What Unsolved Mysteries episode is the Kayla Unbehaun case?

One of the goals of the documentary series Unsolved Mysteries is to put out information about unsolved cases in the hopes of them being solved. And now, thanks to the show, Kayla Unbehaun’s story is no longer cold.

The series originally ran from 1987 to 2010 on broadcast television. In 2020, Netflix created a reboot and released the first two volumes. Then in 2022, volume 3 began streaming, and now it’s helped achieve the show’s goal. On May 16, 2023, it was reported that now-15-year-old Kayla was found and reunited with her father. And it’s all thanks to the series, as someone recognized her after watching it.

According to the report, the young girl’s mother, Heather Unbehaun, kidnapped her daughter in 2017 when Kayla was nine years old. Her dad, Ryan Iserka, had full custody of her, while Heather had visitation rights. After Ryan went to pick up the then young girl as Kayla was spending time with her mom, he couldn’t find them.

Originally from South Elgin, Illinois, an employee at a shopping center in Asheville, North Carolina, recognized Kayla from the Netflix episode. So which episode is that on Unsolved Mysteries if you want to watch? We’ve got the answer for you below.

What Unsolved Mysteries episode is the Kayla Unbehaun case?

The Unsolved Mysteries episode featuring Kayla Unbehaun is volume 3, episode 9. It’s titled “Abducted by a Parent” and began streaming on Nov. 1, 2022, on Netflix. It’s the last episode of that volume. At this time, Netflix has not canceled or renewed the series, so it’s unclear whether there will be a fourth volume.

As of May 17, Kayla has been reunited with her father. In a statement to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, Iserka said the following:

"I’m overjoyed that Kayla is home safe. I want to thank the South Elgin Police Department, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and all of the law enforcement agencies who assisted with her case. I also want to thank all of the followers on the “Bring Kayla Home” Facebook page, who helped keep her story alive and were instrumental in spreading awareness. We ask for privacy as we get to know each other again and navigate this new beginning."

Heather has been arrested in North Carolina. She has a court appearance in the state on July 11, 2023, and she posted a $25,000 bond to be released from custody, per the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Unsolved Mysteries is streaming on Netflix.