Texas Woman Accused of Attempting to Sell Newborn Baby on Facebook
A 21-year-old woman from Houston, Texas, has been arrested and charged with attempting to sell her newborn baby through a Facebook group, authorities have revealed.
Juniper Bryson was taken into custody on October 30 and booked into Harris County Jail on charges of “sale or purchase of a child,” according to jail records. She is currently being held on a $30,000 bond.
The case began on September 23, when the Houston Police Department received a tip about a Facebook post Bryson allegedly made in a group, reportedly offering her baby for sale, according to reports from Click 2 Houston and ABC 13.
Attempts to Sell Unborn Baby
Two days earlier, Bryson had reportedly reached out to a family member, asking if they knew anyone interested in adopting her unborn child. Court records indicate that she also mentioned she wanted compensation for the baby, according to ABC 13. The family member later shared the situation on social media, writing, “She needs someone there during labor and to take the baby boy home. She doesn’t want him going into foster care.”
The following day, Bryson posted in a Facebook group called “Birth Mothers Looking for Adoptive Parent(s),” which sparked responses from users, many of whom were struggling with infertility. According to investigators, one couple from Louisiana began an overnight drive to meet Bryson and the child but abandoned the trip halfway after Bryson allegedly requested $150. Court records state that Bryson later remarked, “If the baby wasn’t worth $200 to them, then screw all.” It is unclear who the comment was directed toward.
Financial Motivations
Bryson allegedly told her family member she needed the money to secure an apartment, regain custody of her daughter, or purchase a car to start working for DoorDash. The Houston Chronicle cited court records showing these were her stated reasons for seeking payment.
Assistance from a Stranger
Wendy Williams, who had also responded to Bryson’s Facebook post, told ABC 13 she sent an Uber to Bryson’s hotel after learning she was in labor on September 23. Williams stayed by Bryson’s side for three days in the hospital, during which time Bryson allegedly continued waiting for “the highest bidder,” according to Click 2 Houston.
The newborn later tested positive for drugs, court records show. “I just thought this was someone who was in a really bad position,” Williams told ABC 13. “The drugs had overtaken, and she just wanted to get better.”
Bryson reportedly allowed Williams and her husband to name the baby and signed documents giving them authority to make legal decisions for the child. However, tensions escalated after Williams began receiving harsh comments online. “A lot of people started commenting really, really ugly things,” she told ABC 13. “And then they were tagging me, ‘How dare you buy this baby?’”
Williams said no payment had ever been discussed with Bryson. When she confronted her about the accusations, Bryson asked a nurse to remove Williams from the hospital room.
Arrest and Custody
Authorities became involved when Williams contacted Child Protective Services. Bryson was eventually escorted out of the hospital in handcuffs. Before her arrest, she revoked custody of the child. After the baby was discharged, Williams attended a court hearing in hopes of gaining custody but said the judge instead placed the child with one of Bryson’s friends.
“It was very heartbreaking,” Williams told ABC 13, adding that her main concern was the baby’s safety. “Not just because we didn’t get a baby out of this, because I think his safety is definitely above all.”
