Fort Lauderdale, Florida – A true crime collector in Florida owns a pair of prison-issued sneakers worn by a notorious prisoner on the day of his execution. Chad Sheppard and his wife, Chelsea Evelynn, run a unique dealership that sells items related to true crime, including paintings by serial killers and even human remains. The couple’s biggest trade is in relics related to serial killers, with John Wayne Gacy being a highly sought-after figure.
Gacy’s self-portraits as “Pogo the Clown” are particularly popular among collectors, according to Chelsea. The collection of Pogo self-portraits by Gacy sold for a quarter million dollars about seven years ago, making them some of the highest-priced items in their inventory. In addition to Gacy’s art, the couple also has pieces associated with Gary Ray Bowles, a murderer executed in 2019 for killing six people in 1994.
Chad claims that the prison sneakers worn by Bowles during his execution are worth up to $4,000, and he borrowed them back just to display them during an interview. He also mentioned owning a piece of art created by Bowles, describing it as a drawing of a person in a ski mask with a silhouette of someone in the shower. Despite the value of these items, Chad expressed regret over selling them, especially considering that he had wanted to keep them in a glass case at his true crime museum.
The couple’s unique business showcases the significant demand for “murderabilia” and true crime relics, highlighting the macabre fascination that some individuals have with notorious criminals. The story of the prion sneakers owned by Chad demonstrates the high value placed on such items and the growing market for true crime collectibles.