Girl, 9, And Mother Missing Amidst Custody Issues

WHEATON, IL - A 9-year-old South Elgin girl and her 35-year-old mother have been reported missing and the girl's father is looking to the public for help in tracking them down. Kayla Unbehaun, 9, was last seen with her mother, Heather Unbehaun, at a parade in Wheaton on July 4, according to a GoFundMe page set up by Kayla's father, Ryan Iskerka of South Elgin.

Family members closest to Heather said she then took Kayla on a camping trip to an unknown location in Wisconsin but was expected to return on Wednesday to drop off Kayla with her father. She never showed for the court-ordered exchange at 7 p.m. on July 5. She also never showed for a court date on June 7, according to Iskerka. Heather has also cancelled her social media accounts and turned off her phone.

Iskerka was granted full custody of Kayla in March, according to Suburban Life Publications, and Heather Unbehaun has been allowed specific times for visitation with Kayla. Iskerka and Unbehaun separated shortly after Kayla was born.

“It is my belief she is not intending to return with Kayla,” Iskerka told Suburban Life Publications.

Iskerka reported Kayla missing to police after Heather never dropped her off on July 5.

Detective Sgt. P.J. Youker told Suburban Life Publications police have tried calling Heather and Kayla's cell phones but have had no luck in reaching either. He also said an Amber Alert has not been issued since the incident does not fit the guidelines set up for Amber Alerts.

"There has to be a threat or force in the taking of a juvenile," Youker said.

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Meanwhile, Ryan Iskerka is hoping a GoFundMe page set up to get the word out about his missing daughter, and also raise funds to help assist in tracking her down, will help. As of Tuesday morning, nearly $400 has been raised as part of the GoFundMe campaign.

"My family and I are asking for financial support from our friends, family and community to help bring Kayla and her mother home. These funds will be used to hire a private investigator and any additional cost concerning the search for them and their health and safety for when they are found," according to Iskerka.

Anyone with information on Kayla and or Heather's whereabouts are asked to call the Wheaton Police Department at 630-260-2161 or call 1-800-THE-LOST.

More via Suburban Life Publications

Photo caption: (Left) Kayla Unbehaun and (right) Heather Unbehaun/Photo credit: Ryan Iskerka