A 21-year-old Texas woman, Juniper Bryson, faces serious charges after allegedly trying to sell her newborn son through Facebook. Bryson, who resides in Houston, was arrested and is currently being held on $30,000 bail at the Harris County Jail.
Court documents reveal that Bryson initially posted in a Facebook group called “Birth Mothers Seeking Adoptive Parents” on September 22, where she indicated she was willing to find adoptive parents for her baby, and even mentioned her willingness to travel. The day before, Bryson had contacted an out-of-state family member and asked if he knew anyone interested in adoption. According to court records, Bryson also revealed that the child would be born a drug addict.
The family member then posted on Facebook, seeking potential adoptive families, saying, “You need someone there during the birth and to take the baby home. “She doesn’t want him to go to foster care,” according to court documents. he told ABC 13.
As conversations with her family members continued, Bryson hinted at her desire to receive payment in exchange for the baby. “It’s not even like that, just enough to move into an apartment so I can work and get (my daughter) back, or a cheap down payment, or any car to get to different places on DoorDash. Nothing crazy at all,” Bryson allegedly wrote.
In the days that followed, Bryson contacted at least seven potential adoptive families. Many of these people were struggling with infertility and expressed interest in adopting the child. An expectant father sent a message: “I’m interested. I’m 29 years old, have a well-paying job and a brick house. “My fiancé and I want to start our own family, but due to infertility, it is not easy.”
A same-sex couple from Louisiana even started driving to Houston to meet Bryson. During the trip, Bryson sent them a photo of the food he wanted to order and they sent him $25 via Apple Pay. He later requested an additional $150, but after some communication issues and Bryson allegedly blocking and unblocking them, the couple abandoned the trip and returned to Louisiana.
Wendy Williams, a Houston resident who responded to Bryson’s Facebook post, met Bryson in person and was with her during the birth on September 23. Williams, who has experience in foster care, stayed with Bryson at the hospital and witnessed the baby’s birth. in the early hours of September 24. Reflecting on the experience, Williams said, “I felt a real bond between a mother and a baby… I felt a connection like he was biologically mine.”
However, court records indicate that the baby tested positive for drugs after birth and Bryson herself showed signs of withdrawal while in the hospital. After allowing Williams and her husband to name the baby, Bryson posted on Facebook saying she had found a home for him and tagged Williams, sparking a storm of criticism. Commenters accused both Bryson and Williams of trying to “sell” and “buy” the baby.
When Williams questioned Bryson about the allegations, Bryson requested that she be removed from the hospital room. Feeling confused and concerned for the baby’s well-being, Williams reported the situation to Child Protective Services (CPS), which involved authorities in the case. Bryson was eventually escorted out of the hospital in handcuffs, arrested on open warrants, and Williams’ custody rights were revoked.
Following Bryson’s arrest, Williams attended a court hearing in hopes of regaining custody. However, a judge awarded custody of the baby to one of Bryson’s friends. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) declined to comment on the details of the case, but noted that family members or friends are often given priority for child placement, and that the final decision rests with the court.
Despite the challenges, Williams remains hopeful that she can become the boy’s adoptive mother. “It was very heartbreaking, not only because we didn’t get a baby out of this, but because I think her safety definitely comes before everything else,” she said. On November 2, Williams shared on Facebook that she doesn’t give up. “Baby Travis, we’re still here and we’re still fighting for YOU!!”