The Natalia Grace case remains one of the most controversial stories in modern true crime history. Kristine Barnett, the woman at the center of this shocking saga, continues to defend her explosive claims about her former adopted daughter.
She maintains that Natalia is a dangerous sociopath who fooled everyone.Years after the legal proceedings ended, many people still wonder where Kristine is today.
What is she doing? Does she still believe her controversial claims? The answers might surprise you.This story involves adoptive parents who made headlines for abandoning their Ukrainian daughter.
The case sparked debates about child welfare, disability fraud, and the complexities of orphan adoption. Today, we explore what really happened and where Kristine Barnett stands now.
The Shocking Truth Behind Natalia Grace’s Adoption Story
Kristine Barnett and her then-husband Michael adopted Natalia Grace in 2010. The Ukrainian orphan had a rare form of dwarfism that affected her growth. The couple believed they were rescuing a 6-year-old child from a difficult life.
However, their dream of helping a vulnerable child quickly turned into a nightmare. The adoptive parents claimed Natalia displayed disturbing behavior from the start. They said she tried to poison Kristine’s coffee and attempted to harm family members.
The orphan adoption that began with good intentions became a legal battle that would destroy lives. The story would later inspire multiple documentary series and even a Hollywood production starring Ellen Pompeo. The case became a sensation in the true crime community.
Kristine insisted that Natalia was not a child at all. She believed the girl was an adult who had deceived them about her age. This claim would define the rest of Kristine’s life and career.
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Why Kristine Barnett Still Believes Natalia Was an Adult?
Despite overwhelming evidence against her position, Kristine Barnett refuses to back down. She continues to defend her claims about Natalia’s true age. In her mind, the evidence clearly shows that Natalia was an adult pretending to be a child.
Kristine pointed to several factors that convinced her of Natalia’s deception. She claimed Natalia had adult teeth and menstrual cycles. She also said the girl never grew an inch, which seemed impossible even for someone with dwarfism.
The sociopath allegations remain central to Kristine’s defense. In a now-deleted Facebook post, she called Natalia a master manipulator. She believes Natalia uses her disability to gain sympathy and deceive people.
Kristine argues that manipulative behavior was evident from day one. She claims Natalia would switch between childlike innocence and adult cunning. This behavior pattern convinced Kristine that something was seriously wrong.
Inside the Courtroom: How Both Barnetts Escaped Conviction
The legal proceedings against both Barnetts began in 2019. They faced serious charges related to dependent abandonment and child neglect. Prosecutors argued they left a disabled child alone to fend for herself.
Michael Barnett’s trial came first in October 2022. The jury found him not guilty on all charges. His defense team successfully argued there was insufficient evidence to prove he knew Natalia was still legally dependent.
Kristine Barnett’s charges were dismissed in March 2023. The judge ruled that prosecutors couldn’t prove their case beyond reasonable doubt. The court petition they had filed to change Natalia’s age worked in their favor legally.
The birth date change they achieved in court was crucial to their defense. Since Natalia was legally an adult, the abandonment charges became harder to prove. The legal re-aging process saved them from potential prison time.
The Financial Struggles That Haunted the Barnett Family
Money problems plagued the Barnett family long before they adopted Natalia. Public records reveal multiple state tax liens dating back to 2003. These financial issues created stress throughout their marriage.
Kristine Barnett owned two businesses that faced serious tax problems. The London Bridge and Acorn Hill Academy both had liens against them. The couple also faced joint tax obligations they couldn’t meet.
These ongoing financial struggles may have contributed to family tensions. Some experts believe money stress can impact decision-making and family dynamics. The pressure might have influenced their treatment of Natalia.
The tax liens totaled hundreds of dollars over several years. While not enormous amounts, they show a pattern of financial mismanagement. This background adds context to their later actions.
What Really Happened When the Barnetts Left for Canada?
In 2013, the Barnetts made a decision that would haunt them forever. They moved Natalia to an apartment in Lafayette, Indiana. Then they left the country to support their son’s education in Canada.
The family abandonment became the prosecution’s strongest evidence. Natalia was left alone despite her disabilities and inability to care for herself properly. She survived mainly on instant noodles and simple foods.
The move to Canada was supposedly temporary and educational. However, the couple’s marriage began falling apart while they were away. Michael returned to Indiana in late 2013 after an unspecified incident.
Kristine stayed in Canada longer, but their relationship was already over. The dependent abandonment case would later tear apart what remained of their family unit.
Kristine’s Career Collapse: From Parenting Expert to Pariah
Before the scandal broke, Kristine Barnett was a respected author and parenting consultant. She wrote “The Spark,” a book about raising her gifted son Jacob. The book brought her recognition and credibility.
Her expertise in special needs parenting made her a sought-after consultant. She helped other families navigate challenges with exceptional children. Her career seemed promising and meaningful.
However, the abuse accusations destroyed her professional reputation overnight. In January 2025, she admitted the allegations had ruined her career completely. She said she mourns the loss of her work every single day.
The child welfare violations she was accused of ended her credibility as a parenting expert. Parents who once trusted her advice now questioned everything she had taught them.
Michael’s Change of Heart: Turning Against His Ex-Wife
Michael Barnett initially supported his wife’s claims about Natalia completely. However, his position changed dramatically after their divorce. He began speaking against Kristine in the Investigation Discovery documentaries.
Michael now claims he and Natalia share “the same monster” in Kristine. He suggests his ex-wife manipulated both him and their adopted daughter. This revelation shocked many followers of the case.
The shift in Michael’s testimony likely influenced public opinion significantly. His willingness to speak against Kristine added credibility to Natalia’s version of events. It also painted Kristine as the primary villain.
Michael’s change of heart suggests he may have been a victim too. However, critics argue he’s simply trying to save his own reputation.
The Medical Evidence That Changed Everything in Court
Medical evidence played a crucial role in both trials. Prosecutors found Natalia’s birth mother, who confirmed the 2003 birth date. This testimony contradicted the Barnetts’ age claims directly.
The psychiatric evaluation reports were mixed and confusing. Some medical professionals supported the Barnetts’ claims about Natalia’s behavior. Others disagreed completely with their assessment.
However, the birth date change the couple achieved in court created legal complications. Even if Natalia was really a child, she was legally an adult. This technicality helped both Barnetts avoid conviction.
Medical experts testified that Natalia’s physical condition was consistent with being a child. Her dwarfism explained many of the unusual characteristics the Barnetts cited as evidence.
How Hollywood Brought This Wild Story to Life?
The Natalia Grace story attracted Hollywood’s attention quickly. Ellen Pompeo stars as Kristine in the Hulu series “Good American Family.” The show dramatizes the family’s ordeal and legal battles.
The case also inspired the Investigation Discovery series “The Curious Case of Natalia Grace.” These productions featured interviews with key players and brought the story to millions of viewers.
The media attention has kept the case in the public consciousness. However, it has also made it harder for everyone involved to move forward with their lives.
The documentary series presented different perspectives on what really happened. This allowed viewers to form their own opinions about the truth.
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Where Are They Now: The Barnetts’ Separate Lives Today?
Kristine Barnett currently lives in Florida and maintains a very low profile. She rarely makes public statements about the case anymore. Her last significant communication was the deleted Facebook post defending her actions.
She continues to deny all abuse accusations and child welfare violations. Kristine insists she loved and cared for Natalia properly. She believes the media has portrayed her unfairly and destroyed her reputation.
Michael has remarried and lives in Indianapolis. He appears more willing to discuss the case publicly than his ex-wife. However, he also says he wants to move on completely.
Both former spouses seem to be trying to rebuild their lives. However, the notoriety of their case makes it difficult to escape public scrutiny.
Frequently Asked Question
Does Kristine Barnett still live in Florida?
Yes, Kristine currently lives in Florida and has maintained a low profile since the media attention began surrounding her case.
What does Kristine Barnett do for work now?
Her career as a parenting expert was destroyed by the allegations. She expressed hope about returning to work but acknowledged severe damage to her reputation.
Does Kristine still claim Natalia is a sociopath?
Yes, Kristine continues to defend her claims about Natalia’s manipulative behavior and maintains that she is a dangerous sociopath.
Are Michael and Kristine Barnett still married?
No, they divorced in 2014. Michael has remarried and lives in Indianapolis, while Kristine remains in Florida.
What happened to the criminal charges against Kristine?
All charges against Kristine were dismissed in March 2023 due to insufficient evidence to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.
Conclusion
Kristine Barnett’s life changed forever when she adopted Natalia Grace. What began as an act of kindness turned into a legal nightmare that destroyed her career and reputation. Today, she lives quietly in Florida, still defending her controversial claims.
The case raises important questions about orphan adoption, disability fraud, and the complexities of child welfare systems. While the legal proceedings have ended, the debate about what really happened continues.
Kristine maintains her innocence and continues to call Natalia a sociopath. Whether she will ever return to public life or her career as a parenting expert remains highly uncertain.