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5 Shocking Updates On The High School Catfish Case: Where Are Kendra Licari, Lauryn, And Owen Now?

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The true-crime world was left stunned by the chilling narrative of *Unknown Number: The High School Catfish*, the Netflix documentary that premiered on August 29, 2025. This film dove deep into the disturbing case of a mother, Kendra Licari, who spent years cyberstalking and catfishing her own daughter, Lauryn Licari, and her daughter's then-boyfriend, Owen McKenny, in a small Michigan town. The emotional damage and psychological manipulation exposed in the documentary raised urgent questions about online safety, parental control, and the hidden dangers lurking in a digital world.

The story, which unfolded across 2020 and 2021, involved thousands of anonymous, harassing, and often threatening text messages and social media posts. While the documentary detailed the investigation and the shocking reveal of the culprit, many viewers are now searching for the most current information—specifically, where the key figures are today, what happened to the 'catfish mother' legally, and how the victims have moved on from one of the most bizarre cyberstalking cases in recent history.

Key Figures: Full Biography & Profile

The case revolves around three central figures from Beal City, Michigan, whose lives were irrevocably changed by the events detailed in the documentary. Here is a comprehensive profile of the main subjects:

  • Kendra Gail Licari (The Catfish/Perpetrator)
    • Role in Case: The mother who used a VPN and burner phones to cyberstalk and harass her daughter and her daughter's boyfriend for over a year. She was an accomplished parent who even assisted her daughter in reporting the bullying to the police.
    • MDOC Number: 752232
    • SID Number: 5374469J
    • Racial Identification: White
    • Gender: Female
    • Crime: Convicted of two felony counts of using a computer to commit a crime and one felony count of aggravated stalking.
    • Date of Sentence: April 26, 2023, in Isabella County, Michigan.
    • Sentence: A minimum of 19 months to a maximum of 5 years in prison.
  • Lauryn Licari (The Primary Victim/Daughter)
    • Role in Case: The primary target of the cyberstalking, initially believing she was being harassed by high school peers. She is the daughter of Kendra Licari.
    • High School: Beal City High School.
    • Current Status (2024/2025): Graduated from high school in 2024 and is now pursuing a collegiate softball career, focusing on her education and athletic future away from the trauma of the case.
  • Owen McKenny (The Victim/Ex-Boyfriend)
    • Role in Case: Lauryn's then-boyfriend who was also a target of the anonymous messages, which sought to drive a wedge between the couple.
    • Current Status: Spoke openly in the documentary about the psychological toll of the harassment. He is reportedly focused on his studies and personal life. He and Lauryn have not remained in contact following the events.

The Shocking Legal Update: Kendra Licari’s Parole and Strict Rules

The biggest and most recent update concerning the case is the status of Kendra Licari. After her sentencing in 2023, she served time in a Michigan correctional facility. However, new information reveals she is no longer incarcerated.

Kendra Licari was granted parole and was reportedly released on August 8th (in a recent year following her sentencing). Her life outside of prison, however, is governed by an extremely strict set of rules and conditions, which is common for offenders convicted of computer crimes and cyberstalking.

The terms of her parole are designed to prevent any further contact with the victims and to severely restrict her access to the technology she used to commit the crimes. These rules are a testament to the severity of her actions and the psychological harm inflicted on her daughter and Owen McKenny. The conditions include:

  • No Contact Order: She is prohibited from having any direct or indirect contact with the victims, Lauryn Licari and Owen McKenny, or their families.
  • Internet and Device Restrictions: Licari is under strict limitations regarding her use of the internet and electronic devices. She is likely prohibited from having unmonitored access to social media platforms.
  • Electronic Monitoring: Her parole may include electronic monitoring, such as an ankle bracelet, to track her movements.
  • Mandatory Therapy: She is required to attend counseling and therapy sessions to address the underlying psychological issues that led to the cyberstalking.

Her release on parole means she is still under the supervision of the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) and any violation of these stringent rules would result in her immediate return to prison. This ongoing supervision ensures the safety of the victims and serves as a continued consequence for the cyberstalking and aggravated stalking convictions.

Life After the Catfish: How Lauryn and Owen Are Moving Forward

The emotional fallout from discovering that the source of years of intense cyberbullying was a trusted family member—a mother—is immeasurable. The documentary showed the confusion, fear, and eventual heartbreak experienced by both Lauryn Licari and Owen McKenny. Their current paths show a determined effort to reclaim their lives and futures.

Lauryn Licari: From Victim to Collegiate Athlete

One of the most uplifting updates is the trajectory of Lauryn Licari. Despite the psychological turmoil of the case, she successfully completed her high school education. She graduated from Beal City High School in 2024.

More importantly, Lauryn has channeled her energy into her athletic career. She is now playing collegiate softball, a significant step forward that demonstrates resilience and a focus on her future outside of the shadow of the case. Her commitment to sports and education marks a positive turning point, showcasing her strength in overcoming a unique form of abuse.

Owen McKenny: Focus on Healing and Privacy

Owen McKenny, who was pulled into the elaborate scheme due to his relationship with Lauryn, also spoke candidly about his experience in the Netflix film. The messages he received were designed to manipulate and control, creating paranoia and distrust. The documentary confirmed that the intense pressure and emotional trauma ultimately led to the end of his relationship with Lauryn.

As of the most recent updates, Owen is focused on his personal healing and academic life. While he and Lauryn are no longer in contact, their shared experience remains a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of cyberstalking. His participation in the documentary was an act of courage, helping to shed light on the pervasive nature of online deception and emotional abuse, even from the most unexpected sources.

The Documentary’s Lasting Impact on Digital Safety

The story of the "High School Catfish" has become more than just a true-crime sensation; it has served as an urgent warning about the dark side of digital communication and the need for greater awareness of online manipulation.

The use of sophisticated tools like Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and burner phones by Kendra Licari highlights how easy it is for perpetrators to mask their identity, complicating law enforcement efforts. The case, which took months to fully unravel, underscored the importance of digital forensics and the need for schools and parents to be vigilant about cyberbullying and online harassment. The fact that a parent was the perpetrator adds a layer of complexity, challenging the assumption that such threats only come from strangers or peers. The case continues to be studied by experts in psychology and law enforcement as a prime example of Munchausen by Proxy in the digital age, where the attention and control are sought through the manipulation of a victim's trauma.

As Lauryn and Owen continue their journey, and Kendra Licari navigates her strict parole, the documentary *Unknown Number: The High School Catfish* ensures that the conversation around digital ethics and the devastating consequences of online deception remains at the forefront of public consciousness.

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catfish high school documentary

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