Heather Unbehaun Arrested After Six Years on the Run

In a shocking twist, Heather Unbehaun, the Illinois mother accused of abducting her daughter in 2017, has surrendered to authorities after years on the run. She is now being held at the Kane County Adult Justice Center without bail, facing multiple abduction charges.

Kayla Found Safe After Netflix Tip

The case made national headlines after 15-year-old Kayla Unbehaun was found safe in Asheville, North Carolina, earlier this month. A Good Samaritan recognized her from Netflix’s Unsolved Mysteries episode on parental abductions and alerted police, leading to Heather’s arrest.

The 2017 Disappearance

Kayla vanished on July 4, 2017, at age 9, after attending a parade in South Elgin, Illinois. Heather told Kayla’s father, Ryan Iserka, they were going camping—but never returned. A felony warrant was issued, sparking a years-long nationwide search.

Custody Battle and Legal Fallout

Court records show Iserka had full custody, while Heather was limited to supervised visits due to concerns about Kayla’s care. Iserka’s attorney, John Vojta, voiced alarm at Heather’s bail release given her six-year fugitive status.

Kayla is now reunited with her father in Illinois, while Heather awaits her next court appearance.