Editor’s Note: This story was originally reported in May 2023 and is being republished.
In an unexpected twist, the woman charged with kidnapping her daughter from an Illinois suburb six years ago has surrendered, concluding a case that gripped the nation. Heather Unbehaun, mother of 15-year-old Kayla Unbehaun, is currently being held at the Kane County Adult Justice Center in Illinois, facing abduction charges with no possibility of bail.
Side by side photos of Kayla Unbehaun, Photo Credit: ABC 7 Chicago/Youtube
This surprising turn of events follows closely after Kayla was safely discovered in North Carolina and reunited with her legal guardian. Unbehaun’s arrest took place on Saturday in the same state, stemming from a fugitive warrant issued in Illinois on charges of child abduction and kidnapping. Initially detained with a hefty $250,000 bond, Unbehaun secured her release after posting bail on Tuesday morning, according to Asheville Police Department representative Samantha Booth.
Kayla Unbehaun smiling at the camera next to her dad, Photo Credit: ABC 7 Chicago/Youtube
The incident traces back to July 4, 2017, when Kayla, then just 9 years old, was allegedly taken by Unbehaun after attending a parade in South Elgin, a suburb of Chicago. The situation escalated when, after the event, Unbehaun told Kayla’s custodial father, Ryan Iserka, that they were heading on a camping trip. However, neither of them came back, prompting authorities to issue a felony warrant for Unbehaun’s arrest on kidnapping charges.
The case took a turn when an observant resident in Asheville identified Kayla after watching an episode of Netflix’s Unsolved Mysteries focused on parental kidnappings. Acting quickly, they informed law enforcement, leading to Kayla’s discovery and Unbehaun’s eventual arrest.
Kayla Unbehaun standing next to her dad smiling, Photo Credit: ABC 7 Chicago/Youtube
The legal disputes between Unbehaun and Iserka highlight a contentious custody battle. In early 2017, Iserka was awarded full custody of Kayla, while Unbehaun was limited to unsupervised “parenting time” visits. Court records reflected concerns about Kayla’s welfare, as the judge had granted Iserka sole authority over medical decisions, citing Unbehaun’s alleged interference with the child’s healthcare.
Attorney John Vojta, who represents Iserka, voiced concern about Unbehaun being granted bond, emphasizing her six-year fugitive status. Meanwhile, Iserka and Kayla have reunited and traveled back to Illinois together. In a statement, Iserka expressed gratitude to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, law enforcement, and supporters of the ‘Bring Kayla Home’ Facebook page for helping ensure his daughter’s safe return.
Mugshot of Kayla’s mother Heather Unbehaun, Photo Credit: ABC 7 Chicago/Youtube