.
Heather Unbehaun, the alleged abductor of Kayla Unbehaun, is currently in custody with a bond set at $250,000. As she awaits extradition to face the charges against her in northern Illinois, authorities are taking necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of Kayla.
Following her recovery, Kayla has been placed in protective custody. This step is taken to ensure her immediate security and provide a supportive environment while legal proceedings and reunification plans are being organized. Protective custody allows authorities to closely monitor her well-being and address any specific needs or concerns that may arise.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children recently shared a heartfelt message from Kayla’s father, Ryan, expressing his overwhelming joy and gratitude for Kayla’s safe return. In his message, Ryan extended his thanks to the Elgin Police Department, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and all the law enforcement agencies involved in assisting with Kayla’s case. He also asked for privacy from the media to allow the family space and time to heal, bond and adjust to the changes that come with being reunited.
