Joanna Kathlyn Kinman, a 48-year-old woman from Melbourne, Australia faced legal consequences after attempting to sell human remains online. The court heard that she retrieved two human toes from a shelter’s trash bin, preserving them in formaldehyde with the intent to sell them for around $254 (400 Australian dollars).

Per the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Kinman had been working at an animal shelter in February 2024 when two rescued dogs vomited human remains. Their owner had passed away sometime earlier, and the animals had consumed parts of his body before being found.

After the dogs were brought to the shelter, they became ill and expelled the remains. Although Joanna Kinman was not present when the remains were discovered, she later searched for them, taking the toes home. She shared her plan with her daughter but was soon reported to authorities.

When police searched her home, they found the preserved toes alongside various other biological specimens, including animal parts and her children’s teeth. Investigations revealed Kinman’s participation in an online trading group called ‘Bone Buddies Australia,’ where preserved specimens were bought and sold.

She had previously sold wet specimens of deceased animals and owned literature on historical torture practices. Despite her actions, Kinman avoided jail, receiving an 18-month community corrections order. Magistrate Andrew Sim emphasized that human remains should be treated with dignity, criticizing her disregard for the deceased.

The victim’s son was aware of the incident but chose not to share the distressing details with other family members. Joanna Kinman later expressed regret over her actions and the public scrutiny that followed.

#Clique, what are your thoughts?