Texas Woman Arrested After Allegedly Attempting to Sell Newborn on Facebook, Custody Battle Ensues

A 21-year-old Texas woman, Juniper Bryson, is facing serious charges after allegedly attempting to sell her newborn son through Facebook. Bryson, who resides in Houston, was detained and is currently held on a $30,000 bond in the Harris County Jail.

Court documents reveal that Bryson initially posted in a Facebook group called “Birth Mothers Looking for Adoptive Parent(s)” on September 22, where she indicated she was open to finding adoptive parents for her baby, even mentioning her willingness to travel. The day before, Bryson had reached out to a family member out of state, inquiring if they knew anyone interested in adoption. According to court records, Bryson also disclosed that the child would be born drug-positive.

The family member then posted on Facebook, seeking potential adoptive families, stating, “She needs someone there during labor and to take the baby boy home. She doesn’t want him going into foster care,” according to the court documents, told ABC 13.

As conversations with her family members continued, Bryson hinted at a desire for payment in exchange for the baby. “It’s not even like that, just enough to move into an apartment so I can work a job and get (my daughter) back, or a cheap down payment, or any car to get to different places to DoorDash. Nothing crazy at all,” Bryson reportedly wrote.

In the days that followed, Bryson communicated with at least seven prospective adoptive families. Many of these individuals were struggling with infertility and expressed interest in adopting the child. One prospective parent messaged, “I am interested. I am 29 years old, have a good-paying job, and a brick home. Me and my fiancé want to start a family of our own, but due to infertility, it’s not easy.”

One same-sex couple from Louisiana even began driving to Houston to meet Bryson. During the drive, Bryson sent them a picture of food she wanted to order, and they sent her $25 via Apple Pay. Later, she requested an additional $150, but after some miscommunication 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 accompanied her during labor on September 23. Williams, who has a background in foster care, stayed with Bryson at the hospital and witnessed the birth of the baby boy in the early hours of September 24. Reflecting on the experience, Williams said, “I felt a real bond between a mom and a baby… I felt a connection as if he were 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 tagging Williams, which led to a storm of criticism. Commenters accused both Bryson and Williams of attempting to “sell” and “buy” the baby.

When Williams questioned Bryson about the accusations, Bryson requested her removal from the hospital room. Feeling confused and concerned for the baby’s well-being, Williams reported the situation to Child Protective Services (CPS), which brought law enforcement into the case. Bryson was eventually escorted out of the hospital in handcuffs, arrested on open warrants, and revoked Williams’ custody rights.

Following Bryson’s arrest, Williams attended a court hearing, hoping to regain 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 specifics of the case but noted that family members or friends are often prioritized for child placement, with the final decision resting with the court.

Despite the challenges, Williams remains hopeful that she may still become the child’s adoptive mother. “It was very heartbreaking, not just because we didn’t get a baby out of this, but because I think his safety is definitely above all,” she said. On November 2, Williams shared on Facebook that she’s not giving up. “Baby Travis we are still here and we are still fighting for YOU!!”