A Fayette County woman has been convicted of third-degree murder in the 2024 death of her 2-year-old stepchild, according to a news release from the Fayette County District Attorney’s Office.
Brianna Bloyer, 32, was found guilty by a jury in the death of Bentlee Myers, who died on Aug. 19, 2024, from blunt force trauma to the head.
The case started when someone arrived at Bloyer’s home on Old Lake Lynn Road in Springhill Township on Aug. 16, 2024, and discovered Bentlee unconscious, bruised and with a blue face. The toddler was transported to a hospital, where medical staff declared him brain dead.
According to the district attorney’s office, prosecutors presented additional evidence during the trial showing the child had cuts and bruises in various stages of healing.
When police questioned Bloyer, she told them the boy had been staying with her for roughly two weeks. She said that when she woke him up on the morning of Aug. 16, he was stumbling and later collapsed.
Investigators said a search of her phone revealed she had searched “how to get someone to come to when you pass out” that day, and earlier she had Googled questions like “why am I so much more angry while pregnant” and “what better to make bruises fade overnight.” A search of her device also showed that she didn’t try to call 911 on Aug. 16, police said.
Bloyer was initially charged with homicide in the case. The jury ultimately convicted her of third-degree murder.
The conviction carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison under Pennsylvania law.