The mother of a 2-year-old girl on life support has been given the authority to decide when to end her life.

According to police, Thaiya Spruill-Smith suffered a massive head injury late last week after being assaulted by her 25-year-old stepfather, David Adams. He is facing charges of assault and acting in a manner injurious to a child.

Thaiya was declared brain dead by doctors at Brookdale Hospital on Friday, but she was being kept on life support while her biological parents sorted out who should have custody of the toddler and make her funeral arrangements.

The toddler had been living in Brownsville with her stepfather and biological mother.

The parents took the custody battle all the way to court, but the toddler's father, Terrell Smith, decided to withdraw his petition for custody.

Officials say that once Thaiya is taken off life support, an autopsy will be conducted and more charges against Adams could follow.