Editor’s Note: This story was originally reported in May 2023 and is being republished due to renewed interest.
In a shocking development, Heather Unbehaun, who allegedly abducted her daughter six years ago from a Chicago suburb, has surrendered to authorities—bringing an end to a case that once captivated national attention. She is currently being held at the Kane County Adult Justice Center in Illinois without the possibility of bail, facing charges of child abduction and kidnapping.
Unbehaun’s arrest came shortly after her daughter, now 15-year-old Kayla Unbehaun, was safely found in North Carolina and reunited with her legal guardian. According to Asheville Police spokesperson Samantha Booth, Unbehaun was initially held on a $250,000 bond after being taken into custody Saturday but posted bail on Tuesday.
The case began on July 4, 2017, when Kayla, then 9, vanished following a Fourth of July parade in South Elgin, Illinois. Unbehaun, who at the time only had unsupervised visitation rights, claimed she and Kayla were going on a camping trip—but never returned. A felony warrant for her arrest was issued soon after.
A breakthrough came when a sharp-eyed resident in Asheville recognized Kayla from an episode of Netflix’s Unsolved Mysteries focused on parental kidnappings. That tip led to her recovery and Unbehaun’s subsequent arrest.
Kayla’s father, Ryan Iserka, had been granted full custody in early 2017, with court records citing concerns over Unbehaun’s handling of Kayla’s healthcare. Iserka’s attorney, John Vojta, voiced concern about Unbehaun’s release on bond, emphasizing her fugitive status and the years she spent evading authorities.
Iserka and Kayla have since returned to Illinois. In a public statement, he expressed heartfelt thanks to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, law enforcement, and supporters of the “Bring Kayla Home” Facebook page.
Unbehaun is scheduled to appear in court again Wednesday at the Kane County Judicial Center. The case continues to draw public attention as it moves through the legal system.
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