murder.. the new market
...ith crime. Some believe they feel closer to the killer while others are just interested in a specific act they have done. In this gruesome world of murderabilla collectors can buy anything from Timothy McVey’s death certificate, to serial killers wall calendars or a lock of Charles Mansion’s hair in the shape of a swastika. “ As long as people are interested in it, and there is somebody out there that wants to purchase than it will strive as a business like any other”(Rick Staton)(ABC News) In most states selling murderabilla is legal, Although California and Texas have adopted laws similar to the legislation that prevents criminals and third parties from profiting from the articles once owned or made by the criminals. In Texas the sale is not illegal but all the proceeds are given to families of crime victims. But those laws do not cover articles that have been manufactured. These items are protected buy their right to freedom of speech. “ As distasteful and revolting as some of the things are, the laws in Texas and California are not extended to manufactured items” (Andy Kahm)(ABC News) According to the Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, lawmakers in other states are looking into adopting laws similar to Texas and California. But their officials acknowledge that they also cannot stop companies from making serial killer figures and trampling on their first amendment rights. Most companies believe that the decision on whether to sell or even carry murderabila items depends on the retailers’ definition of what it stands for. David Johnson is a manufacture of these blood items. He believes that these killers have breathed new life into his career. Last year he was nothing more than a struggling artist. But when he started making a line of action figures that included infamous killers such as John Wayne the serial killer, and Jeffery Dahlmer, his sales blew through the roof, and he was immediately making huge amounts of money. “ Yeah it’s a pretty shameful thing to do, I’m making money off their murders, but these guys were shameful long before I got to them. People write books about these killers and get to make money off them, why can’t I make sculptures and make money off that.” (David Johnson)(ABC News) Johnson obviously realizes that the advertising of his serial killer action figures are only generating blood money The critics of this industry find their work repulsive and immoral, but not illegal. Victims’ families are fighting for legislator to make sure no one intends to prophet from such cases as the columbine shooting or Sept. 11 attacks. “ I don’t think we can do anything legislatively to take away the industries profits.” Says Jennifer COVAS public policy annalist. Many people In the market justify their actions by explaining that the money isn’t going directly to the killers pocket, its going to their own pockets, and you cant l...