Missing Girl Featured on “Unsolved Mysteries” Found Safe After 6 Years

Kayla Unbehaun, a girl who went missing in 2017 at the age of 9, has been found safe and in good health at age 15 in Asheville, North Carolina. Her disappearance gained national attention when her case was featured on Netflix’s Unsolved Mysteries in 2022.

A store employee recognized Kayla while she was out shopping with her mother and contacted police. Authorities responded quickly, confirming her identity and ensuring her safety. Kayla had been living under the radar for years after being abducted by her mother, Heather Unbehaun, who had legal custody at the time of the disappearance.

Following Kayla’s recovery, Heather was arrested on a fugitive warrant. She has since been released on bond and is awaiting further legal proceedings, including possible extradition to Illinois, where the case originated. Kayla has been reunited with her biological father, Ryan Iskerka, who had not seen her since 2017.

He shared his gratitude for everyone involved in helping find his daughter and asked for privacy as they begin the emotional process of reconnecting after so many years apart. This remarkable resolution highlights the powerful role that public awareness and media coverage can play in missing person cases.

The episode of Unsolved Mysteries helped spread Kayla’s story to a national audience, and the vigilance of a single bystander ultimately made the difference in bringing her home. Kayla’s recovery is being celebrated as a story of hope and perseverance after years of uncertainty and heartbreak. Her case serves as a reminder that no matter how much time has passed, there is always a chance for reunion and healing.