Custody Battle Prelude to Disappearance
In the years leading up to her disappearance, Kayla Unbehaun was at the center of a custody dispute that became a recurring theme in her young life. Her parents, Heather Unbehaun and Ryan Iskerka, separated when Kayla was still a toddler. Heather’s reported instability and unpredictable nature led to Ryan being granted primary custody of Kayla. Despite the court’s decision, Heather was allowed visitation rights.
July 4th, 2017: The Last Day Kayla Was Seen
On Independence Day 2017, during one of these court-ordered visits, 9-year-old Kayla was with Heather. This would be the last day anyone would see Kayla for a long time. Heather, born on June 15, 1982, was a white woman with blonde hair and blue eyes, standing 5’3″ tall and weighing about 135 lbs.
July 5th, 2017: The Unoccupied Home
The following day, Ryan arrived at Heather’s house in Wheaton, Illinois, expecting to pick up his daughter. Instead, he found an unoccupied home. Heather’s uncle informed Ryan that Heather had taken Kayla to Wisconsin for a Fourth of July camping trip. Despite this explanation, Ryan reported Kayla and Heather missing due to his inability to contact them and fear that Heather would not return Kayla to him.
July 28th, 2017: The Kidnapping Warrant
Within a month, Heather had a felony warrant for her arrest issued on July 28 for kidnapping. There were concerns that Heather may have taken Kayla to Athens, Georgia, but no definitive leads.
November 1st, 2022: Unsolved Mysteries
Fast forward five years. Kayla’s disappearance story was featured in the Netflix reboot of Unsolved Mysteries, a popular true crime show. The case was part of the final third volume released as a three-week Halloween event, at the end of an episode titled “Abducted by a Parent.” The episode included a roll call of missing children believed to have been taken by a parent, and among those names was Kayla Unbehaun.
May 13th, 2023: An Unexpected Discovery
In a twist that could have been scripted for television, Kayla was found almost six years after her disappearance in Asheville, North Carolina. Heather was arrested on Westgate Parkway, Asheville, based on a tip from an employee at Plato’s Closet who had recognized Kayla from the “Unsolved Mysteries” episode.
May 14th, 2023: Reunion of Father and Daughter
After being located, Kayla was initially placed in the care of the North Carolina Department of Social Services. However, she was soon reunited with her father, Ryan, who had driven from Illinois to pick her up.
May 16th, 2023: Heather Makes Bail
Despite being held on a $250,000 bond and awaiting extradition back to Illinois, Heather managed to make bail and was released. Her first court date was set for July 11, 2023, in Buncombe County.
As of today, we can say Kayla is safe, back with her father, and Heather will face the charges in court. As for the future, one can only hope that Kayla finds peace and stability after these tumultuous years.
Deep Lore 