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A Florida woman is in legal trouble after reportedly engaging in the sale of human bones via Facebook Marketplace. Kymberlee Schopper, operating in Florida‘s Volusia County, faces charges related to the illicit trade of human remains, highlighting the intersection of online marketplaces and the grim reality of illegal anatomical sales.
Florida Woman Arrested for Selling Human Bones on Facebook Marketplace
Arrest and Formal Charges
Kymberlee Schopper, 52, a resident of Volusia County, Florida, was apprehended and formally charged on Thursday. The charges, according to official documents, pertain to the purchase or sale of human organs and tissue, signaling a serious breach of state laws regarding anatomical material.
Wicked Wonderland Shop Details
Schopper is the proprietor of Wicked Wonderland, a local establishment situated in Orange City. This unique store offers a variety of services and merchandise, including preservation services, antique and gothic items, and unconventional art pieces, creating an intriguing backdrop for the alleged illegal activity.
Police Investigation Launched in 2023
According to the sworn affidavit, the Orange City Police Department initiated an investigation into this matter in 2023. This action followed a formal complaint asserting that Wicked Wonderland’s Facebook page was advertising human bones for sale, sparking concerns and prompting law enforcement to intervene.
Items Listed for Sale on Facebook
Law enforcement officers discovered the subsequent six items listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace, as detailed in the affidavit. The total estimated value of these items, believed to be human remains, was $850:
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Two human skull fragments ($90 total)
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Human clavicle and scapula ($90)
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Partial human skull ($600)
Co-owner’s Testimony and Admissions
Police interviewed Ashley Lelesi, 33, the co-owner of Wicked Wonderland. Lelesi reportedly stated that the shop had been involved in selling human remains for multiple years. She claimed a lack of awareness regarding the illegality of such sales, according to the affidavit.
“She verified that the store possessed several human bone fragments, all acquired from private sellers. Lelesi mentioned having documentation for these acquisitions but stated it was not immediately available,” the affidavit further notes. “She described the bones as authentic human remains and in a fragile condition.”
Evidence Collection and Conflicting Statements
With Lelesi’s agreement, officers obtained possession of five of the remains. Lelesi also informed the officers that one skull fragment had already been sold for $50, according to the affidavit.
During a subsequent meeting with officers, Schopper and Lelesi asserted that the bones were actually educational models. It is important to note that human remains designated as educational models can be legally sold in Florida, as per state statutes.
The affidavit indicates that both women expressed discontent when they were informed that the bones would not be returned, as they were being retained as evidence in the ongoing investigation.
Wicked Wonderland’s Self-Description
Wicked Wonderland’s website characterizes the owners as “a mother and daughter team who profess a fascination with the bizarre and extraordinary; the morbid and grim.”
“Having backgrounds in the medical field, we possess a dedication to disseminating our understanding and proficiency in the preservation and study of anatomy and pathology across organic life forms,” the pair stated on their store’s website, revealing their apparent interest in anatomical specimens.
Forensic Analysis Confirms Human Origin
The Ocean City Police Department enlisted Dr. Jonathan D. Bethard to analyze the skeletal fragments at the University of South Florida‘s Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Laboratory. This step was crucial in determining the true nature of the alleged human bones.
The forensic report concluded that the bones were likely from two separate individuals. Furthermore, carbon dating analysis indicated that one of the specimens was centuries old, adding a layer of historical significance to the case.
Legal Repercussions and Release
Schopper was released from Volusia County Jail on Friday after posting a $7,500 bond. At present, it remains unclear whether she has secured legal counsel to represent her in this case involving the illegal sale of human remains.