Complicating the matter, Kristine and Michael Barnett — who had three children prior to adopting Natalia — alleged their adopted daughter was violent, threatening the safety of Kristine and the other children in the home on several occasions. According to the Barnetts, there was an instance of attempted electrocution and poisoning, among other examples, People reports. As Indiana State Police Detective Brandon Davenport said in his court testimony, Michael (pictured) likened Kristine and Natalia’s relationship to World War III.
According to Davenport, Michael told him Kristine and Natalia were always arguing and at odds with one another, but Michael and Natalia reportedly had fewer issues (via the Courier & Journal). In her testimony at Michael’s trial for neglect, Natalia Grace said she was blindsided by the Barnetts’ alleged abandonment and left unable to take care of herself, even in her supposed 20s. At Michael’s trial, Natalia testified (via the Courier & Journal), “I wanted to be with the Barnetts. I wanted to live with them.” Luckily, she was taken in by another family.
