Opening scene in first Barnett trial for neglect of Natalia

Opening arguments paint a father who abandoned a disabled daughter in a Lafayette apartment vs. one who was doing what she wanted and getting her far from her family. Plus, West Side BMV hearing looms

Thanks this morning to sponsor Stuart & Branigin for support to help make this edition of the Based in Lafayette reporting project possible.

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Both sides set the table Monday in a neglect trial that has drawn international headlines, syndicated TV show attention, a gag order and a Hulu limited series docudrama in the works since charges were initially brought in 2019.

Michael Barnett faces four charges tied to the neglect of a dependent. He’s accused of setting up his adopted daughter, Natalia Barnett, in a North 11th Street apartment in Lafayette and abandoning her there in July 2013 before leaving with the rest of the family to Canada.