In a dramatic development that’s made headlines nationwide, the woman accused of abducting her young daughter from a Chicago suburb six years ago has turned herself in, ending a years-long search that was recently reignited by an episode of Netflix’s Unsolved Mysteries.
Heather Unbehaun, the mother of 15-year-old Kayla Unbehaun, surrendered to authorities and is now in custody at the Kane County Adult Justice Center in Illinois. She faces charges of child abduction and is being held without bail.
Kayla was found safe earlier this week in Asheville, North Carolina, after a bystander recognized her from the Unsolved Mysteries episode focused on parental kidnappings. That person contacted police, leading to Unbehaun’s arrest on a fugitive warrant out of Illinois.
Unbehaun was originally held on a $250,000 bond but posted bail on Tuesday, according to Asheville Police Department spokesperson Samantha Booth.
The abduction dates back to July 4, 2017, when Kayla—then 9 years old—vanished after attending a Fourth of July parade in South Elgin, Illinois, with her non-custodial mother. At the time, Unbehaun had informed Kayla’s father, Ryan Iserka, that she was taking their daughter on a camping trip. They never returned, prompting a felony warrant for kidnapping.
Iserka had been awarded full custody of Kayla earlier that year. Unbehaun was only permitted unsupervised visitation. Court records from the time show that Iserka had also been granted full authority over medical decisions, amid concerns that Unbehaun was interfering with Kayla’s healthcare.
Attorney John Vojta, who represents Iserka, voiced concern over Unbehaun’s release on bond, noting her six years as a fugitive.
Following Kayla’s recovery, Iserka traveled to North Carolina to reunite with his daughter. The two have since returned to Illinois. In a public statement, Iserka expressed gratitude to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, law enforcement, and supporters of the “Bring Kayla Home” Facebook page.
Heather Unbehaun is expected to appear in court on Wednesday morning at the Kane County Judicial Center.
As the case moves forward, many across the country remain closely tuned in, watching the next chapter unfold in this long-running and emotional story.
