Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in May 2023.
Unexpected Turn in Abduction Case
In a shocking development, the woman accused of abducting her daughter six years ago has surrendered. Heather Unbehaun, mother of 15-year-old Kayla Unbehaun, is now in custody at the Kane County Adult Justice Center, Illinois. She faces abduction charges and has been denied bail.
The Moment of Discovery
This turn of events came shortly after Kayla was found safe in North Carolina and reunited with her father. Heather Unbehaun was arrested in North Carolina on a fugitive warrant from Illinois. The arrest stemmed from charges of kidnapping and child abduction. Though initially held on a $250,000 bond, she was released after posting bail on Tuesday morning, according to Asheville Police Department spokesperson Samantha Booth.
A Parent’s Worst Nightmare
The case began on July 4, 2017, when 9-year-old Kayla was allegedly abducted by her mother, Heather. After attending a parade in South Elgin, Heather told Kayla’s father, Ryan Iserka, that they were going camping. Neither returned, prompting a felony kidnapping warrant for Heather.
Kayla Unbehaun smiling at the camera next to her dad, Photo Credit: ABC 7 Chicago/Youtube
The Key Breakthrough
The case took a major turn when an observant individual in Asheville recognized Kayla from an episode of Netflix’s Unsolved Mysteries. This lead quickly resulted in Kayla’s safe return and Heather’s arrest.
A Tumultuous Custody Battle
In 2017, Ryan Iserka won full custody of Kayla, with Heather only allowed unsupervised visits. Court documents revealed concerns over Heather’s interference with Kayla’s medical care, leading to Iserka having sole authority over her healthcare decisions.
Reunited and Moving Forward
Despite the legal issues, Kayla and Ryan have been reunited. They traveled back to Illinois together. Ryan thanked the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, law enforcement, and supporters from the ‘Bring Kayla Home’ Facebook page for their help.
What’s Next?
As Heather Unbehaun faces ongoing legal proceedings, she is scheduled for her next court appearance on Wednesday at the Kane County Judicial Center. The twists and turns in this case continue to capture public attention.
