The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has stated that an Illinois father and his daughter have a challenging journey of healing ahead of them after being reunited six years after the girl’s alleged abduction by her non-custodial mother.
Kayla Unbehaun, who is now 15 years old, was discovered thanks to a shop owner who recognized her from an episode of “Unsolved Mysteries”
The case began in July 2017 when Kayla, then 9 years old, went missing from South Elgin, Illinois, after not returning from a Fourth of July parade with her mother, Heather Unbehaun. The emotional complexities of this case are immense, particularly for Kayla, as stated by Rebecca Steinbach, a spokesperson for the NCMEC.
While expressing his joy at the reunion with his daughter, Kayla’s father, Ryan Iskerka, acknowledges the complexities of the situation, emphasizing the emotional impact on Kayla, who is now a teenager. The confusion and turmoil she may be experiencing are undoubtedly challenging for her, especially considering that her parent is involved in the abduction.
Heather Unbehaun, aged 40, appeared in court in Kane County, Illinois, where she was charged with child abduction
Following her release on a $10,000 bond, she was required to wear a GPS tracking monitor. Whether she has entered a plea or obtained legal representation remains unclear at this time.
Steinbach commented on the surreal nature of the situation and expressed her belief that the family is coming together, utilizing all available resources and support to handle the situation one day at a time. Ryan Iskerka has requested privacy as he and Kayla reconnect and rebuild their relationship.
In a statement shared by the NCMEC, Iskerka expressed his overwhelming joy at Kayla’s safe return and extended his gratitude to the Elgin police and fire departments, as well as the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and other law enforcement agencies involved in the case. The family asks for privacy as they embark on this new beginning and rediscover each other.
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