protect it at all costs. >> reporter: today lacy is held without bail and faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison. authorities suspect the abuse may have been fueled by attention. a disorder called munchausen by proxy in which a parent actually sickens a child to garner sympathy. and sympathy did come for lacey, but that sympathy has waned since her friends learned of the investigation and massive web of lies she told about her son and his health. >> i never heard of munchausen by proxy. that's fascinating. did we know if the mother's parenting was looked into or investigated? >> it was. apparently, several calls were made to child welfare services. the doctor connected too little, too late at this point. garnett was never taken from her care. we should learn more july 2nd when she is back in court. >> a fascinating case. abc's molly hunter. thanks for being here. coming up, we have "the skinny." stay with us. >> announcer: "world news now" continues after this from our abc stations.