Kayla Unbehaun Reunited with Father as Legal Case Against Mother Moves Forward

Following years of uncertainty, 15-year-old Kayla Unbehaun has been safely reunited with her father, Ryan Iserka, in Illinois after authorities located her in Asheville, North Carolina. The reunion marks the end of a six-year ordeal that began when Kayla was just nine years old. Her mother, Heather Unbehaun, now faces multiple felony charges tied to her disappearance.

Unbehaun’s arrest in North Carolina was made under a fugitive warrant issued in Illinois. She was initially held on a $250,000 bond before being released after posting bail. However, upon her return to Illinois, she was taken into custody at the Kane County Adult Justice Center, where she remains without bail pending trial. Her next court hearing is scheduled for Wednesday morning at the Kane County Judicial Center.

Court documents reveal a contentious history between Unbehaun and Iserka, centered on custody and parental rights. In early 2017, Iserka had been granted full custody of Kayla, with Unbehaun allowed unsupervised “parenting time.” Judges also gave Iserka sole decision-making power regarding medical care after allegations that Unbehaun interfered with her daughter’s health treatments.

Attorney John Vojta, representing Iserka, expressed concern over Unbehaun’s earlier release, citing her six years as a fugitive. Despite this, the focus remains on Kayla’s wellbeing and helping her adjust after years away from home.

In a statement, Iserka extended gratitude to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, law enforcement, and supporters of the “Bring Kayla Home” campaign for their persistence and compassion.

As legal proceedings continue, the case stands as a reminder of the importance of awareness, vigilance, and cooperation between agencies in long-term missing child investigations. The return of Kayla Unbehaun offers hope to families facing similar heartbreak — proof that even after years of uncertainty, justice and reunion remain possible.