Natalia Grace was adopted by Michael and Kristine Barnett when she was just six years old in 2010. Her life took a dramatic turn in May 2023 when her extraordinary story was featured in the Investigation Discovery docuseries The Curious Case of Natalia Grace. This compelling series revealed the shocking accusations made by Michael and Kristine, who claimed that their adoptive daughter, diagnosed with a rare genetic condition known as spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, attempted to harm them after her adoption. They controversially alleged that Natalia was not a child but rather an adult with sociopathic tendencies, raising profound questions about her identity and the circumstances surrounding her adoption.
In an exciting development, a new series inspired by this gripping case, titled Good American Family, premiered on March 19, 2025. This series aims to revisit Natalia’s complex narrative, presenting it from various perspectives to delve into themes of bias, trauma, and the subjective nature of truth. To learn more about this miniseries and discover Natalia’s current situation, continue reading below.
Discover the Current Life of Natalia Grace
As of January 2025, Natalia, now 22 years old, shared her aspirations for independent living in an interview with PEOPLE. She is taking significant steps toward independence by learning to drive and studying for her GED. Reflecting on her remarkable journey, she expressed, “It’s been a big learning curve for me. For the most part, I’ve made peace. It is definitely a blessing to be alive today. There’s nothing I can do to change the past.” Her comments highlight her resilience and determination to move forward, despite the challenges she has faced.
Natalia also shared her positive experiences in adapting to life with her dwarfism, stating, “Learning everything that I have about how to live with my dwarfism—it’s been a great experience. I love it. I mean, of course, I still miss my siblings and everything. But I love it. I feel free.” Currently, she is living with Nicole and Vince DePaul, who have become her supportive guardians, providing her with a nurturing environment as she embarks on this new chapter of her life.
In a preview video for the ID docuseries, Natalia candidly discussed her perspective on the events that unfolded after her adoption by the Barnetts in 2010. She stated, “In every lie is a hidden truth, but you’ve gotta dig enough to be able to see it. They’re not going to get away with this. This is my side of the story. Do I look like a monster to you?” Her powerful words emphasize her desire to reclaim her narrative and shed light on her experiences.
Throughout the series released in 2023, Natalia firmly maintains that she never intended to harm her adoptive parents or any family members after her adoption. She poignantly stated, “I was never in y’all’s room with a knife,” which prompted a defensive response from Michael, who retorted, “I know what I saw.” This exchange encapsulates the deep-seated conflict and misunderstanding that pervades their relationship, leaving viewers to ponder the complexities of their family dynamics.
Explore the Events Surrounding Natalia Grace’s Life
Natalia faced severe accusations from her adoptive parents, Michael and Kristine, who ultimately separated in 2018. Merely two years after Natalia’s adoption, the couple controversially petitioned the court to alter her birth year from 2003 to 1989, effectively claiming she was 20 years old at the time of her adoption. This drastic decision led to their relocation to Canada, where they left Natalia to fend for herself in an apartment situated in Lafayette, Indiana, the subsequent year, raising significant concerns about her welfare and well-being.
The docuseries offered an in-depth examination of the multifaceted “adoption saga” and the Barnetts’ allegations, presenting Natalia’s viewpoint and providing insight into the realities that transpired behind the closed doors of the Barnett household. It featured previously unseen evidence and footage, alongside fresh theories and testimonies from various sources, including retired FBI agents who initially investigated Natalia’s unique case and genetic experts who helped ascertain her true age. This wealth of information aims to provide a clearer understanding of the situation.
In the ID docuseries, Natalia confronted her former adoptive parents directly, sharing her vision for the future while offering a glimpse into her current life with her new adoptive family. Bishop Antown and Christina Manns, Natalia’s previous adoptive parents, participated in an exclusive interview in The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks. Despite being adopted by the couple, it was revealed that they exerted significant control over her life. Ultimately, Natalia found her way to freedom and moved in with the DePaul family, marking a pivotal point in her journey toward independence.
Learn About the Fate of Michael and Kristine Barnett
Six years after their contentious separation from Natalia, both Michael and Kristine faced serious legal repercussions in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, where they were charged with multiple counts, including neglect of a dependent, neglect causing bodily injury, and conspiracy to neglect a dependent due to their actions surrounding their relocation. They entered not guilty pleas to these charges. In a significant turn of events, Michael was acquitted of all charges in 2022, and the prosecutors subsequently dropped their case against Kristine in March 2023, highlighting the complexities and ongoing controversies surrounding their actions.
