Police: 2-year-old brain dead after alleged abuse

A Brooklyn toddler is brain dead and expected to be taken off of life support after police say her stepfather physically abused her. Authorities say Thaiya Spriul-Smith, 2, was rushed to Brookdale

News 12 Staff

Nov 16, 2014, 7:35 AM

Updated 3,636 days ago

Share:

A Brooklyn toddler is brain dead and expected to be taken off of life support after police say her stepfather physically abused her.
Authorities say Thaiya Spriul-Smith, 2, was rushed to Brookdale Hospital Thursday after her mother called 911, saying her daughter had trouble breathing. Police say they were called in when doctors found bruising all over her body.
Police have arrested and charged the girl's stepfather, 25-year-old David Adams, in connection with the case.
News 12 is told the girl lived with Adams and her mother in Brownsville.
Thaiya's father, who has partial custody, spoke to News 12 Friday night and said this possible abuse case may not be the only time Adams has hurt the 2-year-old.
A spokesperson for the Administration for Children's Services says they are aware of the incident and are working with police in their investigation. They say that confidentiality laws prevent them from discussing the specifics of the case.
Thaiya's mother is also being questioned by police. News 12 is told that she is currently pregnant with her second child.
Adams is facing charges of assault, reckless assault on a child and acting in a manner injurious to a child. Authorities say those charges could be upgraded to murder.