While the reasons behind Kendra Licari’s actions may remain elusive, the shocking new Netflix documentary, Unknown Number: The High School Catfish, sheds light on the circumstances surrounding her behavior. Viewers should be advised that the content may be distressing.
This month, amidst a wave of true crime documentaries on streaming platforms, Unknown Number stands out as a compelling watch. It recounts the harrowing events of October 2020, focusing on 13-year-old Lauryn Licari and her then-boyfriend Owen, who fell victim to a severe cyberbullying incident.
The harassment escalated alarmingly, with malicious messages targeting Lauryn’s self-esteem and even making distressing references to self-harm. The nature of the communications suggested that the perpetrator was someone intimately familiar with the victims, deepening the mystery.
This deeply troubling case sent shockwaves through their tight-knit community in Beal City, Michigan, prompting law enforcement to collaborate with the FBI. Eventually, the investigation unveiled an unexpected suspect: Lauryn’s own mother, Kendra Licari.
Investigating Kendra Licari’s Motivations
While there is no clear-cut explanation for her actions, the documentary features insights from family, friends, and authorities, suggesting possible motivations behind Kendra’s troubling conduct. One theory proposes a connection to Munchausen syndrome by proxy, wherein a caregiver seeks attention by causing illness in someone they care for.
Bill Chillman, the former Beal City superintendent, articulated in Unknown Number that Kendra’s behavior resembled cyber Munchausen syndrome.“She wanted her daughter to need her in such a way that she was willing to hurt her, ” he observed.
Moreover, Kendra’s cousin, Melissa Perry, recounted disturbing messages that Kendra sent to Lauryn, such as insinuations about Lauryn’s relationship with Owen.“That little girl was 14 years old. She shouldn’t be doing that!” exclaimed Melissa, implying that Kendra might have derived a false sense of friendship from these interactions.
Melissa further contended, “Lauryn would come home upset about these text messages, and Kendra got to play the hero and be there for her.” Despite these claims, it is crucial to note that there has been no official diagnosis of Kendra’s condition, a point raised by the documentary’s director, Skye Borgman.
Borgman clarified the complexity surrounding the issue, stating, “To give it any sort of medical foundation is a little bit problematic… But I think that there are elements about Munchausen by proxy – about harming someone to keep them close – that definitely existed.”
In a surprising twist, Kendra agreed to be interviewed and faced pointed questions from the producers. She denied being the initial source of the messages and claimed she only joined the fray later, hoping to uncover the actual perpetrator.“I started in the thoughts of, ‘We need some answers, ’ and then it just kept going. It was a spiral, kind of a snowball effect. I don’t think I knew how to stop, ” Kendra explained.
Facing overwhelming pressure, she expressed her anxieties over Lauryn growing older and dating, citing her own traumatic past at Lauryn’s age as a significant fear. However, many close to the situation argue that such fears do not justify harmful behaviors towards one’s own child, especially given Kendra’s record of deception, including claiming employment while she was actually unemployed.
Lauryn voiced skepticism about the possibility of an external perpetrator, stating, “I think it might have just been her.” An alternative theory presented by Owen and his mother suggested that Kendra may have had inappropriate feelings towards Owen, using the bullying as a manipulation tactic to remain close to him.
Ultimately, the true motivation behind Kendra’s actions remains murky, with various possible explanations and theories. As Borgman insightfully noted, “I don’t know that she really knows why she did it.”
Understanding Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy
Munchausen syndrome by proxy, now clinically referred to as FDIA (factitious disorder imposed on another), is a rare psychological condition where a caregiver intentionally induces or fabricates illness in a person under their care, typically a child. This behavior is abusive, exposing the victim to unnecessary treatments and risks while positioning the perpetrator as a savior.
A notorious case in the realm of Munchausen syndrome involves Gypsy Rose Blanchard, whose mother Dee Dee forced her daughter into unwarranted medical interventions for years, a story that gained further attention through the television adaptation, The Act.
Kendra Licari’s Current Situation
In 2023, Kendra Licari was sentenced to a minimum of 19 months in prison for her stalking charges, eventually being released on parole in August 2024, which will last until August 2026. She currently resides in Pontiac, Michigan.
During the filming of the documentary, Kendra disclosed that she had not seen Lauryn for approximately a year and a half, and it is likely that visitation is restricted under her parole conditions. Skye Borgman noted that Lauryn’s view of her mother evolved through her relationship with her father, stating, “The first time we sat down with Lauryn was in the spring of 2023… and she at the time loved her mom. She just wanted her mom back in her life.”
However, in subsequent interviews, Lauryn expressed a more cautious approach, indicating she still hopes for a relationship with her mother but requires assurances.“I think I want to trust her now but I don’t think I can, ” she said.“Now that she’s out, I just want her to get the help that she needs so then when we see each other, it doesn’t go back to how it was before.”
The documentary Unknown Number: The High School Catfish is currently available for streaming on Netflix. For additional insights into the realm of true crime, readers might explore the Jussie Smollett case, Amanda Knox’s experiences in prison, and the new promotional material for Monster: The Ed Gein Story.
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