
Florida's Shocking Underbelly: The Sale of Human Remains
In a bizarre incident that has left many scratching their heads, Kymberlee Schopper, a 52-year-old owner of an oddities shop called Wicked Wonderland in Orange City, Florida, was arrested for selling human remains on Facebook Marketplace. Authorities received a tip about the illegal trade, which included items such as a $35 human rib and a $600 partial human skull. These human skeletal fragments were reportedly valued around $850, and the sale was conducted without any awareness of its illegality under Florida law.
What Led to the Arrest?
Upon investigation, Schopper's daughter, Ashley Lelesi, admitted to the sales and even provided receipts for the transactions. The shop's offerings extended beyond human remains to include pet taxidermy and animal mummification services. Initially, they claimed to be selling educational models, hoping to exploit a legal loophole in the state's regulations. However, law enforcement did not accept this justification, leading to Schopper facing serious charges, including the illegal purchase or sale of human organs and tissue, which carries up to a 15-year prison sentence.
The Broader Implications of Human Remains Trade
This incident echoes a previous case known as "Boneghazi," where another individual attempted to sell human remains in New Orleans, highlighting a concerning trend. As states like Louisiana respond to the illegal trafficking of human remains by introducing stricter laws, it begs the question: Are we going to see an increase in similar arrests?
A Lesson in Ethical Concerns
The sale of human remains raises significant ethical questions about consent and legality. In this case, the unregulated selling of human bones not only disrespects the deceased but also jeopardizes public trust in the handling of human remains. As social media platforms like Facebook become avenues for such transactions, more stringent oversight may be essential to mitigate these issues.
Conclusion: Speaking Up Against the Bizarre
This peculiar situation reminds us of the ethical responsibilities we have towards the deceased. With the rise of online marketplaces, awareness and legal frameworks are essential to prevent disrespectful exploitation of human remains. It is important for communities to engage in these conversations, advocating for ethical standards in all forms of commerce.
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