Florida woman Facebook Incident:
In a case that has shocked the local community and drawn national attention, Kymberlee Anne Schopper, a 52-year-old resident of Deltona, Florida, was arrested for allegedly trading in human remains through Facebook Marketplace. Schopper, who co-owned the business Wicked Wonderland, reportedly sold various human bones online, asserting that she was unaware of the legal restrictions surrounding such transactions. However, forensic experts have identified the remains as likely archaeological artifacts, some estimated to be over 500 years old.
The Discovery and Arrest:
The investigation commenced in December 2023 when the Orange City Police Department received reports about Wicked Wonderland’s online listings featuring human bones. The items for sale included human skulls, clavicles, scapulas, ribs, vertebrae, and a partial skull, with prices ranging from $35 to $600. Authorities seized the remains and forwarded them to medical examiners for analysis. Schopper explained that the bones were “educational models” and claimed to possess documentation for their purchase but was unable to provide it at the time. She was subsequently released on a $7,500 bond.
Expert Analysis:
Forensic experts examined the seized remains and concluded that they were likely archaeological artifacts. Some items were estimated to be over 100 years old, while others could date back more than 500 years. This assessment suggests that the bones were not contemporary medical specimens but rather ancient remains, raising significant ethical and legal concerns regarding their sale and possession.
Legal Considerations:
The sale of human remains is subject to complex legal regulations that vary by jurisdiction. In Florida, it is illegal to buy or sell human bones without proper authorization. While educational models are permitted under state law, they must meet specific criteria and be accompanied by verifiable documentation proving their lawful acquisition. Schopper’s inability to provide such documentation during the investigation highlights the challenges in regulating the trade of human remains.
Similar Incidents:
Schopper’s case is not isolated. In 2016, a self-styled “bone collector” in New Orleans faced legal action after collecting and selling human bones from a local cemetery. The individual, known as Darling, was accused of disturbing graves and trafficking in human parts, leading to a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to burglary and marijuana possession.
Similarly, in 2023, Candace Chapman Scott, an employee of Arkansas Central Mortuary Services, was convicted for stealing human body parts, including skulls, bones, and teeth, from a medical school. She sold these items to an online buyer for $11,000, underscoring the ongoing challenges in regulating the trade of human remains.
Regulatory Challenges:
The proliferation of online platforms has complicated efforts to monitor and control the sale of human remains. Despite policies prohibiting such transactions, platforms like Facebook continue to host groups and pages where human bones are bought and sold. A 2020 investigation revealed that between 2020 and 2022, at least 50 individuals in England and Wales used Facebook and Instagram to trade human remains, highlighting the scale of the issue.
Moreover, a 2019 report indicated that Instagram had a thriving trade in human skulls, with sellers offering looted skulls and other remains in private Facebook groups. These findings underscore the need for more robust enforcement of existing policies and the development of new regulations to address the complexities introduced by online marketplaces.
The arrest of Kymberlee Anne Schopper serves as a stark reminder of the ethical, legal, and cultural issues surrounding the trade of human remains. As online platforms become increasingly popular venues for such transactions, it is crucial for authorities to strengthen regulations and enforcement mechanisms to prevent the exploitation of human artifacts and ensure respect for the deceased.
