Heather Unbehaun Turns Herself In After 6-Year Abduction Case

In a shocking conclusion to a six-year mystery, Heather Unbehaun, the Illinois mother accused of abducting her daughter, has surrendered to authorities. Unbehaun, 40, is now held at the Kane County Adult Justice Center on child abduction charges without bail.

Her daughter, 15-year-old Kayla Unbehaun, was found safe earlier this month in Asheville, North Carolina, after a passerby recognized her from Netflix’s Unsolved Mysteries episode on parental abductions. Kayla has since reunited with her custodial father, Ryan Iserka.

The case began on July 4, 2017, when Kayla, then 9, vanished after a parade in South Elgin, Illinois. Unbehaun, who only had visitation rights, told Iserka she was taking Kayla camping but never returned. A felony warrant followed, sparking years of searches and nationwide appeals.

Unbehaun was initially arrested in North Carolina and released on $250,000 bond before surrendering in Illinois. Iserka’s attorney, John Vojta, voiced concern over her release, citing her fugitive past.

As Unbehaun awaits her next court appearance, Iserka expressed gratitude to law enforcement and supporters, crediting them for bringing Kayla home safely after six long years.