Unknown Number: The High School Catfish True Story – Netflix Documentary Overview

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Summary

Netflix’s Unknown Number: The High School Catfish tells the shocking true story of Kendra Licari, a Michigan mother who spent over a year secretly harassing her daughter Lauryn and Lauryn’s boyfriend, Owen, through a disguised phone number. The manipulative messages caused emotional distress, leading to a breakup and confusion for the young couple. The FBI and local authorities traced the messages back to Kendra, resulting in her 19-month prison sentence in 2023. The documentary features interviews with Lauryn, Owen, their families, and law enforcement, highlighting the emotional toll, the investigation, and the broader themes of digital manipulation, trust, betrayal, and accountability.

Netflix’s Unknown Number: The High School Catfish has captivated audiences with its chilling true story of deception, manipulation, and family betrayal. The documentary explores the disturbing case of Kendra Licari, a mother from Beal City, Michigan, who secretly harassed her own daughter Lauryn and Lauryn’s boyfriend Owen through a disguised phone number. This in-depth Unknown Number: The High School Catfish true story article covers the events, background, investigation, impact, and critical reception of the Netflix documentary.

The Startling Case Behind the Documentary

The story begins in Beal City, Michigan, where Lauryn, a high school student, and her boyfriend Owen experienced a series of anonymous messages. These texts, often threatening and emotionally manipulative, caused confusion, fear, and heartbreak for the young couple.

Key Facts:

• Harassing messages were sent over a year.
• Messages included threats, explicit content, and manipulative language.
• The couple initially had no idea who was behind the texts.

What makes this case particularly shocking is that the perpetrator was Lauryn’s own mother, Kendra Licari, who had gone to extreme lengths to disguise her identity.

Who is Kendra Licari?

Kendra Licari, Lauryn’s mother, became the central figure in this disturbing case. According to court records and interviews in the documentary:

• Kendra admitted to sending the messages herself.
• She claimed her actions were motivated by past trauma and a desire to keep Lauryn close.
• Licari’s behavior caused significant emotional distress to both Lauryn and Owen.

Her actions raise questions about parental boundaries, the psychological impacts of trauma, and the consequences of digital harassment.

The Investigation and FBI Involvement

Authorities became involved after Lauryn and Owen reported the mysterious messages. The investigation revealed:

• Phone records helped trace the messages back to Kendra.
• The FBI assisted in verifying the origin of the harassment.
• Law enforcement documented the year-long timeline of manipulative messages.

The investigation highlights how technology can both enable manipulation and provide critical evidence for solving complex cyber harassment cases.

Netflix Documentary Overview

Unknown Number: The High School Catfish chronicles the events through interviews, real messages, and expert commentary. The documentary provides viewers with:

• Interviews with Lauryn and Owen, sharing their emotional journey.
• Family perspectives, offering insight into Kendra’s motivations and behavior.
• Law enforcement commentary, detailing the investigation and legal process.
• A chronological breakdown of events, revealing how trust was manipulated over time.

The documentary has been praised for its sensitive handling of a difficult and emotionally charged subject.

Emotional Impact on the Victims

The messages caused significant emotional trauma for both Lauryn and Owen. According to interviews:

• The couple experienced anxiety, fear, and mistrust.
• Lauryn struggled with reconciling her love for her mother with the betrayal she experienced.
• Owen felt confused and manipulated, impacting his relationship with Lauryn.

The film demonstrates the long-lasting consequences of cyber harassment and family betrayal, especially on young adults.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

In 2023, Kendra Licari faced the legal consequences of her actions:

• She was sentenced to at least 19 months in prison.
• The sentencing reflected the severity of manipulating minors and causing emotional distress.
• Licari’s motivations were scrutinized, but the court focused on the documented harassment and its impact on the victims.

The case underscores the importance of holding perpetrators accountable, even when they are close family members.

Themes Explored in the Documentary

The Netflix documentary goes beyond recounting events, exploring broader themes:

1. Digital Manipulation – How technology can be misused to deceive and control.
2. Trust and Betrayal – The devastating effects when a trusted family member is the perpetrator.
3. Trauma and Psychology – Examining the long-term psychological consequences of abuse.
4. Accountability – The role of law enforcement and legal systems in addressing harassment.

These themes make the documentary both a gripping true-crime story and a cautionary tale about parental boundaries and digital safety.

Critical Reception

Critics have praised the documentary for its:

• Emotional depth – Honest interviews with the victims create empathy and understanding.
• Narrative structure – A clear chronological account of events helps viewers follow the investigation.
• Educational value – Raises awareness about cyber harassment, parental overreach, and digital ethics.

Some reviewers noted the disturbing nature of the content, but agreed that the documentary handles sensitive material responsibly.

Conclusion

Netflix’s Unknown Number: The High School Catfish offers a gripping look into the real-life case of a mother manipulating her daughter through digital deception. With thorough investigation, emotional interviews, and responsible storytelling, the documentary is both a chilling true-crime tale and a cautionary story about the dangers of technology misuse and family betrayal. It serves as a reminder that trust, boundaries, and accountability are crucial, especially in the digital age.

Also Read : Top 10 Highest Paid Netflix Actors of 2025

FAQs

Q1: What is Unknown Number: The High School Catfish about?
It is a Netflix documentary that explores the true story of Kendra Licari, a mother who harassed her daughter and her daughter’s boyfriend using a disguised phone number.

Q2: Who were the victims in the case?
Lauryn Licari and her boyfriend Owen were the primary victims of the harassment.

Q3: How did authorities identify the perpetrator?
Investigators traced phone records with the help of the FBI, revealing that Lauryn’s mother, Kendra Licari, was responsible.

Q4: What was Kendra Licari’s sentence?
In 2023, Kendra was sentenced to at least 19 months in prison for her actions.

Q5: What themes does the documentary explore?
Key themes include digital manipulation, trust and betrayal, trauma, and accountability.

Q6: How does the documentary present the story?
Through interviews with Lauryn, Owen, their families, and law enforcement, along with real messages and chronological storytelling.

Q7: Is the documentary suitable for all audiences?
Due to its disturbing content, it is more appropriate for mature viewers interested in true crime and psychological drama.

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