Shraman Mitra
When Antwon and Cynthia Mans met Natalia Grace, she lived independently in an apartment in Lafayette, Indiana. When questioned, she mentioned that even though she was 22, her adoptive parents, Michael and Kristine Barnett, abandoned her before moving to Canada. Investigation Discovery’s ‘The Curious Case of Natalia Grace’ chronicles how the Barnetts brought Natalia into their family, only to allege that she was older than what her birth certificate stated. The show also shares how the Mans family took Natalia in and cared for her as their own child. Given their involvement in the case, the world can’t help but be curious about Antwon and Cynthia’s current whereabouts.
Who Are Antwon and Cynthia Mans?
Antwon and Cynthia Mans are a married couple who reside in Lafayette, Indiana. People who know them describe them as kindhearted and generous individuals who never hesitate to help others in need. The pair are also known for maintaining friendly relationships with everyone around them, while the neighbors insist that Antwon and Cynthia are pretty popular in the neighborhood. In fact, their helpful nature made them go out of their way to support Natalia Grace.
When Michael and Kristine Barnett adopted Natalia Grace in 2009, they believed she was a 6-year-old Ukrainian native. However, shortly after entering the Barnett household, her adoptive parents noticed that apart from having pubic hair, she even got her periods regularly. While such evidence hinted at Natalia’s age being much higher than 6, she allegedly took to violence and often talked about harming her adoptive family. The show mentioned that she would often talk about killing her adoptive brother and even tried to harm Kristine on two occasions physically.
On top of it, Michael experienced a massive scare when he woke up to find Natalia standing at the foot of his bed with a knife. Worried about their safety, the Barnetts took her to a mental institution where doctors mentioned that she had a rare form of dwarfism called Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita. Additionally, they filed a petition in court, and the judge changed Natalia’s birth year from 2003 to 1989. Hence, with the Ukrainian native considered an adult, the Barnetts initially got her an apartment in Westfield, Indiana.
Yet, when the lease on the first apartment ran out, Michael and Kristine left Natalia in a Lafayette apartment before moving to Canada. Once she met Antwon and Cynthia Mans, it did not take long to develop a deep bond with the couple, and the Ukrainian native even helped them shop for groceries on her own food card. Besides, within days of meeting the Manses, Natalia was also happy to sign over her disability payments to Cynthia. Since the payments were initially going to Michael Barnett, he immediately raised a concern and asked her where she was. That was when Cynthia answered the phone and claimed that Natalia had moved in with them.
Where Are Antwon and Cynthia Mans Now?
Michael and Kristine Barnett could not take any actions against the Mans since they were soon arrested and charged with several counts of child neglect. Meanwhile, Natalia moved in with Antwon and Cynthia at their Lafayette home, and she even appeared with them on a 2019 episode of ‘Dr. Phil,’ where the couple mentioned they already had two children and were expecting a third when they took the Ukranian native in. Yet, unlike the Barnetts’ allegations, she never showed any sign of violence in the Mans household and is rather fond of her adoptive siblings.
Besides, Antwon and Cynthia even claimed that Natalia is a wonderful aunt who takes good care of their grandson. Presently, the Mans reside in Crawfordsville, Indiana, where they have built a happy life surrounded by their loved ones. Furthermore, although reports claim they have spoken to Natalia’s adoptive parents, they continue taking care of the Ukrainian native and consider her family.
In fact, when Natalia went to talk to Michael Barnett in ‘The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks,’ Antwon, who is a bishop, accompanied her and encouraged her to ask what she wanted from her former guardian and alleged abuser. The meeting devolved with Michael storming out when Antwon asked him to take the name of God. This meant that Antwon did not attend the next meeting between Natalia and Michael, though it did showcase just how protective he is of his charge, who in turn never hesitates in calling Antwon her Dad and Cynthia her Mom. With them, Natalia claims she understood just what a family means.
Read More: Michael and Kristine Barnett: Where Are Natalia Grace’s Ex-Adoptive Parents Now?
