Abducted Girl Missing for 6 Years Found Safe After Being Recognized on Episode of Netflix's "Unsolved Mysteries"
Against all odds, there was a glimmer of hope...
Losing a loved one is a pain that lingers, a wound that never truly heals. But what if, against all odds, you were given a glimmer of hope that they might still be out there, waiting to be found?
That's the extraordinary story of Kayla Unbehaun, a missing teenager whose haunting case was brought back into the spotlight by an unexpected turn of events.
Kayla Unbehaun was 9 years old when police said her mother, Heather, abducted her in July 2017 from South Elgin, Illinois — about 45 miles northwest of Chicago.
Back in 2017, the girl's father went to pick Kayla up from her mother’s house after a court-ordered visitation. When he arrived, however, the pair were nowhere to be found, alarming the other family members, and local authorities.
A felony warrant was issued to Kayla's mother for kidnapping, as it was believed the two had packed up and headed to Athens, Illinois at the time.
How Netflix and "Unsolved Mysteries" Helped to Crack an Old Case
Five years later, the story was featured at the end of a 2022 episode of "Unsolved Mysteries" on Netflix.
The popular television series uses re-enactments and interviews to cover unsolved mysteries -- as the title suggests.
It often showcases lost loves, unexplained history, or paranormal events. When an image of Kayla was shown at the end of one episode, one viewer stopped in his tracks.
A store owner in North Carolina recognized the girl at an Asheville shopping center and called the authorities.
The image included in the show used age-progression technology to imagine what the girl looked like at 15 years old -- and it worked.
The police were able to locate the girl and her mother, thanks to the tip. Kayla was placed in protective custody,
Kayla Unbehaun: Almost a Decade Later
Her mother was arrested in Asheville and charged with child abduction, a felony, before being released on bond according to a press release by the South Elgin Police Department.
The department said the now 15-year-old is in good condition and in good spirits since being reunited with her family. The department is also helping the family get social services.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children shared a post to their Facebook page, celebrating the safe return of Kayla.
Kayla’s dad, Ryan, asked NCMEC to share this statement on his behalf,
“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," he said. "I also want to thank all of the followers on the "Bring Kayla Home” Facebook page, who helped keep her story alive and were instrumental in spreading awareness. We ask for privacy as we get to know each other again and navigate this new beginning.”
Ryan never forgot about his daughter while she was missing, too.
Two years ago, he celebrated her birthday in a Facebook post, writing: "I'm always looking forward to seeing you again someday. I pray for you every day and think about you all day long."
He never stopped writing, praying, and thinking about his daughter even when all hope seemed lost. He was determined to reconnect with his daughter, a drive that kept him going through a parent's darkest times.
Though Kayla was found through a bizarre twist of fate, her story is one of never giving up hope for anyone. Even when authorities deemed her case "cold" to the point of a show about unsolved mysteries featuring her-- those close to her never gave up hope.
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Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.