Ryen McPherson (Screengrab via VIMEO)
Two of the creators of Bumfights are accused of trying to ship infant body parts from Thailand to Las Vegas. Ryen McPherson and Daniel Jamon Tanner are suspected of trying to ship a baby’s skull, a human heart, as well as sheets of adult skin to Las Vegas.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. The 2 Are Believed to Be in Cambodia
The BBC reports that the body-parts were discovered on November 15 at a DHL depot in Bangkok. McPherson and Tanner were questioned by police at the DHL store but were released. It’s reported by the BBC that McPherson told police that he bought the parts at a flea market for $100. The Bangkok Post reports that they two had described the contents of the package to DHL officials as “toys.” When the items were security scanned, employees noticed that the items didn’t match the description.
Thai police think McPherson and Tanner had crossed the border into Cambodia after being questioned. The cops are now seeking the FBI’s help in finding the pair. CNN reports if Cambodia approves the Thai arrest warrant for the two, they can be extradited back to Thailand.
The AFP reported that parts found by police at the DHL depot were, “a baby’s head, several feet and sheets of skin.” One of those sheets had several stab wounds. The parts were stored in bottles.
2. They Were Caught on Video at the Museum Around the Time the Body Parts Went Missing, According to Police
The Siriraj Hospital where the body parts were stolen from. (Wikipedia)
The Bangkok Post reports that the body parts were stolen from the Siriraj Medical Museum in the Sirriraj Hospital, Thailand’s largest medical center. Cops say McPherson and Tanner were identified as having been at the hospital on the day the items went missing.
According to the Siriraj Hospital’s website:
Siriraj Hospital has collectively gathered an enormous compilation of medical equipments and tools, anatomical and clinical specimens including important artifacts and archives relating to the history of medicine in Thailand.
The Bangkok Post further reported that hospital official Udom Kachintorn said that the parts were stolen in October 2014.
3. Ryen McPherson Created One of the Most Controversial Video Series of All Time
In 2001, Ryen McPherson began producing the video series, Bumfights. The shocking videos became an online sensation as McPherson, a native of La Mesa, California, paid homeless men small amounts of money to perform humiliating acts, including fighting. The New York Times reported in 2008 that McPherson had sold the rights to Bumfights for $1.5 million to two Las Vegas producers.
Another of the series’ creators, Ty Beeson, appeared on an episode of the Dr. Phil show but was thrown out of the building before the show could start because Dr. Phil was so horrified by the video. You can watch the incident above.
NBC San Diego reported that in 2003, McPherson and Tanner, as well others involved in the making of the videos were sentenced to six months in prison for making the videos. In one interview, McPherson defended Bumfights:
Essentially we’re documenting others committing crimes and there’s nothing wrong with that. It is funny how much people love to kill the messenger. We don’t blame the war photographer for the deaths of those he’s photographing. What we do isn’t much different.
NBC San Diego reported that as McPherson and Tanner were sentenced in the case, they were “smiling and joking in the court.”
4. McPherson’s Other Titles Include Terrorists, Killers & Middle-East Wackos
According to his IMDB page, Ryen McPherson has directed such classics as Terrorists, Killers & Middle-East Wackos and Bling Bling: Bling-A-Long. His other works are detailed on his website, Stab the Princess. The website features numerous bizarre videos and photos.
5. It’s Not Tanner’s First Problem With Sending a Package
It’s not the first time that Daniel Tanner has had bad luck with shipping packages. In July 2014, he was arrested in Kentucky after he picked up a package at Estes trucking in Louisville, reported 19 Action News. Tanner was later pulled over by cops close to Louisville. He refused to co-operate with officers and after a search-warrant for his truck was obtained, police found 40 bundles of weed in the box. He is awaiting charges of trafficking marijuana in the state. 19 Action News added that Tanner is a resident of Henderson, Nevada.
