Strange Stories: Buying Bones

We discuss Wicked Wonderland owner, Kymberlee Schopper, who was arrested and charged with a second-degree felony for selling human remains on Facebook Marketplace. We dissect the oft-stigmatized industry of oddities, curiosities, and retailers who buy and sell bones from private collectors. We review some cursory details regarding the legality of bone selling and a related Harvard University morgue scandal.

CW | TW: This episode discusses death, anatomy (this includes body parts and bones), wetness, and other forms of preservation, including taxidermy. We hope you’ve digested your lunch. Listener discretion is advised.

Email: ⁠⁠⁠severedpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠severedpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@severed_podcast⁠⁠⁠

Hosts: Harry Chambers + Drew Hudson

Logo Art: Drew Hudson

Theme Song Composer | Podcast Editor: Harry Chambers

Show Concept | Researcher | Lead Writer: Drew Hudson

Available on ⁠⁠⁠RadioGardenState⁠⁠⁠

Available on ⁠⁠⁠Rogue Media Network

Sources

WESH 2 News Clip: Mother, Daughter Arrested for Allegedly Selling Human Bones on Facebook

Article: “Florida Woman Charged with Selling Human Bones on Facebook Marketplace” by Viola Flowers (NBC News)

Article: “Volusia Woman Arrested for Buying, Selling Human Bones on Facebook, Police Say” by LeeAnn Huntoon (WESH 2 Orlando)

Article: “Florida Woman Arrested After Buying and Selling Human Bones, Police Say” by Annabelle Sikes (Fox 35 Orlando)

Article: “Florida Woman Faces Felony Charges For Selling Human Bones on Facebook Marketplace” by Frances Lin (ABC Action News)

Article: “Florida Woman Arrested for Allegedly Purchasing and Offering to Sell ‘Genuine Human Remains’ on Facebook Marketplace” by Gabrielle Rockson (People)

Article: “Is It Legal to Sell Human Remains?” by Tanya D. Marsh, Professor of Law, Wake Forest University (The Conversation)

Article: “Is It Legal to Sell Human Remains? Harvard Morgue Scandal Raises Questions” by Abby Patkin (Boston.com)

Journal Article: “‘Hi, Is This Item Still Available?’ Social Media as a Marketplace for Human Skeletal Remains” by Cameron Skinner (Tulsa Law Review 59.2)

Facebook: Wicked Wonderland

Facebook Terms and Policies: Prohibited Content: Body Parts and Fluids

Website: Wicked Wonderland (WickedWonderland.org)

Website: JonBones (JonBones.com)

Website: Skulls Unlimited (SkullsUnlimited.com)

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