Origins of a Controversial Adoption
Natalia Grace, originally from Ukraine, became central to a bizarre and shocking adoption story that captivated the public's imagination. Kristine and Michael Barnett, an Indiana couple, adopted Natalia in 2010. Initially believing she was a six-year-old child in need of a loving home, they soon claimed otherwise. Their narrative took a sharp turn when, just two years later, they argued in court that Natalia was not a child at all, but a fully grown adult with sinister motives. They detailed unnerving incidents, like finding pubic hair and noticing signs of menstruation, leading them to question her true age and intentions.
In 2012, the Barnetts successfully petitioned a court to alter Natalia's birth year from 2003 to 1989, legally acknowledging her as a 22-year-old. This maneuver was unprecedented and raised eyebrows among those following the case. With the legal change in age, the couple abandoned Natalia in an Indiana apartment in 2013 before relocating to Canada, leaving her to fend for herself. These actions soon caught the attention of legal authorities, resulting in charges of neglect. However, as the case unfurled, Michael was found innocent, while charges against Kristine were dropped due to the statute of limitations.
Revelations and Division
As scrutiny intensified, new dimensions unfolded in Natalia's story. Her biological mother, Anna Gava, stepped forward with Ukrainian documentation and DNA tests that affirmed Natalia's 2003 birth year, contradicting the Barnetts' claims. This revelation added layers of complexity but did little to settle the public debate. Natalia’s journey post-Barnett was also fraught with challenges. She found temporary solace with the Mans family, but this, too, ended amid tensions and accusations of exploitation. Her next chapter began with the DePaul family, where she reportedly enjoys a quieter life and has opened up publicly about her emotional experiences.
This bewildering saga has inspired intense interest on-screen, with adaptions like Hulu's Good American Family and Investigation Discovery's The Curious Case of Natalia Grace, probing deep into the tangled web of allegations, motives, and the actual truth about Natalia's age. These documentaries depict contrasting narratives, leaving viewers to ponder: Was Natalia a victim or villain, and what drove the Barnetts to such drastic measures?