A Ukrainian orphan with a form of dwarfism has denied claims that she posed as a child to trick a US family into adopting her, before threatening to kill them. Natalia Grace Barnett, now 16, insists she was six years old when she was adopted by Kristine and Michael Barnett in Florida in 2010.
Speaking on the US talk show Dr Phil, Natalia said: 'I was six years old when I came to the United States. I just know that a family came and visited me and after a while, they adopted me.' She admitted a previous family had returned her to social services after she injured another child during rough play.
The Barnetts have claimed they were led to believe Natalia was six, but soon doubted her age, believing her to be closer to 20. Kristine Barnett told Daily MailTV that Natalia spoke like a teenager, had full pubic hair, adult teeth, and never grew, which she said would happen even with a child with dwarfism. Natalia denied having periods while living with the Barnetts.
In 2012, the Barnetts filed a motion to change Natalia's birth certificate from 2003 to 1989, citing bone tests that they claim proved she was at least 14 at adoption. They also said Natalia confessed to being older during a psychiatric stay. Natalia denies all claims of trying to harm the family, saying poison allegations were a misunderstanding and she only entered their bedroom at night if she had a nightmare.
The Barnetts moved to Canada without Natalia in 2013, paying a year's rent for her to live alone in an apartment in Indiana. Natalia says she lived on canned food left by them. She was enrolled in an adult school and claims Kristine told her to say she was 22. The Barnetts face neglect charges and will stand trial in early 2020. Natalia now lives with Antwon and Cynthia Mans, who believe she is 16.
