The Associated Press

AKRON, Ohio - After ruling that a 13-week-old's parents are "unsuitable guardians," a judge has appointed an attorney to decide whether the abused infant should be removed from life support.

Taylor Marie Darling suffers from shaken-baby syndrome, Wayne County Children Services Board caseworker Angela Cooper testified Tuesday.

Parents Mark Darling, 20, and Jennifer Darling, 17, could face charges if Taylor dies and they are not capable of making an unbiased decision, Summit County Probate Judge William Spicer said.

He appointed lawyer Karin Wiest as Taylor's guardian and said she would be best suited to approve removing Taylor from life support.

Taylor has been on life support at Children's Hospital Medical Center of Akron since Nov. 12 after she apparently was injured that morning at the Darlings' residence in Mount Eaton, according to court records. Mark Darling had called 911 after she became unresponsive.

Dr. John Pope, a specialist who has treated the infant, testified Tuesday that Taylor has no chance of "meaningful recovery."

He said brain scans showed that one brain injury occurred before Nov. 12, indicating previous abuse.

If Taylor were taken off the respirator, she would die in a matter of hours, Dr. Pope said.

The Darlings' lawyers said their clients should have the chance to visit their daughter and decide.