Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
Southwest Florida "murderabilia" for sale
By
WINK News
Story Created:
May 27, 2008 at 5:35 PM EST
Story Updated:
May 27, 2008 at 7:27 PM EST
LEE COUNTY, Fla. - "That's kind of disturbing actually," said John Burgin.
It's the first reaction we heard from most people when we showed them pictures of artwork and letters created at the hands of convicted killers from Southwest Florida.
It's now up for sale on an on-line auction, pushing what many would could consider the gruesome trade of "murderabilia".
Someone is trying to profit from the four members of the Lords of Chaos, convicted in the murder of a Riverdale High School band director more than ten years ago.
"I think it's wrong," said Jennifer Luna, "I think it's uncalled for and disrespectful to the families."
We found a card sketched by Kevin Foster, the Lords of Chaos leader now sitting on Florida's death row. "Chit chat" included, it's selling for $12.99.
There's also a sketch by Chris Black, who is serving a life sentence for his role in the Riverdale teacher's murder. Prison sent envelope included, it's going for $24.99.
The "murderabilia" trade, while disturbing to most of the people we spoke to, did not seem to bother everybody.
"I'd buy it," said Nicholas Surrarrer. When we asked why, he said, "I like art."
But John Burgin said, 'I wouldn't take it if someone gave it to me, it's quite disturbing to put it mildly."
"Murderabilia" is nothing new. Several states have outlawed it, including Texas and California, but not Florida.
According to the Florida Department of Corrections, unless the inmate is profiting from the sales, it cannot do anything about it if a family member, friend or someone else profits.
But a bill now in a Congress sub-committee aims to put a stop to the trade to protect the victims and their families.
Unless it passes, the trade and profit from some of the country's most notorious murders continues. Southwest Florida included.
"It's kind of scary," added Burgin.
We do not know how the on-line auction got a hold of the letters and artwork from the convicted killers. The Florida Department of Corrections tells us it will look into the sales to make sure the inmates are not profiting.