Dusten Brown, Cherokee Nation Drop Pending Legal Action in Case of Adoptive Couple v. Baby Girl
TULSA, Okla. (PRWEB) October 10, 2013 -- With the support of the Cherokee Nation, Dusten Brown announced plans Thursday to drop all pending litigation in the case of Adoptive Couple v. Baby Girl (SC Appellate Case No. 2011-205166), better known as the “Baby Veronica” case, in both Oklahoma and Cherokee Nation courts. Brown says he made the decision after much careful thought and consideration as to what is best for his daughter long term.
“The time has come for me to let Veronica live the normal childhood that she so desperately needs and deserves, and that means stopping the ongoing litigation here in Oklahoma,” Brown said. “Veronica is only 4 years old, but her entire life has been lived in front of the media and the entire world, and I cannot bear for that to continue any longer. I love her too much. To continue to have the spotlight shine on Veronica is unfair to her, and her safety, happiness and well-being have always been my number one priority.”
Custody of Veronica was transferred to Matt and Melanie Capobianco of South Carolina on Sept. 23 (OK Case Number: 112116). The move came after the Oklahoma Supreme Court lifted the emergency stay allowing Veronica to remain with Brown while his appeal made its way through Oklahoma courts.
“During this four-year fight to raise my daughter, I had to make many difficult decisions—decisions no father should ever have to make,” Brown said. “The most difficult decision of all was to let Veronica go with Matt and Melanie Capobianco last month. But it was no longer fair to Veronica to have her in the middle of this battle. It was the love for my daughter that kept me going all of this time. But it was also the love for my daughter that finally gave me the strength to accept things that are beyond my control.”
Cherokee Nation Assistant Attorney General explained the joint decision between Brown and the Cherokee Nation.
“Cherokee Nation and Dusten Brown have jointly moved to dismiss all pending legal actions in Oklahoma and Cherokee Nation courts,” Nimmo said. “Dusten has made a choice about what is best for Veronica, and Cherokee Nation fully supports his decision. Cherokee Nation will not pursue further appeals in this matter.”
Nimmo says that Brown has had contact with Veronica since her transfer to Matt and Melanie Capobianco. Nimmo declined to provide details on the contact, citing privacy for all parties.
“I know that the Capobiancos love Veronica very much and will provide her with a good home,” Brown said. “It is my greatest hope we can work together on a solution that is best for Veronica—one that allows me to continue to be a part of my daughter’s life, and see and speak with her on a regular basis.
“And to Veronica,” Brown continued, “one day you will read about this time in your life. Never, ever for one second doubt how much I love you, how hard I fought for you or how much you mean to me. My home will always be your home, and you are always welcome in it. I miss you more than words can express. You will always be my little girl, my princess, and I will love you until the day I die. I love you and hope to see you soon.”
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Amanda Clinton, Cherokee Nation, (918) 384-6944, [email protected]
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