A shocking adoption scandal has captivated public attention as a 22-year-old individual named Natalia Grace denies the allegations made against her by her adoptive family. Kristine and Michael Barnett adopted Natalia in 2010, believing she was a six-year-old Ukrainian orphan with a rare bone growth disorder.
However, the Barnetts later claimed that Natalia was, in fact, an adult sociopath who posed as a child and made attempts to harm them. The case has taken a bizarre turn, resulting in criminal charges of fraud and neglect against the adoptive parents.
A Family’s Disturbing Allegations
According to Kristine and Michael Barnett, their initially happy family dynamic dramatically shifted when they became suspicious of Natalia’s true age and intentions.
They alleged that she was an adult sociopath who had been masquerading as a child. The Barnetts claimed that Natalia made several attempts to poison and kill them, causing them to fear for their safety. The couple eventually deserted Natalia in an apartment in Layfette, Indiana, in 2013, which led to authorities pressing neglect charges against them.
Natalia’s Denial and Plea to be Heard
In a 2019 interview on the Dr. Phil show, Natalia confidently denied all the allegations made against her. She expressed her desire for people to hear her side of the story and proclaimed her innocence. Natalia insisted that the claims made by her adoptive parents were entirely false. She described her adoption as a hopeful moment, believing that she had finally found the right family after experiencing instability and bouncing between different families.
Conflicting Claims and Investigations
The controversy surrounding Natalia’s age began when Kristine questioned her daughter’s age during a surgical procedure related to her dwarfism. Natalia refuted her adoptive parents’ assertion that bone scans had been conducted, proving she was born in 1989. The conflicting claims added complexity to the case, fueling further investigation and legal action against Kristine and Michael Barnett. The upcoming documentary, “The Curious Case of Natalia Grace,” aims to shed light on the events and raise important questions surrounding the case.
Upcoming Documentary and Public Interest
“The Curious Case of Natalia Grace” is set to air on Investigation Discovery over three consecutive nights, starting on May 29th. The documentary explores the background of the case and delves into the allegations made by both the Barnetts and Natalia. It raises questions about Natalia’s true age, the motivations behind her adoptive parents’ claims, and the subsequent legal consequences faced by all parties involved.
No birth records anywhere?