Lancaster City Police Makes an Arrest in Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy Case

In May of 2023, the Lancaster City Bureau of Police received a PA Childline report regarding a possible case of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy involving Briana Byers and her infant child. It was revealed during the investigation that Byers had been inventing symptoms and exaggerating normal behavior which led to significant over-hospitalization and medical treatment of her child. This included an extensive in-patient hospitalization period lasting over 20 days as well as a gastrostomy tube being surgically placed into the child’s stomach.

Despite numerous medical professionals advising against it, Byers insisted her child be connected to unnecessary medical devices and even attempted to have them wear orthotic ankle support devices, disregarding the potential harm it could cause to the child’s development.

Byers was taken into custody without incident on July 6, 2023, and no longer has custody of her children.

After a thorough investigation by our Special Investigations Unit, Byers has been charged with one count each of Aggravated Assault to a Child Less Than 6 Years of Age, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, and Endangering the Welfare of Children before Magisterial District Court 02-1-01.