
Tue Jan 07 06:30:00 IST 2025: ## Ukrainian Orphan Accused of Murder Finds Peace with New Family After Years of Alleged Abuse
**Syracuse, NY** – Natalia Grace, the Ukrainian orphan at the center of a decade-long saga involving accusations of attempted murder and subsequent alleged abuse by multiple adoptive families, has found a new home and is rebuilding her life. A new documentary, “The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: The Final Chapter,” details Grace’s journey and reveals she now lives with Nicole and Vince DePaul in upstate New York.
Grace, who suffers from spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, a form of dwarfism, was initially adopted by Michael and Kristine Barnett, who controversially claimed she was an adult pretending to be a child and accused her of violence. The Barnetts subsequently abandoned Grace, altering her birthdate to escape legal responsibility.
Following this, Grace was adopted by another family, the Mans, but alleges she experienced further abuse, prompting her to flee in December 2023 with the help of her boyfriend.
The DePauls, who also have dwarfism, attempted to adopt Grace in 2009 but were unsuccessful. They now describe her as “super sweet” and deny any history of violence. They emphasize their commitment to supporting her recovery and providing a stable home environment. Despite initial challenges related to ongoing involvement from the Mans family, the DePauls state they are focused on guiding, not controlling, Grace.
Grace herself confirms her love for the DePauls, describing them as providing a sense of freedom she never felt before. She is currently pursuing her GED and plans to become a teacher, while also receiving therapy to address past trauma. She states that learning to live with her dwarfism has been a positive experience. The documentary explores Grace’s struggles and resilience as she strives to overcome the challenges of her past and build a future for herself.