Unspeakable Collections: Think Before You Sell

Murderabilia refers to a group of collectible items associated with the perpetrators of violent crimes. In particular, mass casualty offenders and serial offenders tend to dominate this market. 

AuctionNinja has taken a firm stance against the sale of such items. Here's why:

The dollar value assigned to any given commodity often hinges on the auction process. By establishing market value, auctioneers determine the financial weight of an item’s rarity and demand—thus its collectibility is consequently impacted. This dynamic feeds into the creation of insular economies driven by the ever-turning supply-demand loop. But demand isn’t always easy to quantify. The buyability of a product is heavily influenced by social pressures, rising disposable incomes, and—relevant to this article—news cycles, media coverage, and national events.

Celebrity association has long played a major role in determining item value. At AN, we regularly see major names attached to instruments, autographed photos, and personal memorabilia. A distinct market has emerged within our bidder community for costumes, clothing, jewelry, and personal belongings once owned by recognizable figures.

These items go beyond practical function or artistic merit. They enter the realm of collectors, collections, and often arbitrary value. In short: a toothbrush owned by Elvis holds no intrinsic worth—until the market decides it does. The value stems entirely from its association with the celebrity.

But not all celebrity is born of admiration. Sometimes it stems from infamy.

In 2023, a man was arrested in connection with several high-profile Long Island murders. Since then, he has been indicted in seven homicide cases spanning from 1993 to 2010. While his arrest offered some relief to one of our largest markets (specifically Suffolk County, Long Island), we feel it’s important to clarify our stance.

On July 1, 2025, items associated with this individual (whom we will not name—we will not contribute to his notoriety) were listed for auction on eBay. Some of these items originated from his own personal collections and hobbies. Yet, their perceived value was shaped by public fascination with his crimes. Whether it's the morbid allure of owning a piece of an offender’s psychology or the desire to connect with a media-saturated event, society’s obsession with criminality is undeniable. That obsession drives value. A Vietnam-era Jeep might typically fetch $10,000–$25,000—yet with an infamous owner, it might sell for $50,000–$100,000.

We’re not trying to change the cultural conversation around fame and infamy. We recognize that association with high-profile individuals—regardless of context—can increase an item’s market value. However, AN will not participate in the commodification of violence or the glorification of criminal acts.

For this reason, we are adding Murderabilia to our list of prohibited items.

MURDERABILIA (“MURDERBILIA”)

Any item(s) associated with or once owned by serial killers and/or other notorious violent criminals including, but not limited to artwork, autographs, motor vehicles, weapons, clothing, hair, personal property/effects, artifacts, letters, books, and manuscripts.

If you have any questions, please contact juli@auctionninja.com

If you have any of this inventory and you don't know what to do with it, please contact support@auctionninja.com  and we will point you to a charity for victim advocacy that can ethically guide you in the donation or disposal of said property. 

Written by:

Juli Dupont

July 29, 2025     Updated 12:08 PM

Juli is the customer success guru at AuctionNinja, specializing in helping sellers achieve maximum success on the platform. With a background in the estates and acquisitions department at AuctionNinja's parent company, BRG, Juli possesses a deep understanding of the challenges and dynamics of the auctioneering and estate selling industry. Her expertise makes her the go-to person for sellers navigating the ever-changing marketplace. Juli holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.

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