Judge: Calif. teen can be taken off life support

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) A judge on Tuesday ruled that a 13-year-old Northern California girl declared brain dead after suffering complications following a tonsillectomy can be taken off life support.

But Alameda County Superior Court Judge Evelio Grillo gave Jahi McMath's family until 5 p.m. Dec. 30 to file an appeal. She will stay on life support until then.

Relatives said the family has not decided if they would keep fighting.

"It's Christmas Eve, there is still time for a miracle," said Omari Sealey, the girl's uncle. He said the family would discuss and decide later whether to appeal or to allow Children's Hospital of Oakland to remove the girl from a ventilator.

"Prayers are more important than ever before," Sealey said. "Because the clock is ticking."

Jahi's mother, Nailah Winkfield, didn't attend the court hearing, remaining with her daughter in the hospital where she will spend Christmas Eve.

Sealey said Winkfield and other family members have remained with the teen since complications arose Dec. 9 after a tonsillectomy.

"Room 325 of Children's Hospital is our new home," Sealey said.

Sealey held hands with Jahi's grandmother Sandra Chatman, Jahi's stepfather Martin Winkfield and the family's lawyer Christopher Dolan as the judge ruled.

Grillo based his decision on the conclusions of two doctors, court-appointed Dr. Paul Fisher of Stanford University and the hospital's Dr. Robin Shanahan.

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Judge: Calif. teen can be taken off life support