Michael Barnett and Ex-Wife Kristine were arrested in 2019 and charged with neglect of a dependent because they abandoned Natalia. They pled not guilty, claiming Natalia and the adoption agency had defrauded and deceived them. They also offered proof that Natalia continued to lie about her age and identity after they left her.
Michael and Kristine alleged she altered her birth date multiple times, used several identities, filed for social security benefits as a juvenile, attended school, and attempted to adopt from another family. The story received national and international attention, with many debating whether Natalia was a kid or an adult, a victim or a culprit and whether the Barnetts were abusive or protective parents. The allegations against them were dropped in 2020 when the statute of limitations expired. However, the debate over their case has not subsided, as fresh films and interviews have put additional light on the contradictory claims and evidence.
