- Florida authorities arrested two women for selling human remains through their store, Wicked Wonderland, on Facebook Marketplace.
- The police investigation revealed that the store had been selling various human bones for years.
- Schopper and Lelesi face charges, and their arraignment is scheduled for May 1.
Florida authorities arrested two women for selling human remains on Facebook Marketplace. The Orange City Police Department charged Kymberlee Schopper, 52, and Ashley Lelesi with selling human organs and tissue. The unusual crime shocked the local community.
Investigation Into Wicked Wonderland Store
The investigation began in December 2023 when the police received a tip about a store in Orange City selling human bones. The tip included photos from the store’s Facebook page that showed the women selling human bones with listed prices. The police started looking into Wicked Wonderland, a curio shop run by Schopper and Lelesi.
Human Bones for Sale
According to court records, Wicked Wonderland had human remains for sale. These items included two human skull fragments priced at $90, a clavicle and scapula for $90, and a human rib for $35. There were also a vertebrae for $35 and a partial human skull being sold for $600. The prices and the nature of the items raised serious concerns.
Co-Owner’s Statement
Police spoke with Ashley Lelesi, who co-owns Wicked Wonderland. She explained that the store had been selling human bones for several years. She said they didn’t realize it was illegal in Florida. Lelesi confirmed that the bones were bought from private sellers. She mentioned that she had documents for the transactions but couldn’t provide them at that time.
Schopper and Lelesi Meet Police
Later, Schopper and Lelesi met with the police. Schopper showed PayPal records as proof of transactions. However, she had redacted certain details to protect privacy. She told police that the bones were for educational purposes. Schopper insisted that a warrant would be needed for more information.
Florida Women – Evidence Collected by Authorities
The police took five human bone fragments from the store as evidence. The Volusia County Medical Examiner’s Office examined the bones. They concluded that the bones likely came from two different individuals. Investigators believed one set of bones came from an archaeological source, while they determined the other set originated from an anatomical specimen. This finding added weight to the investigation.
Police arrested Schopper on Thursday and released her the next day on $7,500 bail. It is unclear whether she has secured a lawyer. Authorities also charged Lelesi with the same crime. However, it is not clear whether she is in police custody or if she has retained legal representation.
Store’s Facebook Post Response
Schopper and Lelesi posted on the store’s Facebook page to explain their situation. They announced Wicked Wonderland’s temporary closure to care for a family member and addressed the rumors, stating they were focusing on ‘Life, love, death, and Family. This post was their response to the growing controversy surrounding their arrests.
Upcoming Court Appearance
Schopper’s arraignment is scheduled for May 1. It remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold. The case has drawn attention due to its strange nature and the unusual crime of selling human remains. It is unclear what the final outcome will be for Schopper and Lelesi.
