The Business of 'Murderabilia': Websites Selling Murder Memorabilia
Have you ever wanted to own a lock of Charles Manson's hair? Or a painting by John Wayne Gacy?
Probably not, but for those who have, there are six websites in the United States currently selling "murderabilia," or murder memorabilia, from almost any killer imaginable.
The starting bid on Manson's hair is $2,500, and the starting bid for a Gacy of an owl is $1,300 on MurderAuction.com.
In addition to top-sellers like Manson and Gacy, buyers can purchase items from infamous killers like Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer and Richard Ramirez.
The objects range from personal items such as letters, artwork, and clothing to manufactured items such as action figures, trading cards and comic books.
But the controversial business of selling murder memorabilia does not sit well with many people, including Andy Kahan, a victim advocate for the city of Houston who has been the leader of efforts to ban these sales for many years.
Kahan calls the sale of murderabilia a "wacky, insidious industry."
"It's one of the most egregious things I've seen after being involved in the criminal justice system for 25 years," Kahan said. "I was just stunned and mortified that individuals can commit these types of offenses and go on to further claim infamy and immortality."
Still, Kahan says he continues to fight because he so passionately believes these businesses should be illegal. "From a victim's perspective, nothing is more nauseating and disgusting than finding out that the person who murdered your loved one is hocking items to make a buck," Kahan said. "It's like being gutted all over again by the criminal justice system."
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