The Shocking Truth: Who Was The Catfish In The Viral 'High School Catfish' Case? (2023 Update)
The true story behind the "High School Catfish" case is far more disturbing and complex than any plot from a reality TV show, revealing a betrayal that shocked a small Michigan community and captivated viewers of the Netflix documentary Unknown Number: The High School Catfish. This is not a classic MTV *Catfish* episode, but a chilling true crime saga where the anonymous harasser was not a random stranger, but one of the victim's own parents. The case, which unfolded between 2020 and 2023, centered on a two-year campaign of cyberstalking that targeted a teenage couple and culminated in a guilty plea and a prison sentence for the perpetrator.
The identity of the "High School Catfish" was revealed to be Kendra Licari, a mother who systematically tormented her own daughter, Lauryn Licari, and her daughter’s then-boyfriend, Owen McKenny, using a barrage of anonymous and explicit text messages. The sheer cruelty and duration of the harassment, coupled with the culprit's identity, turned this local incident in Beal City, Michigan, into a national conversation about cyberbullying, parental abuse, and the dark side of online anonymity. This article provides a definitive, up-to-date look at the people involved, the timeline of the crime, and the latest on Kendra Licari's current status following her 2023 sentencing.
The Central Figures: A Complete Biography and Case Profile
The "High School Catfish" case involves three primary individuals whose lives were irrevocably changed by the cyberstalking campaign. Understanding their roles is crucial to grasping the full scope of the tragedy.
- Full Name: Kendra Gail Licari
- Role: The Catfish/Perpetrator
- Background: A mother residing in Beal City, Michigan, at the time of the events. She was married to Shawn Licari and was an active parent in the community. She was initially involved in the investigation, feigning concern for her daughter's well-being.
- Crime: Pled guilty to two counts of stalking a minor and one count of using a computer to commit a crime.
- Motive: While never fully clarified, Licari's defense cited mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, as factors influencing her behavior. Prosecutors, however, suggested a more manipulative motive to control her daughter's life.
- Current Status: Sentenced in April 2023 and released on parole in August 2023 with strict conditions.
- Full Name: Lauryn Licari
- Role: Primary Victim/Daughter
- Background: A high school student in Beal City, Michigan, who was 13 years old when the harassment began in October 2020. She was in a relationship with Owen McKenny, who was also targeted.
- Impact: Suffered extensive emotional and psychological trauma due to the nearly two-year campaign of cyberbullying, which included hundreds of explicit and threatening messages.
- Current Status: Featured in the Netflix documentary, her life remains private, but she has been focused on recovery and moving forward from the traumatic events.
- Full Name: Owen McKenny
- Role: Secondary Victim/Boyfriend
- Background: Lauryn Licari’s boyfriend who was also a direct target of Kendra Licari’s anonymous messages. The harassment often focused on their relationship and personal lives.
- Impact: Like Lauryn, he endured significant emotional distress and confusion due to the sophisticated cyberstalking.
- Current Status: His life updates are generally private, but the documentary shows his involvement in the investigation and his struggle to cope with the betrayal.
The Chilling Timeline of the Catfish Campaign
The campaign of harassment orchestrated by Kendra Licari was meticulous and sustained, utilizing various methods to evade detection and inflict maximum psychological damage. The case is often referred to as the Isabella County Catfish case due to its location.
2020: The Start of the Anonymous Terror
The harassment began in October 2020, shortly after Lauryn Licari and Owen McKenny started dating. The messages, sent from various anonymous numbers, were initially explicit and abusive, targeting the teens' relationship and personal appearance. The messages were relentless, often continuing even after the teens blocked the numbers, forcing them to constantly change their own phone numbers.
Kendra Licari cleverly inserted herself into the investigation early on, acting as a concerned mother and even working with the school and local police to "help" track down the anonymous sender. This gave her direct access to the investigation's progress and allowed her to tailor her attacks to maintain her cover. She even went so far as to include her husband, Shawn Licari, in the process, further cementing her facade of innocence.
2021–2022: Escalation and Investigation Breakthrough
The harassment continued for nearly two years, involving hundreds of messages and multiple fake online personas. The messages became more personal and threatening, suggesting the sender had intimate knowledge of the family's life. The complexity of the case eventually led the Beal City police to seek assistance from the FBI and a specialist investigator, Tami Wilson, who was featured prominently in the Netflix documentary.
The breakthrough came through sophisticated digital forensics. Investigators were able to trace the IP addresses and cell phone tower data associated with the anonymous numbers. The evidence eventually pointed back to devices used by Kendra Licari, including her own phone and Wi-Fi network. This shocking revelation turned the focus of the investigation entirely on the person who had been pretending to be the victim’s advocate.
2023: Conviction and Sentencing
In 2023, Kendra Licari pleaded guilty to the charges against her. On April 26, 2023, she was sentenced by Judge Mark Duthie in Isabella County. The prosecution had sought a longer prison term, but the court handed down a sentence of 19 months to 5 years in jail. She was also ordered to pay restitution to the victims.
The sentencing hearing was a crucial moment, as it forced the public and the victims to confront the devastating reality of the crime. Licari’s actions were described by the judge as a "sophisticated and cruel" abuse of trust. The case served as an urgent warning about the potential for cyberbullying to originate from the most unexpected sources, shattering the lives of the victims and their families.
Where Is Kendra Licari Now? The Latest Updates on Her Parole
The most recent and crucial update for those following the "High School Catfish" case concerns Kendra Licari’s release from prison. After serving a portion of her 19-month minimum sentence, Licari was released on parole on August 8, 2023.
Her release, however, comes with a highly restrictive set of rules designed to protect the victims and prevent any further digital harassment. These parole conditions highlight the severity of her original crime and the ongoing concern for the safety of Lauryn Licari and Owen McKenny.
Kendra Licari’s Strict Parole Conditions
Upon her release, Kendra Licari was subjected to over 20 specific rules she must adhere to while on parole. These rules are non-negotiable and any violation could result in her immediate return to prison. The key conditions include:
- No Contact Order: Licari is strictly prohibited from having any contact—direct or indirect—with her daughter, Lauryn Licari, and Owen McKenny. This includes all forms of electronic communication and physical proximity.
- Internet Restrictions: She is barred from using any device that allows her to access the internet, social media, or any form of online communication without the express written permission of her parole officer. This is a direct response to the nature of her cyberstalking crime.
- Mental Health Treatment: Licari is required to participate in and complete a mandatory mental health treatment program. This was a condition set by the court, acknowledging the psychological factors in the case.
- Location Monitoring: She may be subject to electronic monitoring or a curfew, ensuring her location is known and she remains compliant with the non-contact orders.
The current status of Kendra Licari is one of highly restricted freedom, constantly monitored by the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC). Her life now is a stark contrast to the anonymity she sought behind the screen, serving as a permanent reminder of the devastating consequences of her actions.
The Lasting Impact on Lauryn and Owen
While Kendra Licari is now on parole, the true victims, Lauryn Licari and Owen McKenny, continue their journey toward healing. The documentary *Unknown Number* provided a platform for them to share their story, but their privacy remains paramount as they rebuild their lives.
The psychological toll of being stalked and betrayed by a close family member is immense. The case has highlighted the need for greater awareness of digital abuse and the sophisticated methods perpetrators use to hide their identities. Lauryn and Owen, though no longer a couple, are symbols of resilience in the face of extreme emotional abuse. Their story continues to educate parents, schools, and law enforcement about the urgent threats posed by cyberstalking and the critical importance of digital forensics in solving these crimes. The case of the "High School Catfish" remains a powerful, contemporary example of the devastating consequences of online betrayal.
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