Pennsylvania Couple Accused Of Faking Baby’s Birth And Death To Collect Money And Gifts

Geoffrey and Kaycee Lang of Friedens, Pennsylvania reportedly set up a GoFundMe fundraiser asking for donations in the wake of their newborn son’s death. The couple is being accused of faking the child’s whole existence in a scam to get cash and gifts from friends, family and their local community.

The Lang’s received misdemeanor theft charges in Westmoreland and Somerset counties after police found a doll that resembled the infant seen in photos the couple posted online claiming was their son, according to court documents.

Cynthia Dilascio, a friend who organized the baby shower for the couple in May told WTAE, “I don’t know what their motive was – to hurt your family and everybody? It’s just sick.” Dilascio says Kaycee, 23, disappeared around seven months into her pregnancy, claiming she was on bed rest.

Fox News reports the couple claimed Easton died on July 3 from respiratory distress syndrome shortly after being born at Conemaugh Health System in Johnstown. However, police couldn’t find any records of the mother or child at the facility or coroner’s office. Dilascio said she also called the funeral home where the couple claimed the child was cremated but was told there was no account in the couple’s name.

A GoFundMe page was set up for Easton and raised money for the fake funeral expenses. The post read, “Please keep my wife and I in your thoughts and prayer. Our son Easton was born with fluid in his lungs and passed away a few hours after he was born. We would greatly appreciate if as many of you guys could share this and if u are stable enough to do so is donate also to help pay for the funeral expenses and medical bills.”

The page raised 15 donations totaling $550 but the site says the donations will be returned. “This type of behavior is not tolerated on GoFundMe,” the website said in a statement to WTAE. “We will fully cooperate with law enforcement officials during their investigation and we will issue full refunds to all donors.”

The couple is scheduled to appear in court in October.