When Netflix’s Unknown Number: The High School Catfish premiered, all eyes were on Lauryn Licari, the teenager who endured over a year of anonymous, threatening messages. The shocking twist: the sender was her own mother, Kendra Licari. Amid the mother-daughter drama, Lauryn’s father, Shawn Licari, also faced the fallout, his life upended by betrayal and financial strain.
According to the documentary, Shawn witnessed the emotional toll the harassment took on Lauryn starting in late 2020. Believing Kendra was helping to resolve the situation, he had no inkling that the messages came from her. Reflecting on the ordeal, Shawn admitted he could never have imagined that his wife would subject their daughter to such cruelty.
Even before the truth emerged, Shawn’s life was already under stress. Financial issues strained the marriage, including unpaid storage unit bills putting his belongings at risk. He later discovered that Kendra had lied about her employment for years. Following the revelation, Shawn and Kendra separated, living in different homes while sharing custody of Lauryn.
In December 2022, Shawn learned the full truth when police informed him that Kendra admitted to sending the harassing texts. Shocked, he demanded answers and insisted Kendra cease contact with Lauryn. Today, Shawn has full custody of his daughter and resides in Michigan. He has reportedly severed ties with Kendra and focuses on being a supportive and present father, celebrating milestones like Lauryn’s high school graduation in 2025.
Kendra Licari pleaded guilty to stalking a minor and served 19 months in prison, being released in 2024. Lauryn, once deeply attached to her mother, continues to navigate their complicated relationship cautiously. Meanwhile, she and Shawn are rebuilding their lives together, moving forward after the traumatic events of the scandal.
