How prominent is Murderabilia?

Murderabilia is now a term used to describe situations where people collect items that are related to murders, murderers or even violent crimes in general. It includes items associated with ‘notorious or infamous’ crimes and criminals (Chang 2004:435). It was a term coined by Andy Kahan. The fact that this is now a coined term, may be an indication of its increasing prevalence. There may be buyers that seek collectibles in the form of artifacts used or owned by murderers. This may be because many believe these items offer power & control. People may also just be genuinely interested or the fact that it provides a subversive image. Collectibles include a variety of marketable items which range from vehicles, houses, crime weapons, clothing, art by the killer or even locks of hair, blood or fingernail clippings. These items sell for ridiculous amounts of money, for instance, a lock of Charles Manson’s hair sells for $2500. As the most notorious crimes tend to be serial murders, there is usually more hype around serial killers. The fact that there is now an industry around serial killers, is simultaneously evidence of and a contributor to the modern obsession with serial murder (Jarvis 2007: 328).

Murderabilia results in the celebritisation of serial killers. The sale of their items, or other crime scene items glorifies both the killer and the act of killing. It also gives them a continued prominence with society and almost validates a persons wrong-doing. In some cases, the killer benefits from the sales of murderabilia if it is in relation to their murders. These murderers then earn money whilst in prison or in some cases, receive gifts off their sellers or ‘fans’. In order for those imprisoned to make money within prison, they may complete artworks due to having time on their hands and wanting to express themselves. These killers may have someone on the outside who serve as the prisoners’ sales agent who also reap financial rewards for selling the merchandise to the public. The fact that there are people who get involved and are considered ‘sales agents’ further proves how prominent murderabilia is.

Murderabilia items first became controversial in 2001 when eBay had banned the sale of such items, which forced the industry to go underground. However this hardly managed to stop sales within this new market. It even lead sellers & collectors to private websites which were dedicated to selling true crime collectables. Despite eBay banning the sale of murderabilia, most sellers have moved onto Facebook. Facebook has actually allowed the continuation of sales of Murderabilia. A facebook spokesperson stated that ‘While some content may be vulgar and distasteful, distasteful content on its own does not violate our policy.’ Facebook allowing the promotion, continuation and the selling of murderabilia may be considered surprising as people have been allowed to market murder on a free social-media website. Business pages associated with murderabilia include Supernaught, Murder Auction, Dark Vomit, Redrum’s Autographs and Serial Killers Ink. These sellers also post crime-scene photos for all to see. Serial Killer’s Ink for instance, posted an image of serial-killer John Robinson’s decaying victims with a caption that read ‘Enjoy!’ This type of insensitivity to victims & their families is also highly controversial.

Murderabilia collectors may become involved due to being fascinated by murder and crime. Some people believe that an item previously possessed by an infamous killer may hold power. It is almost like a talisman effect. People may even think their possession of such an item provides them with protection. It may also provide an adrenaline rush for collectors, similarly produced when on a roller coaster ride. Paul Duffy of ‘Wholesale Murder’ and www.deathmerchant.net states that he is particularly interested in what makes someone snap & commit murder. He even states that he considers inmates as his friends. ‘I see how normal they are, how much I have in common with them, even though they killed nine people, maybe 10. I believe that me, you, everybody has a killer instinct in them, and if you get pushed around or wronged, you hit a snapping point.’ People may also become interested because it’s taboo and morbid.

Murderabilia has now been well established as a thriving business making ridiculous amounts of money on ridiculous items related to serial killers. It’s prominence is undeniable with the number of companies that are thriving. The fact that Facebook also allows for businesses on a well known social media platform seems to make the collection of murderabilia even more acceptable and prominent.

References:

Bonn S. 2014, ‘The strange hobby of collecting murderabilia’, Psychology Today, 24 January, viewed 10 April 2014

<http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/wicked-deeds/201401/the-strange-hobby-collecting-murderabilia>.

Chang, S. 2004. ‘Prodigal son returns: An assessment of current Son of Sam laws and the reality of the online murderabilia marketplace.’ Rutgers Computer and Technology Law Journal, 31; 435. Viewed 10 April 2014

DiFilippo D. 2013, ‘Chester County man sells ‘muderabilia’’, Philly News, 24 May, viewed 10 April 2014, <http://articles.philly.com/2013-05-24/news/39504668_1_facebook-page-facebook-spokeswoman-murderabilia>.

Dimond D. 2013, ‘Murderabilia Re- Dux - Now Facebook Joins the Craze’, Huffington Post, 8 January, viewed 10 April 2014,

<http://www.huffingtonpost.com/diane-dimond/murderabilia_b_3685580.html>.

Jarvix, B. 2007. ‘Monsters Inc.: Serial Killers and Consumer Culture’ Crime, Media, Culture 3(3), 328