Netflix’s documentary Unknown Number: The High School Catfish, directed by Skye Borgman, has captured widespread attention for its chilling real-life account of teenage cyberbullying. The story revolves around 13-year-old Lauryn Licari and her then-boyfriend, Owen McKenney, who, in October 2020, began receiving threatening and manipulative texts from an unknown number. The shocking revelation came later: Lauryn’s own mother, Kendra Licari, was behind the harassment. In December 2022, Kendra was arrested on multiple charges, including stalking and misuse of a computer for illegal activities.
Lauryn Licari’s Life After the Harassment
For Lauryn, the aftermath of the case was a mix of emotional trauma and self-discovery. In the documentary, viewers witness her grappling with online harassment, being blamed by peers, and ultimately confronting the unimaginable truth—that her mother orchestrated the abuse.
When Skye Borgman first met Lauryn in 2023, the teenager still harboured love for her mother and hoped to reconnect. But within a year of Kendra’s release from prison on August 8, 2024, Lauryn’s perspective shifted. She began approaching her relationship with her mother cautiously, balancing empathy with the need for boundaries.
Throughout this time, Lauryn has matured both mentally and emotionally, learning to critically analyse situations and make informed decisions about her own life. Director Skye Borgman told Tudum that Lauryn’s struggle is uniquely painful: unlike others who can easily reject someone who hurt them, Lauryn must navigate the complicated bond with her mother. Amid the turmoil, her father, Shawn Licari, became a pillar of strength, fostering a strong, loving father-daughter relationship that helped Lauryn navigate her teenage years.
Why Did Kendra Harass Lauryn?
A central question raised by the documentary is why Kendra targeted her own daughter. According to Skye Borgman, Kendra revealed that her actions were rooted in childhood trauma. Kendra had experienced an assault at Lauryn’s age, and witnessing her daughter grow up triggered deep fears. Her misguided attempt to “protect” Lauryn manifested as sending anonymous threatening texts.
Skye Borgman explained,
“She does mention in the documentary an assault that happened to her when she was right around Lauryn’s age. She talks about how scary that was for her to see her only child growing up, and that’s what she believes led her to sending these text messages and trying to keep Lauryn close.”
