Whether you believe they deserved it or think they should have faced jail time, the outcome remains the same: Michael and Kristine Barnett successfully had their charges of neglect of a dependent dismissed.
In 2019, the couple faced multiple counts related to their abandonment of Natalia. However, it wouldn’t be until 2022 that any decisions would be made regarding Michael’s future. In February of that year, Michael experienced some legal relief when four counts of neglect of a dependent were dropped, owing to the expiration of the statute of limitations, according to Seventeen. His trial instead solely concentrated on charges of neglect related to Natalia’s disability, with Natalia delivering testimony. Despite what the Barnett’s may have thought, Natalia admitted she wanted to be a part of their family. However, her testimony wasn’t enough to convince the jury to charge Michael, and he was not found not guilty.
Although Michael’s case was over, many awaited Kristine’s. Her trial was set for April 2023, but just weeks before she was set to appear in court, a judge dismissed her case entirely. Prosecutor Patrick Harrington revealed to News 18, “The State believes there would be insufficient evidence at trial to prove the charges in this case beyond a reasonable doubt.” Kristine’s attorney, Mark Nicholson, shared that the case should have been dismissed long ago. Nicholson also revealed that Kristine “can’t believe it’s over” and is happy about how things unfolded.
