Florida woman arrested for selling human bones online

In early December 2023, a woman named Kymberlee Anne Schopper was arrested in Orange City, Florida for the illegal trade of human bones. Authorities launched an investigation after receiving reports regarding her curio store, Wicked Wonderland, which allegedly advertised human remains for sale. The items included fragments of a skull and other human bones, available at prices ranging from $35 to $600. Following the investigation, law enforcement officials determined that the bones obtained by Schopper were sold under the guise of educational models. Schopper claimed ignorance about the legality of such sales in Florida, stating that the bones had been purchased from private sellers. In their probe, investigators seized the human remains and sent them to the Medical Examiner's Office to establish their origins and authenticity. The police also gathered evidence from Schopper’s business, which displayed various human bones on its website. They determined that some of these remains dated back over a century, hinting that they could have been archaeological finds. Additionally, Schopper had previously argued that her business operated under educational purposes, which, if true, could legally protect her actions under state law. Following her arrest, it was reported that Kymberlee Schopper was released from jail after posting a bond amounting to $7,500. Although she claimed to have documentation for her transactions, she could not present it during the police inquiry. The case raises significant ethical and legal questions regarding the sale of human remains and the implications of such practices for public safety and morality. Overall, the incident has sparked widespread concern in the community and beyond about the legality of selling human bones. The police continue to explore the implications of the sale of these remains, as well as how widespread this practice may be. Schopper faces serious charges for trading in human tissue, which has not only legal repercussions for her but could also stimulate discussions on the ethical dimensions of human remains in commerce.