Illinois Girl Missing for 6 Years Found Alive in North Carolina After Being Recognized from Netflix’s Unsolved Mysteries

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA — A heartwarming end to a years-long mystery has unfolded after Kayla Unbehaun, an Illinois girl who vanished six years ago, was found alive in North Carolina — thanks to a store worker who recognized her from an episode of Netflix’s Unsolved Mysteries.

Authorities confirmed that Kayla, who was 9 years old when she disappeared, was spotted at a retail store in Asheville earlier this week. The store employee immediately contacted local law enforcement after recognizing her face from the popular true-crime documentary series.

Missing Since 2017

Kayla had been missing since July 2017, when she was allegedly abducted by her mother, who did not have legal custody. Her disappearance sparked multi-state alerts and widespread attention, but leads had grown cold over the years — until now.

According to police reports, the alert retail worker’s quick action led to Kayla being safely recovered and reunited with family members in Illinois. Officials have not released additional details about the mother’s current status or pending charges but confirmed that she was taken into custody without incident.

Recognized from Unsolved Mysteries

The extraordinary discovery came after Unsolved Mysteries featured Kayla’s story in one of its episodes focused on long-term missing children. The episode included age-progression photos and details about the case, which appear to have played a direct role in her identification.

“This is one of those cases where awareness truly made the difference,” said one Asheville police spokesperson. “The right person saw her story at the right time — and acted.”

The Netflix reboot of Unsolved Mysteries has been credited in multiple cases for helping generate tips and leads, but Kayla’s rescue marks one of the most direct and successful outcomes yet.

Six Years of Searching Comes to an End

Kayla’s family in Illinois expressed immense relief and gratitude after receiving the news. Her father, who has been advocating for her return for years, said through a family statement that the moment was “a miracle we’ve been praying for since the day she vanished.”

Family friends and community members in Illinois also took to social media to share their joy and appreciation for those who never gave up on finding her.

“After six long years, she’s finally safe,” one post read. “It shows how hope and persistence can pay off, even when the odds seem impossible.”

Investigation Ongoing

Law enforcement agencies in both Illinois and North Carolina are now coordinating efforts to ensure a smooth transition for Kayla as she begins the process of returning home. Authorities are expected to release further details on the circumstances surrounding her abduction and recovery once legal proceedings move forward.

Officials praised the Asheville Police Department, FBI, and National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) for their collaboration in bringing Kayla home safely.

A Rare, Hopeful Ending

Cases like Kayla Unbehaun’s are rare, but her safe return offers renewed optimism to families of missing children across the country. Her story serves as a reminder of how public awareness and vigilance can make the difference between a mystery and a miracle.

Residents are encouraged to continue sharing missing child alerts and to contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) if they believe they recognize a missing child.

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