An Illinois father and his daughter are embarking on a “long journey of healing” following their reunion six years after the girl was allegedly abducted by her non-custodial mother, as stated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Kayla Unbehaun has been missing since 2017
Fifteen-year-old Kayla Unbehaun, who went missing when she was 9 years old from South Elgin, Ill., on July 5, 2017, was discovered alive in Asheville, N.C., on Saturday. A shop owner recognized her from an episode of “Unsolved Mysteries” and promptly alerted the authorities by dialing 911, according to reports.
Kayla’s father, Ryan Iskerka, expressed his overwhelming joy at the reunion with his daughter. However, the circumstances surrounding this case make it particularly complex, especially when considering the emotional toll it has taken, explains Rebecca Steinbach, spokesperson for NCMEC, in an interview with PEOPLE.
Steinbach highlights the complexities involved when a parent is implicated, emphasizing that despite the circumstances, the parent remains the parent. However, now that Kayla is 15 years old, her teenage years add another layer of confusion and disorientation. Steinbach acknowledges that Kayla likely does not want to witness any harm befalling her parents, further complicating the emotional dynamics at play.
Kayla’s Mother Facing Charges of Child Abduction
Kayla’s mother, Heather Unbehaun, aged 40, appeared in a Kane County court in Illinois on Thursday, facing charges of child abduction. She was released on a $10,000 bond and ordered to wear a GPS tracking monitor, as reported by WLS-TV. It remains uncertain whether she has entered a plea or obtained legal representation to speak on her behalf.
The situation still feels surreal for the family, according to Steinbach, who explains that they are relying on all available resources and support to navigate through this difficult period, taking it one day at a time.
In the meantime, Iskerka has requested privacy as he and Kayla reintegrate and reconnect with each other.
“I’m overjoyed that Kayla is home safe,” stated Iskerka in a message shared by NCMEC. “I want to express my gratitude to the Elgin police and fire departments, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and all the law enforcement agencies involved in her case. We kindly request privacy as we rebuild our relationship and embrace this new beginning.”
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