PORTLAND, Ore. - KATU has learned the Oregon Department of Corrections is launching an investigation into a Web site claiming it is selling art created by convicted killer Ward Weaver. 

Currently, he has four drawings for sale online. Some of the artwork is graphic, depicting women either nude or partially nude being tortured and murdered.
    
The pieces are selling for $75 each, several of them signed with what appears to be Ward Weaver's signature.
 
There is no law in Oregon barring inmates from keeping profits from artwork they create and sell while in prison.

Weaver is currently serving a life sentence for murdering two Oregon City girls in 2002 - Ashley Pond and Miranda Gaddis.  The sensational case brought national attention to the region.

Clackamas County Deputy District Attorney Christine Landers, who prosecuted Weaver, said of the art, “This is highly offensive to not only the victims but also the community and should not be permitted to happen.  Something needs to be done to stop it.”

The D.A.’s office is checking to see if Weaver was ordered to pay restitution to his victims’ families.

A source tells KATU News the family of Miranda Gaddis has a lawsuit filed against Weaver, claiming any money he makes from the case, with the intent to donate funds to the Parents of Murdered Children and Surviving Parent Coalition.

The owner of the Web site sells other art created by serial killers and told KATU News, “There are a lot of people who hate this but I feel there is nothing wrong with this.  Some people collect Nazi memorabilia, some people collect baseball cards.  This is just a little different.”

NOTE:  KATU.com is not naming the web site selling Weaver's artwork because it is not appropriate for minors and children. Weaver's artwork contains nudity, graphic images of gore and other elements that sensitive readers may find offensive or disturbing.