Two Women Arrested For Trading Human Remains On Facebook For Years

Online marketplaces have become the go-to spot for everything from vintage clothes to homemade crafts. However, every so often, they host listings that leave you doing a double-take. Case in point: Two women in Florida were recently arrested after police say they were quietly offering human remains for sale online.

It all started when officers with the Orange City Police Department caught wind of a shop called Wicked Wonderland, run by Kymberlee Schopper, 52, and her daughter Ashley Lelesi, 33. According to authorities, the duo used Facebook Marketplace to advertise a range of “products” that went far beyond the usual antiques and Gothic trinkets one might expect.

Reflecting on the case, Captain Sherif El-Shami told reporters he hadn’t seen anything this stomach-wrenching “in 17 years.” Investigators say their probe actually began back in 2023, after an anonymous tip flagged the store for “attempting to sell human bones.”

That tip sparked months of undercover work and evidence gathering. On their page, the mother-and-daughter team billed themselves as anatomy buffs with medical backgrounds.

NBC News quoted a statement describing their profile: “Having both come from a medical background, we have a passion for sharing our knowledge and expertise in the preservation and exploration of anatomy and pathology of all organic beings.”

The two insist their offerings are delightfully macabre.

Once police got a closer look at the listings, they were stunned by the details. The ads allegedly offered various body parts, everything from skull fragments to vertebrae, with prices ranging from about $35 to $600.

Some bones turned out to be archaeological specimens, but others were confirmed as real human remains, which crossed the legal line. This was enough for Schopper to trigger her initial arrest when officers swooped in.

During the raid this week, detectives seized a gruesome assortment of items: two skull fragments priced together at $90, a human clavicle and scapula for another $90, a rib going for $35, vertebrae also at $35, and a partial skull listed at the $600 tier. Both Schopper and Lelesi now face charges for the purchase or sale of human organs and tissue.

Facebook

Lelesi’s exact whereabouts at the time of the arrests remain a bit murky. It’s unclear whether she was detained on the spot or picked up later.

When questioned, she allegedly insisted she didn’t realize selling human remains was illegal. “We’ve been doing this for several years,” she told police, claiming all her specimens came from private sellers and that she even had documentation, though she couldn’t produce it on demand.

The arrest affidavit quotes her describing the bones as “genuine human remains and delicate in nature.” That admission, coupled with the hard evidence collected, has prosecutors moving forward with serious charges.

Criminal psychologist Dr. Michelle Ward emphasizes the disturbing implications of trading human remains online, highlighting the psychological profile of individuals involved in such illicit activities. She notes that this behavior often stems from a combination of factors, including desensitization to violence and a lack of empathy. Dr. Ward suggests that understanding these motivations can aid law enforcement and mental health professionals in addressing not only the criminal acts but also their underlying psychological issues.

Moreover, she encourages community awareness and education to prevent such incidents, stating that proactive outreach can deter individuals from engaging in harmful behaviors.

"Mother, daughter arrested for allegedly selling human bones on Facebook "

They showcase their products on Facebook.

Meanwhile, the store’s Facebook page went silent—almost. An update appeared saying, “Wicked Wonderland is temporarily closed due to dedicating our time to caring for a beloved family member in their final moments. Absolutely nothing more.”

Even after Schopper’s bail was set at $7,500 and she walked out of Volusia County Jail, the message hinted at confusion and misinformation swirling around the case: “While there may be a whirlwind of misleading information and horrendous assumptions and opinions, we’re choosing to focus on what we always have: life, love, death, and family.”

WESH 2 News

Schopper has posted bond, but Lelesi’s position is still unclear; she could be sitting in a cell or already working with a lawyer. For now, Orange City Police haven’t shared anything beyond the basics.

This shows how quickly an online curiosity can skid into illegal territory. A shop once known for spooky décor is now the focus of a criminal probe, proof that it pays to think twice before hitting “Buy Now.”

The Role of Online Platforms

Digital ethics expert Dr. Kate Klonick asserts that social media platforms like Facebook have a responsibility to monitor and regulate content more effectively. She argues that while free speech is vital, public safety must take precedence, particularly concerning sensitive topics like human remains. Dr. Klonick suggests that implementing more rigorous reporting mechanisms and AI-driven content moderation can help curb the proliferation of illegal activities.

She also advocates for better user education on the ethical implications of online transactions, urging platforms to foster a culture of accountability among their users.

Research-Based Understanding

The case of the two women trading human remains highlights a critical intersection of ethics, psychology, and digital responsibility. Experts agree that a collaborative approach involving law enforcement, mental health professionals, and social media platforms is essential in preventing such disturbing activities from occurring in the future.

By increasing awareness and promoting ethical standards in online marketplaces, we can create a safer digital environment. This incident serves as a reminder that vigilance and education are crucial in addressing the darker aspects of online commerce.