Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in May 2023.
Missing Girl Reunited With Father After 6 Years—Mother Surrenders to Authorities
Mother Finally Turns Herself In
After six years on the run, Heather Unbehaun—the woman accused of abducting her daughter—has surrendered to law enforcement, bringing a high-profile case to a dramatic close. She is now being held without bail at the Kane County Adult Justice Center in Illinois on abduction charges.
Kayla Found Safe in North Carolina
Fifteen-year-old Kayla Unbehaun was found safe in Asheville, North Carolina, just days before her mother’s surrender. Authorities say she has since been reunited with her father, Ryan Iserka, who had legal custody.
Heather Unbehaun was arrested Saturday on a fugitive warrant from Illinois and initially held on a $250,000 bond. She was released Tuesday morning after posting bail, according to Asheville Police Department spokesperson Samantha Booth.
A Disappearance That Captured National Attention
The case dates back to July 4, 2017, when Heather took then-9-year-old Kayla on what she claimed would be a short camping trip after a local parade in South Elgin, Illinois. Neither returned, prompting a felony warrant and a nationwide search.
Netflix’s ‘Unsolved Mysteries’ Leads to Breakthrough in 6-Year Abduction Case
Sharp-Eyed Viewer Helps Crack the Case
A major break in the case came thanks to a viewer of Netflix’s Unsolved Mysteries, who recognized Kayla Unbehaun and quickly contacted police. Authorities acted fast, leading to Kayla’s safe recovery in Asheville, North Carolina, and the arrest of her mother, Heather Unbehaun.
A Bitter Custody Battle
Court documents reveal a history of contentious custody proceedings between Kayla’s parents. In early 2017, a judge awarded full custody to Kayla’s father, Ryan Iserka, citing health concerns and granting him sole authority over medical decisions. Heather Unbehaun was allowed unsupervised visitation—but just months later, she disappeared with Kayla during a supposed camping trip.
Outrage Over Bail Decision
Unbehaun initially faced a $250,000 bond but was released shortly after posting bail. Ryan Iserka’s attorney, John Vojta, voiced concern over the decision, emphasizing Unbehaun’s years as a fugitive. “She evaded justice for six years,” he said. “Her release undermines the seriousness of her actions.”
Gratitude and Relief
Despite the frustration over Unbehaun’s release, Iserka expressed deep gratitude. “I’m just thankful to have Kayla back,” he said, thanking law enforcement, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and the online community that kept Kayla’s story alive—especially the supporters of the Bring Kayla Home Facebook page.
Next Court Date Set
Heather Unbehaun is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday morning at the Kane County Judicial Center. As legal proceedings continue, public interest in the case remains high—fueled by a mix of relief, outrage, and curiosity over what comes next.