Woman Allegedly Tried To Sell Baby on Facebook

A Houston woman, Juniper Bryson, faces serious legal charges after attempting to sell her newborn on Facebook.

At a Glance

Juniper Bryson was charged for allegedly attempting to sell her child on Facebook.
She was charged with a third-degree felony for the “sale or purchase of a child.”
The attempted sale price was $150 to a person in Louisiana.
The communication with several potential buyers before birth.
Newborn tested positive for unspecified drugs.

The Allegations Against Juniper Bryson

A 21-year-old Houston mother, Juniper Bryson, has been accused of attempting to sell her newborn baby through Facebook. The charges against her include a third-degree felony for the sale or purchase of a child, a serious offense that brings into question concerns about the welfare of the newborn. Bryson is alleged to have communicated with at least six people interested in purchasing the baby, initially offering her child for $150 to a prospective buyer from Louisiana.

The newborn was found to have been exposed to drugs during Bryson’s pregnancy, raising additional alarm for authorities overseeing the case. Bryson disclosed she considered selling her baby as a form of “different kind of adoption.” This stance underscores the complexity and gravity of the legal proceedings she is now embroiled in, shining a light on the challenges of defining adoption within legal boundaries.

Bryson reportedly said at one point that she was looking to be paid for the baby, saying she needed enough to “move into an apartment so I can work a job and get (daughter back), or a cheap downpayment, or any car to get to different places to DoorDash.”

Juniper Bryson, 21, of #Houston, #Texas, has been arrested for allegedly attempting to sell her newborn baby on Facebook

In September, Bryson posted in an online group called "Birth Mothers Looking for Adoptive Parent(s)," offering her soon-to-be-born child for adoption

Bryson… pic.twitter.com/2NP4Mg5rhX

— True Crime Updates (@TrueCrimeUpdat) November 2, 2024

The Involvement of Wendy Williams

Initially, Wendy Williams, a licensed foster parent from Houston, says she believed she would be adopting Bryson’s child. Present during the birth, Williams was later involved in a significant change of events when Bryson reportedly revoked the legal decision-making rights initially given to Williams and her husband. This occurred after Williams reported the situation to Child Protective Services (CPS), which ultimately led to Bryson’s arrest.

Authorities later placed the child with one of Bryson’s friends, which raises questions about the oversight and processes that determine a child’s placement. Williams continues to hold out hope of becoming the child’s adoptive mother, focusing primarily on the child’s wellbeing and safe upbringing outside systemic ambiguities.

The Legal Proceedings and Next Steps

Bryson’s legal troubles extend beyond this incident, as she has previous charges for unauthorized vehicle use, family assault, and criminal mischief, although these were dismissed due to her involvement in a federal case. Bryson’s bail was set at $30,000, an amount greater than the $20,000 initially requested by the prosecution. She awaits judgment at an appearance scheduled for November 4, a date that will be pivotal in determining her fate regarding the current charges against her.

The case has captured public attention, mostly due to its potential legal and ethical implications, as well as the importance of safeguarding the wellbeing of children in vulnerable situations. This story marks a critical juncture in forming societal norms around technology’s intersection with personal lives and the responsibilities of parenting. It also calls into question the adequacy of support systems for young parents and their children across the U.S.