The Natalia Grace case is genuinely stranger than fiction, shrouded in ambiguity to this day. Essentially, it revolves around two conflicting narratives: one asserting that she is an exploited Ukrainian child abandoned by her adoptive family, and the other contending that she is a perilous psychopath posing as a child to manipulate her guardians.
The Curious Case of Natalia Grace
In the May 2023 ID network docuseries “The Curious Case of Natalia Grace,” Michael Barnett recounted the adoption of his daughter Natalia Grace Barnett with his then-wife, Kristine Barnett, in 2010.
He accused Natalia of attempting to harm his family and deceiving them about her actual age. A follow-up series, “Natalia Speaks,” is scheduled for January 2024, where Natalia will present her perspective on the events.
What Went on With Her?
Michael and Kristine, a former couple from Indiana blessed with three biological sons, adopted Natalia, a Ukrainian girl, in 2010, initially believing she was 6 years old.
However, her alleged behavioural challenges and physically mature features led them to suspect she was an adult with a form of dwarfism called spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEDc).
Accusing Natalia of deceptive age claims, Michael asserted that she made various threats and attempted to harm him, Kristine, and her adoptive brothers. Allegations included Natalia standing over their bed with a knife, trying to poison Kristine’s coffee with a household cleaner, and pushing Kristine into an electric fence.
After two years with Natalia, Michael and Kristine legally petitioned to change her birthday from September 4, 2003, to September 4, 1989, officially categorising her as 23 years old in 2012. The former couple then secured an apartment for Natalia in Lafayette, Indiana, while they relocated to Canada.
Despite being legally viewed as adults, Michael and Kristine faced neglect charges in September 2019. Michael stood trial in October 2022 and was found not guilty, with three neglect-related charges dismissed. The charges against Kristine were dropped in March 2023, before her trial commenced.
Tracing Grace Now
While residing in Lafayette, Natalia forged a connection with a couple named Cynthia and Antwon Mans. Convinced by her narrative, which included being abandoned as a minor by the Barnetts, the Manses adopted her into their family. Appearing on Dr. Phil in 2019, they maintained that Natalia had never exhibited violence toward their family.
Presently, Natalia resides with Cynthia, Antwon, and their five other children in Crawfordsville, Indiana. The couple actively advocates for Natalia and her disability, even initiating a GoFundMe campaign in June 2023 to raise funds for a wheelchair-accessible van.
In “The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks,” scheduled to premiere on the ID network in January 2024, the Ukrainian native will challenge Michael’s assertions and strive to clarify the record.
Natalia asserted in the trailer that there is a hidden truth in every lie, but one must dig deep enough to see it. She declared that they would not get away with it and emphasised that this was her side of the story, questioning, “Do I look like a monster to you?”
How Old is She?
Natalia’s actual age remains a subject of ongoing debate. Nonetheless, during Michael’s trial, Natalia’s biological mother, Anna Volodymyrivna Gava, maintained that Natalia was born in 2003, in accordance with her birth certificate. In September 2023, Cynthia and Antwon celebrated Natalia’s 20th birthday.
The Docuseries
The documentary series will include a sit-down conversation between Michael and Natalia. “The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks” is set to premiere across three consecutive nights on ID, starting Monday, January 1, and will be aired nightly from 9-11 p.m. ET/PT.
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