News Summary
Kymberlee Schopper, a 52-year-old co-owner of Wicked Wonderland in Volusia County, was arrested for allegedly buying and selling human bones on Facebook. The investigation revealed the sale of various human remains valued at approximately $850. Schopper and her business partner argued they were unaware of the illegality of their actions. Authorities seized several bone fragments, which are under forensic analysis. The case raises questions about the legality and ethics of selling human remains online.
Florida – A 52-year-old woman from Volusia County, Kymberlee Schopper, was arrested for allegedly buying and selling human bones on social media platform Facebook. Authorities took her into custody on Thursday, with the arrest stemming from a report received by the Orange City Police Department on December 21, 2023, regarding the sale of human remains at her shop, “Wicked Wonderland.” Schopper was released from Volusia County Jail the following day after posting a bond of $7,500.
The investigation into Schopper’s activities revealed that she co-owns Wicked Wonderland, a retail store in Orange City that specializes in preservation services, antique items, and Gothic art. The police report indicated that several human bones were being advertised for sale, with a total estimated value of $850. Among the items listed were two human skull fragments priced at $90 each, a human clavicle and scapula for $90, a human rib for $35, a human vertebra for $35, and a more significant item, a partial human skull, listed at $600.
According to Schopper’s business partner, Ashley Lelesi, 33, the pair had been selling human remains for years without realizing it was illegal. Lelesi mentioned that they had documentation for the purchased bone fragments but could not provide the necessary records during police questioning. The affidavit from law enforcement stated that the bones were described as genuine human remains and were delicate in nature. Five bone fragments were seized from Wicked Wonderland with Lelesi’s consent, and they have since been sent to the Medical Examiner’s Office for forensic analysis.
Dr. Jonathan D. Bethard, a forensic expert at the University of South Florida, confirmed that the bones likely belonged to two individuals and were potentially hundreds of years old. While Schopper claimed the bones were “educational models,” she may face legal scrutiny over their sale, as sellers in Florida must adhere to stringent regulations regarding human remains.
Schopper and Lelesi expressed distress after the bones were confiscated as evidence and were unable to reclaim them. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover further details surrounding the sourcing and legality of the items sold at Wicked Wonderland.
Wicked Wonderland’s website presents the owners as a mother-daughter team dedicated to the preservation of anatomy and pathology, stating that they incorporate aspects of their medical backgrounds into their work. Schopper’s recent arrest has raised questions about the legality of operating a business involving human remains and the ethical implications of selling such items online.
As police continue investigating the matter, it remains unclear whether Schopper has secured legal representation regarding the charges she faces. The situation has garnered attention, sparking discussions about the legality of selling human remains and the responsibilities of sellers when it comes to controversial items entered into commerce.
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