A Mother’s Betrayal

A Mother’s Betrayal unravels the fragile threads of trust between a daughter as she uncovers devastating secrets hidden in their comatose mother’s journals—secrets that threaten to upend everything they believed about their family.

In Netflix’s documentary Unknown Number: The High School Catfish, the shocking truth emerges: Kendra Licari, a seemingly devoted mother, was revealed to be the person anonymously harassing her daughter, Lauryn, and her daughter’s boyfriend, Owen, with disturbing text messages. The fallout from this betrayal irrevocably changed her family’s life—and ended her marriage.

1. The Breaking Point

Kendra’s harassment began in earnest in late 2021 and continued into early 2022, comprising dozens of hateful, explicit messages per day sent using burner apps. When the FBI traced these messages back to her, law enforcement confronted Kendra, who confessed almost immediately.

2. Marriage in Ruins

Upon learning the truth, Kendra’s husband, Shawn, felt utterly betrayed. In the documentary, he describes the moment as devastating:

“I just can’t believe she would do something like that to her daughter, whom supposedly she loved dearly.”
According to these reports, Shawn divorced Kendra and obtained full custody of their daughter, Lauryn.

3. Aftermath and Current Status

• Legal Outcome: Kendra pleaded guilty to two counts of stalking a minor in March 2023 and was sentenced to 19 months to five years in prison. She was released on parole in August 2024; current restrictions bar her from seeing Lauryn until 2026.
• Living Circumstances: Post-release, Kendra relocated to live near Detroit with her parents. Reports indicate that her contact with Lauryn has diminished—some sources even note it is less than when she was incarcerated.
• Life for Shawn and Lauryn: Shawn retains full custody, and the father-daughter duo is gradually rebuilding their lives. Lauryn, now older and more introspective, has expressed a cautious hope for reconciliation—but it remains a long, uncertain road.

Kendra and Shawn’s divorce was not just a legal separation—it was a painful fracture within their family, triggered by betrayal and resulting in deep emotional wounds. Shawn now carries the weight of single parenthood, while Lauryn navigates the trauma of having her parent as the source of her torment. Kendra’s attempts at redemption, whether through the documentary or expressions of remorse, are only a beginning in a journey toward healing—if reunion ever becomes possible.

Frequently Asked Questions on Kendra Licari’s Divorce

1. Who is Kendra Licari?

Kendra Licari is a Michigan mother and former basketball coach who made headlines after being revealed as the person anonymously cyberbullying her teenage daughter and her daughter’s boyfriend. Her story is featured in Netflix’s documentary Unknown Number: The High School Catfish.

2. Why did Kendra Licari’s marriage end?

Her husband, Shawn Licari, divorced her after discovering that she was behind the months-long harassment campaign against their daughter. The betrayal and legal fallout destroyed the marriage.

3. Did Shawn Licari get custody of their daughter?

Yes. Shawn obtained full custody of Lauryn, their daughter, after the divorce. He is now her primary caregiver.

4. What was Kendra Licari’s sentence?

In March 2023, she pleaded guilty to stalking a minor and was sentenced to 19 months to five years in prison. She was released on parole in August 2024.

5. Is Kendra allowed to see her daughter now?

No. As part of her parole conditions, Kendra cannot have contact with her daughter until at least 2026.

6. Where is Kendra Licari living now?

After her release, Kendra moved in with her parents near Detroit, Michigan.

7. How is Shawn Licari doing after the divorce?

Shawn has custody of Lauryn and is focused on rebuilding their lives. In interviews, he has expressed deep hurt over the betrayal but is committed to supporting his daughter’s healing.

8. Will Kendra and Lauryn ever reconcile?

It’s uncertain. Lauryn has expressed some hope for reconciliation in the future, but trust has been deeply damaged, and rebuilding the relationship will take time.