Missing 9-Year-Old Girl Featured on Unsolved Mysteries Found Safe After Six Years

A missing child case that gripped the nation has finally come to a close. Kayla Unbehaun, who disappeared in 2017, has been found safe after six years.

Her mother, Heather Unbehaun, accused of abducting her daughter from South Elgin, Illinois, has now surrendered to authorities. She is being held without bail at the Kane County Adult Justice Center on child abduction charges.

Kayla was discovered in North Carolina just days before Heather turned herself in. She has since been reunited with her father, Ryan Iserka, who held full custodial rights at the time of her disappearance.

Heather Unbehaun was initially arrested in North Carolina on a fugitive warrant from Illinois. She faced charges of kidnapping and child abduction and was briefly released after posting a $250,000 bond, according to Asheville Police.

The abduction took place on July 4, 2017, when Heather left a local parade with Kayla under the pretense of a camping trip. They never returned, prompting a nationwide search and a felony warrant for Heather’s arrest.

The case gained renewed attention after Kayla’s photo was featured in an episode of Netflix’s Unsolved Mysteries. A viewer recognized her, contacted authorities, and ultimately played a key role in her safe recovery.

In a heartfelt statement, Ryan Iserka expressed his gratitude to law enforcement and the public for their support during the long search:
“Thank you for helping bring my daughter home.”

Heather Unbehaun is due back in court on Wednesday morning at the Kane County Judicial Center.