The Netflix documentary "Unknown Number: The High School Catfish" tells the true story of Lauryn Licari and her boyfriend Owen McKenny, two Michigan teenagers who were relentlessly cyberbullied for about 20 months starting when Lauryn was 13. They received vulgar, threatening, and personal messages from an anonymous number, causing severe emotional distress. The initial investigation focused on peers and friends, but after involving law enforcement and the FBI, it was revealed that the perpetrator was actually Lauryn's mother, Kendra Licari. Kendra pleaded guilty to stalking charges and was sentenced to prison. The documentary captures the emotional and investigative journey, including revealing body cam footage of the confrontation with Kendra.
Key Details about "Unknown Number: The High School Catfish"
- The harassment involved tens of thousands of derogatory and threatening texts, sometimes 40-50 daily, targeting Lauryn's appearance, clothing, and personal life.
- School officials, local police, and eventually the FBI were involved in the investigation.
- The cyberbullying caused a fracture in the school community as suspicion fell on different students.
- The anonymous messages were traced to Lauryn’s mother, who initially denied but then admitted to sending the messages as part of a misguided attempt to catch the original bully.
- The case highlights severe emotional and psychological costs to the victims and the broader community.
About the Netflix Documentary
- Directed by Skye Borgman, known for documentary work on sensitive true crime stories, the film provides a stark look at cyberbullying, parental betrayal, and community impact.
- It includes interviews with victims, parents, school staff, and law enforcement, along with evidence and investigative footage.
- The film has been well received and quickly rose to one of Netflix's top 10 most watched titles after its release in late August 2025.
This documentary is a compelling example of the complexities and dangers of cyberbullying and the unexpected sources it can come from. It also sheds light on the emotional toll on victims and the challenges faced by communities and law enforcement in addressing such crimes.
