A Victorian woman, Joanna Kinman, has admitted guilt over an unsettling incident involving the sale of human toes. Employed as a ranger at an animal shelter, Kinman came across the toes after two dogs vomited them up in February 2024. The dogs had been surrendered following the death of their owner, whose identity remains confidential.
During a hearing at the Ringwood Magistrates Court, Kinman, supported by her teenage son, acknowledged her involvement in “offensive conduct involving human remains.” Prosecutor Melissa Sambrooks noted that although Kinman was not present when the dogs expelled the remains, she searched for the toes in a wheelie bin and later preserved them in a jar with formaldehyde at home.
Kinman reportedly considered selling the toes online and believed they could fetch around $400, as she discussed with her daughter during a phone conversation. Authorities became aware of her actions following a tip-off, leading to a police investigation. Kinman subsequently confessed to possessing the remains and her intent to sell them. During the police search, officers discovered not only the jar of toes but also other unusual items, including an alligator claw and a guinea pig trotter.
Further inquiries revealed Kinman’s active participation in the “Bone Buddies Australia” Facebook group, where members commonly trade specimens. She had previously sold preserved remains, including a stillborn kitten and a puppy, although it remains unclear how she acquired those specimens.
In her police interview, Kinman justified her actions by expressing curiosity and a desire to collect “weird things.” Many relatives of the deceased man remain unaware of her actions, as his son has chosen to shield them from the disturbing details of the investigation.
Kinman’s lawyer, Rainer Martini, argued that her reckless behaviour has had serious repercussions, as she lost her job and faces widespread community backlash. Kinman expressed deep remorse, acknowledging the impact of her actions on the deceased man’s family. Magistrate Andrew Sim remarked on the oddity of her conduct, especially given Kinman’s background in psychology and animal science.
Sim expressed disbelief that Kinman did not realise the legality and ethical implications of her actions. The hearing was adjourned for a community corrections order assessment, with a potential penalty of up to two years in prison for her offence. Both the prosecution and defence seemed to agree that she should be considered for a corrections order rather than strict incarceration. Sentencing is set to occur later today, although Kinman remained tight-lipped when approached by the media after the court session.