Father still fighting to keep his daughter.
On Monday, Mr. Brown turned himself in to Oklahoma authorities for failing to appear in South Carolina with the child, Veronica, to start the girlÂs transition back to her adoptive parents, Matt and Melanie Capobianco.
Mr. BrownÂs family said he would willingly face jail rather than lose custody of Veronica.
ÂDusten plans to continue to fight for the right to keep his daughter and the right to raise her with her family where she belongs, said Robin Brown, his wife. ÂShe has the right to know where she comes from and know who she is.Â
But for Mr. Brown, who is free on bond and fighting extradition to South Carolina on felony charges of custodial interference, time may be running out.
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In light of the high court ruling, however, the South Carolina Supreme Court ordered a family court judge to approve VeronicaÂs adoption by the Capobiancos. The adoption became final July 31.
On one aspect of the dispute, virtually everyone agrees: Both the Capobiancos and Mr. Brown have created a safe, loving home for Veronica, almost 4, who has lived half of her life with each.
That may have complicated the dispute. Last month, Mr. BrownÂs parents and his wife were granted temporary guardianship of Veronica in Cherokee tribal court while Mr. Brown was away on Oklahoma National Guard duty; the tribe has supported his efforts to keep the child.
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Late Monday, the office of Gov. Nikki R. Haley of South Carolina signed a requisition warrant for Mr. BrownÂs extradition from Oklahoma.
But on Tuesday, Gov. Mary Fallin of Oklahoma issued a statement saying she would not act on the warrant until Mr. Brown had a chance to contest the extradition at a Sept. 12 hearing.
They don't have too much more time to resolve this before she starts having permanent memories. Here's hoping they keep that in mind.
Cheers,
Scott.