Baby Veronica is back with her adoptive parents in South Carolina after the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled it did not have jurisdiction over the child.
The 4-year-old Cherokee girl has been the subject of a 4-year-long custody battle for the Capobianco family. According to CBS News, Veronica's biological mother allowed an adoption, but her biological father, Dusten Brown, disagreed and wanted to keep her in the tribe.
Baby Veronica has lived with the Capobiancos since birth.
In order to keep custody of Veronica, Brown sited a federal law under the Indian Child Welfare Act. But a U.S. Supreme Court decision, "meant to help keep Native American tribes together." The court granted him temporary custody in Oklahoma, but the Matt and Melanie Capobianco vowed to continue fighting for Veronica.
Cherokee Nation Attorney General Todd Hembree described the scene of Brown returning custody to the Capobiancos. Brown was reportedly emotional but gave Veronica over in a "peaceful and dignified" way.
"Dusten Brown was just as brave today as we he was when he fought for our country in Iraq," Hembree said. "Although this is not something any parent should ever have to do, we could not be more proud of the dignity and courage with which he carried himself."
The National Indian Child Welfare Association told the Associated Press they are "saddened" by the court's decision.
"The legal system has failed this child and American Indians as well. Our prayers are with everyone concerned, but most of all with Veronica," said Terry Cross, the group's executive director.
Brown is facing a custodial interference charge in South Carolina. Baby Veronica was returned to the Capobiancos on Monday night, and the couple has promised Brown will always be an important part of Veronica's life.
"She's safely in her parents' arms," said Jessica Munday, a spokeswoman for the Capobiancos.
