Unknown Number: The High School Catfish Ending Explained – What’s Next for the Licari Family?
Skye Borgman’s chilling Netflix documentary Unknown Number: The High School Catfish left viewers stunned with its shocking twist — that the threatening messages terrorizing 13-year-old Lauryn Licari came from her own mother, Kendra Licari. The story, which unfolded in Beal City, Michigan, ripped through a tight-knit community and left the Licari family fractured in ways few could imagine. But what exactly does the ending mean, and where does the Licari family go from here?
The Shocking Reveal of the Stalker
The documentary tracks a case that began in October 2020, when Lauryn and her boyfriend Owen received anonymous texts filled with disturbing insults and threats. After a lull, the messages resumed in late 2021, intensifying over 15 months. Investigators initially suspected Lauryn’s classmates, creating tension among students and families alike.
The truth only emerged when Bay City police officer Bradley Peter, working with the FBI, traced the harassment back to Lauryn’s mother. A bodycam recording captured the heartbreaking moment Sheriff Mike Main confronted Lauryn with the news that her stalker was none other than Kendra. This revelation became the centerpiece of Borgman’s film.
Where Is Kendra Licari Now?
Kendra was arrested in December 2022 and pled guilty to two counts of stalking a minor. She served prison time and was released in August 2024. By the time the documentary wrapped, Kendra expressed remorse and a desire to rebuild her relationship with Lauryn.
Director Skye Borgman noted how complicated that dynamic remains: “Will they have a relationship? Will it be the same? Absolutely not. There’s no way it can be the same.” This leaves the ending open-ended, with no easy resolution for the family.
Lauryn’s Path Toward Independence
Lauryn, now 18 years old, emerged as the emotional center of the documentary. Initially longing for her mother’s return, Lauryn later began to reassess their relationship after Kendra’s release. Borgman observed that Lauryn is now approaching her future with caution, balancing love for her mother with the need to protect herself.
Viewers see Lauryn forming a stronger bond with her father, Shawn, offering one hopeful thread in an otherwise tragic story.
Why Did Kendra Do It?
The lingering question at the heart of Unknown Number is why Kendra targeted her own daughter. Kendra herself referenced unresolved trauma from her teenage years, linking her behavior to fears of losing Lauryn as she grew up. Some officials compared it to Munchausen syndrome by proxy, reframed in the digital age. Borgman, however, urged caution about medicalizing the behavior, though she acknowledged elements of control and dependency were at play.
What Happened to the Other Victims?
The fallout extended beyond the Licari family. Students like Khloe Wilson, who endured suspicion during the investigation, became collateral victims. Borgman ensured their stories were told, showing how cyberbullying and false accusations can devastate young lives. Their bravery in sharing these experiences underscores the broader relevance of the case.
Lessons from the Ending
The conclusion of Unknown Number: The High School Catfish is less about closure and more about the difficult realities of trust, trauma, and healing. Borgman hopes the story sparks dialogue about cyberbullying, parental responsibility, and digital safety.
Her message to families is clear: “Listen to your kids, understand the threats that are out there, and give them the ability to make good decisions.”
FAQs
1. Who was behind the anonymous messages in Unknown Number?
Lauryn’s mother, Kendra Licari, was revealed as the stalker.
2. What sentence did Kendra receive?
She pled guilty to two counts of stalking a minor and was sentenced to 19 months to 5 years, serving until August 2024.
3. How has Lauryn reacted since the reveal?
Lauryn has matured through the ordeal, strengthening her bond with her father while cautiously reevaluating her relationship with her mother.
4. What role did the FBI play in the investigation?
The FBI worked with officer Bradley Peter, who traced the messages back to Kendra, exposing her as the culprit.
5. What is the main takeaway of the documentary?
It highlights the dangers of cyberbullying and the importance of open communication between parents and children.
Conclusion
The ending of Unknown Number leaves audiences unsettled because it mirrors real life — messy, unresolved, and painfully human. For Lauryn, the journey ahead is about reclaiming her agency and deciding how, or if, her mother fits into her future. For viewers, the documentary is a sobering reminder of how trust can fracture in the most unexpected ways.
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