The Unfiltered Truth: Is Kendra Licari Still Married? A Deep Dive Into Her Life After The Catfishing Scandal

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The question of Kendra Licari’s current marital status has captivated public attention since the shocking details of the "High School Catfish" scandal came to light, especially with the release of the Netflix documentary *Unknown Number: The High School Catfish*. As of December 23, 2025, the definitive answer is that Kendra Licari is no longer married to her husband, Shawn Licari. The fallout from her conviction for cyberstalking, which involved catfishing her own daughter and her daughter's boyfriend, proved to be the breaking point for her marriage, leading to a swift and painful divorce. This article provides the most up-to-date information on her relationship status, the timeline of the divorce, and where she is now following her prison sentence.

The case, which rocked the small community of Beal City, Michigan, exposed a deep-seated family crisis that irrevocably altered the lives of Kendra, her ex-husband Shawn, and their daughter, Lauryn. The public curiosity surrounding her life continues, largely driven by the sheer audacity of her crimes and the devastating consequences for her family unit. The legal and personal repercussions have been severe, extending far beyond her conviction and resulting in the complete dissolution of her family structure.

Kendra Licari: A Biographical Profile and Scandal Timeline

Before the "catfish" identity was unmasked, Kendra Licari was known as a seemingly normal, involved mother and wife in Michigan. Her public profile, however, became permanently defined by her 2023 conviction.

  • Full Name: Kendra Gail Licari
  • Previous Marital Status: Married to Shawn Licari
  • Ex-Husband: Shawn Licari
  • Children: Lauryn Licari (daughter), who was one of the primary victims of the cyberstalking
  • Location (Pre-Scandal): Beal City, Michigan
  • Former Employment: Worked in the IT department at Ferris State University
  • Crime: Cyberstalking and using a computer to commit a crime (catfishing and cyberbullying her daughter and her daughter's boyfriend)
  • Arrest Date: December 2021
  • Conviction Date: February 2023
  • Date of Sentence: April 26, 2023
  • Sentence Details: Sentenced to a minimum of 19 months to a maximum of 5 years in prison
  • Current Status: Divorced, released from prison, and reportedly living with family near Detroit

The Marriage Breakdown: Why Shawn Licari Filed for Divorce

The revelation that Kendra Licari was the perpetrator behind the 15-month-long cyberbullying campaign against her daughter, Lauryn, and her daughter's boyfriend, Owen McKenny, was the catalyst that shattered her marriage to Shawn Licari. The sheer betrayal and the criminal nature of her actions were insurmountable obstacles for the relationship.

The Catfish Campaign's Devastating Impact

The catfishing campaign began in 2020, involving a series of vicious, anonymous text messages—sometimes as many as 30 a day—sent to the teenagers. These messages were designed to sow discord, cause emotional distress, and ultimately break up the relationship between Lauryn and Owen. The messages contained explicit, derogatory, and deeply personal content, creating an environment of fear and confusion for the victims and their families. Initially, Kendra was one of the parents who reported the cyberbullying to the police, actively participating in the investigation while simultaneously being the culprit.

When the investigation, which involved the FBI and a search warrant, finally pointed to Kendra as the source of the messages, the shockwave through the Licari family was immense. Shawn Licari, who was initially supportive of his wife during the early stages of the investigation, was forced to confront the reality of her deception and criminal behavior. The trust was completely destroyed.

The Finality of Divorce and Custody

The decision to end the marriage was made by Shawn Licari. He filed for divorce shortly after the truth emerged and the criminal charges were filed against Kendra. The divorce was finalized, and a key outcome was that Shawn was granted full custody of their daughter, Lauryn. This outcome underscores the severity of Kendra's actions and the court's recognition of the emotional and psychological damage inflicted on her daughter. The divorce was a direct and immediate consequence of her conviction and the public scandal, marking the end of the Licari family as it once was.

Where Is Kendra Licari Now? Life Post-Divorce and Sentencing

Following her conviction in February 2023 and sentencing in April 2023, Kendra Licari was ordered to serve a minimum of 19 months in prison. The public's interest has now shifted from her marital status to her current whereabouts and how she is rebuilding her life after serving time and losing her family.

Release and New Residence

While the exact date of her release is not widely publicized, reports indicate that Kendra Licari has been released from prison and is no longer incarcerated. Her current residence is with family members near Detroit, Michigan. This relocation marks a significant distance from the Beal City community where the scandal took place, providing a physical separation from her former life and the victims of her cyberstalking.

The transition back into society for a high-profile convict, especially one who victimized her own child, is undoubtedly complex. The terms of her release and her ongoing probation are strict, and she remains a convicted felon. Her ability to find employment, particularly given her previous role in IT at Ferris State University and the nature of her crime, is severely limited. She is effectively starting over in a new city, estranged from her ex-husband and daughter.

The Current Status of Lauryn and Shawn Licari

In contrast, Shawn and Lauryn Licari have been focused on moving forward with their lives. Shawn maintains full custody of Lauryn, and reports suggest they are working to heal from the trauma inflicted by Kendra's actions. The relationship between Kendra and her daughter, Lauryn, remains fractured. Heartbreakingly, one report notes that Kendra is struggling to have a relationship with Lauryn. The emotional scars from the 15-month cyberbullying campaign, coupled with the revelation that the perpetrator was her own mother, are deep and will take a significant amount of time to address.

The story of Kendra Licari serves as a cautionary tale about the dark side of digital communication and the devastating consequences of parental betrayal. The definitive answer to "is Kendra Licari still married" is a resounding no, a consequence that is just one facet of the complete destruction of her life and family following her criminal actions.

is kendra licari still married
is kendra licari still married

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