Missing girl found after six years, alleged kidnapper arrested.

Lifestyle & Human Interest

Discover the heartwarming story of Kayla Unbehaun, who was abducted by her noncustodial mother at just 9 years old. After six long years, Kayla has been reunited with her family, and her mother has been arrested and released on bond.

A Mother’s Crime

Heather Unbehaun is facing a charge of child abduction, a Class 4 felony, after kidnapping her own daughter when the dad was granted custody. If convicted, she could face probation or one to three years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Unsolved Mysteries

Kayla’s story regained national attention when it was featured on the Netflix series “Unsolved Mysteries.” Her picture was digitally aged and included in a brief roll call at the end of the episode. A store employee recognized her and reported it to her manager, leading to her reunion with her father.

A Long Road Home

Prior to being reunited with her father, Kayla was last seen attending a parade with her mother in Wheaton, Illinois. Heather and Kayla stayed undetected for six years, leaving no technological bread crumbs. The Asheville Police Department called it “most unusual.”

A New Beginning

Kayla’s dad, Ryan, expressed his joy and gratitude to the South Elgin Police Department, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and all the law enforcement agencies who assisted with her case. He asked for privacy as they navigate this new beginning.

• Kayla was abducted by her noncustodial mother at 9 years old
• After six years, she has been reunited with her family
• Her mother has been arrested and released on bond
• Kayla’s story was featured on “Unsolved Mysteries”
• She was recognized by a store employee and reunited with her father
• Heather Unbehaun is facing a charge of child abduction

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