The Confusing Case of Natalia Grace: The Girl Whose Exact Age is Unknown

Upon adopting Natalia Grace Barnett in May 2010, Kristine and Michael Barnett from Indiana were informed that she was six years old. However, they quickly became convinced that she was an adult dwarf with serious mental health issues.

As a result, the Barnetts had medical examinations conducted on Natalia, which indicated that she was at least 14 years old, and potentially much older.

The couple requested the Marion County Probate Court in 2012 to alter her birth year from 2003 to 1989, legally changing her age to 22.

By 2013, the couple had become certain that Natalia was a grown woman. They arranged for her to reside in an apartment where she could live independently and then relocated to Canada with their three sons, leaving her behind in an apartment in Lafayette, Indiana.

Despite facing charges of felony neglect for leaving their adopted daughter behind, Kristine Barnett still maintains that Natalia is not only an adult, but a dangerous sociopath as well.

The Beginning

Kristine Barnett had always desired a large family, and despite having biological children, such as their son Jake who was an autistic child prodigy, she and Michael had hoped to extend their family through adoption.

Therefore, they were thrilled when they learned that an adoption agency in Florida had a young girl who required a home in May 2010. Within a day, they flew from Indiana to Florida and met Natalia Grace for the first time, eagerly welcoming her into their family.

Kristine Barnett had a strong desire for a big family, and although she and Michael had biological children, including their son Jake who was a talented autistic child, they aspired to expand their family through adoption.

As a result, the couple was thrilled to learn in May 2010 that an adoption agency in Florida had a young girl who required a home. Within 24 hours, they flew from Indiana to Florida to meet Natalia Grace for the first time and immediately embraced her as a member of their family.

Kristine observed that Natalia Grace would require additional care due to her condition, spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, a rare form of dwarfism. Nevertheless, having experience with Jake and operating a children's daycare, Kristine believed that she was capable of providing the necessary support.

However, as per Kristine and Michael, it became evident that Natalia exhibited behaviors and tendencies that were not typical of a child.

Kristine Barnett asserted that she noticed a few unusual things right away. She claimed that Natalia Grace had adult teeth and pubic hair, and that she concealed bloody clothing in the trash, which Kristine suspected was a sign that Natalia had already started menstruating.

Kristine Barnett said that Natalia Grace would stand over people in the middle of the night, making it difficult to sleep. The family had to take precautions by concealing all sharp objects.

Kristine and Michael attempted to seek professional assistance for their daughter, Natalia Grace. According to Kristine, Natalia even admitted to doctors that she was actually 18 years old and that it had been "enjoyable" to torment her family.

Kristine additionally stated that bone density tests indicated that Natalia was an adult. Furthermore, Natalia did not grow, which Kristine believed was expected even in children with dwarfism. Consequently, the Barnetts became convinced that they had unintentionally taken in a mentally unstable adult dwarf.

The Barneth Family Relocates

In 2012, the Barnetts made a decision to take action. They were able to modify Natalia's legal age to 22 through the Marion County Superior Court, allowing her to receive psychiatric treatment as an adult and be released from the family.

Subsequently, in July, Kristine, Michael, and their sons relocated to Canada, leaving Natalia Barnett in a leased apartment in Lafayette. The couple divorced shortly after this.

Kristine mentioned that she paid rent for a year before departing the country and that she assisted Natalia in obtaining a Social Security number, applying for an identification card, and receiving food stamps.

On September 11, 2019, Kristine and Michael Barnett were accused of felony neglect, but both have maintained their innocence.

Kristine Barnett was granted release on September 19, 2019 after paying a bond of $5,500. Similarly, her ex-husband, Michael, secured his release upon posting a $5,000 bail.

The exact age of Natalia Grace is still being debated. With her dwarfism, checking her bone density may not be accurate in estimating her age.

While the Berneth family is convinced Natalia was an adult when she was adopted, Natalia claims she was really six.

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