Houston resident Juniper Bryson, 21, is facing serious charges after allegedly attempting to sell her newborn baby on Facebook. Struggling with financial instability and substance abuse, Bryson reportedly used social media to search for adoptive parents who could offer her financial assistance. 
Court records reveal that her plea was not just about finding a home for her child but also involved demands for money to help secure housing, transportation, and even regain custody of her older daughter.
Social Media Posts Spark Investigation
The investigation began on September 22, 2024, when Bryson’s posts in a Facebook group titled “Birth Mothers Looking for Adoptive Parents” raised red flags.
Instead of simply looking for an adoptive home, she reportedly engaged in private messages with several people, offering her child for adoption in exchange for financial help.
According to Houston Police, this prompted authorities to investigate the matter further.
Negotiations and Growing Demands
Court documents cited by ABC13 News show that Bryson exchanged messages with at least seven people about adopting her child, and the conversations quickly turned toward financial support.
One prospective adoptive couple from Louisiana even sent $25 to Bryson when she asked for help with food. However, when Bryson raised her request to $150, the couple grew uncomfortable and decided to back out.
Investigators noted that Bryson appeared frustrated, saying, “If the baby wasn’t worth $200 to them, then screw all.”
A Local Woman Tries to Help, Baby Tests Positive for Drugs
Amidst her struggles, Bryson connected with Wendy Williams, a Houston woman, via Facebook. Sympathetic to Bryson’s situation, Williams offered to help.
When Bryson went into labor on September 23, 2024, Williams arranged an Uber to the hospital and stayed with her throughout the delivery.
The baby was born on September 14, 2024, at 2.04 am. Williams and her family quickly bonded with the newborn, who also tested positive for drugs after birth. Additionally, they were open to adopting him, and court records show that Bryson allowed Williams to name the child and granted her temporary custody.
However, things started to unravel when Bryson’s Facebook post, claiming she found a family for the baby and tagging Wendy Williams, sparked accusations of selling the child. The backlash led to negative comments flooding in.
Following this, Williams confronted Bryson about the situation, prompting Bryson to ask hospital staff to escort Williams from the room.
Child Protective Services Stepped In
Soon after, on September 29, 2024, Williams contacted Child Protective Services (CPS), expressing concerns for the baby’s safety. CPS quickly became involved, and the investigation intensified. Bryson’s arrest followed soon after.
After her arrest, on October 30, 2024, Bryson was held in Harris County Jail on a $30,000 bond. Her defense team has argued that her actions were driven by financial desperation, rather than malicious intent, citing her ongoing struggles with substance abuse and economic hardship.
A Custody Battle for the Newborn
When the baby was released from the hospital, Williams hoped to officially adopt him. However, Texas law prioritizes placing children with family members, and the judge ultimately decided to place the newborn with one of Bryson’s friends instead.
Williams, though disappointed, expressed that her main concern was the child’s safety and well-being. As the legal proceedings continue, Williams is still following the case, hoping that the child will find a stable and loving home.
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