Here are 17 facts about Kendra Licari and the Michigan High School Catfishing Scandal, based on available information from the Netflix documentary Unknown Number: The High School Catfish and related sources:
- Identity of the Catfisher: Kendra Licari, a Michigan mother, was revealed as the person behind a cyberbullying campaign targeting her daughter, Lauryn Licari, and Lauryn’s then-boyfriend, Owen McKenny.
- Timeframe of Harassment: The cyberbullying began in October 2020, paused for nearly a year, and resumed in September 2021, continuing for 15 months with up to 40–50 messages daily.
- Nature of Messages: The messages were vicious, including threats, insults, and sexually explicit content. Some urged Lauryn to take her own life and used personal details, like her nickname “Lo.”
- Sophisticated Tactics: Kendra used apps like Pinger to disguise phone numbers and virtual private networks (VPNs) to mask her location, making it appear as though messages came from peers.
- Targeted Victims: The primary targets were Lauryn Licari and Owen McKenny, both 13 at the time, who were known as the “Golden Couple” in Beal City, Michigan.
- Kendra’s Role in the Community: Kendra was a girls’ basketball coach at Beal City Schools, where her daughter attended, and was seen as a trusted figure, even coaching Owen’s track team.
- Investigation Process: The case began with a complaint to Beal City Schools in December 2021. When local resources were exhausted, the FBI was involved in April 2022, tracing the messages to Kendra’s IP addresses.
- Charges Filed: In December 2022, Kendra was charged with two counts of stalking a minor, two counts of using a computer to commit a crime, and one count of obstruction of justice for attempting to frame another student.
- Confession and Arrest: Kendra confessed to sending the messages when confronted by authorities in August 2022. She was arrested in December 2022.
- Sentencing: In April 2023, Kendra pleaded guilty to two counts of stalking a minor and was sentenced to 19 months to five years in prison. She was released on parole on August 8, 2024.
- Motive Speculation: Kendra claimed her actions stemmed from unprocessed trauma, including being raped at 17, and a desire to protect Lauryn by keeping her close. Prosecutors suggested it resembled “cyber Munchausen’s syndrome,” where she made Lauryn need her through distress.
- Impact on Relationships: Lauryn and Owen broke up during the investigation due to the strain caused by the messages. They no longer speak.
- Family Fallout: Kendra’s husband, Shawn Licari, divorced her and gained full custody of Lauryn after learning of her actions.
- No-Contact Order: As part of her parole conditions, Kendra is not allowed to contact Lauryn or leave Michigan. She remains under supervision until February 2026.
- Kendra’s Background: Born in August 1980, Kendra worked in IT at Ferris State University but was fired in 2019 for poor performance, a fact she hid from her family.
- Documentary Participation: Kendra agreed to appear in the Netflix documentary Unknown Number: The High School Catfish to share her perspective, hoping Lauryn would see it.
- Lauryn’s Perspective: Lauryn, now 18, expressed a desire to reconnect with her mother “when the time is right” but struggles with trust and the emotional impact of the harassment.
Note on the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA): The MHSAA is a service organization overseeing high school sports in Michigan, but there is no direct connection to Kendra Licari or the catfishing scandal in the provided sources. It is mentioned in unrelated contexts, such as managing tournaments or sports trivia, but not in relation to this case.
These facts are drawn from credible sources, including news reports and the Netflix documentary, ensuring accuracy. If you need further details or clarification, let me know!