Introduction: A Tale of Terror and Possession
In the early 1980s, paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren became involved in one of their most chilling and controversial cases: the possession of 11-year-old David Glatzel. This case would later serve as the inspiration for the 1983 book “The Devil in Connecticut” and is rumored to be the plot for the movie “The Conjuring 3.” The story is filled with eerie phenomena, demonic possession, and a tragic outcome that has left a lasting impression on those who have studied it.
The Possession of David Glatzel
David Glatzel was a young boy from Brookfield, Connecticut, who began experiencing terrifying visions and behaviors that his family could not explain. Seeking help, the Glatzel family turned to Ed and Lorraine Warren, renowned for their work in the paranormal field. According to the Warrens, David was possessed by a malevolent entity. The exorcisms that followed were intense and disturbing, with David reportedly exhibiting violent fits, strange sounds, and supernatural strength.
The Eerie Phenomena of the Rocking Chair
One of the most unsettling aspects of David’s exorcism involved a seemingly ordinary piece of furniture: a chair. Witnesses, including the Warrens, reported that the chair exhibited bizarre phenomena. It was said to rock on its own, levitate, and even disappear and reappear in different locations. The chair became a focal point of the haunting, with David and Lorraine claiming to have seen the devil himself seated in it. These chilling occurrences added to the fear and confusion surrounding the case.
The Transfer of Evil: From David to Arne Johnson
The culmination of the exorcism saga took a dark turn when the demonic entity allegedly left David’s body and entered Arne Cheyenne Johnson, a family friend who had been present during the exorcisms. According to the Warrens and other witnesses, Johnson challenged the demon to leave David and enter him instead. This challenge had dire consequences. Months later, Johnson was involved in a violent altercation with his landlord, Alan Bono, which resulted in Bono’s death. Johnson claimed that he had been possessed by a demon at the time of the killing.
The Trial and Conviction
Arne Cheyenne Johnson’s trial for the murder of Alan Bono was highly publicized and became known as the “Devil Made Me Do It” case. The defense argued that Johnson was not responsible for his actions due to demonic possession. Despite the Warrens’ support and testimony, the court was not convinced by the supernatural defense. Johnson was convicted of first-degree manslaughter and sentenced to prison. The trial raised significant questions about the intersection of the paranormal and the legal system, and it remains a controversial topic to this day.
The Legacy of the Case
The haunting case of David Glatzel and Arne Johnson continues to captivate and terrify those who learn about it. It has been the subject of books, documentaries, and now a major motion picture. ‘The Devil in Connecticut,’ published in 1983, provides a detailed account of the events and the Warrens’ involvement. The movie ‘The Conjuring 3’ delves into this story, bringing it to a broader audience and reigniting interest in the chilling events of the early ’80s.
Conclusion: A Story That Haunts
The story of David Glatzel and Arne Johnson is a haunting tale that blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural. The Warrens’ involvement, the eerie phenomena surrounding the exorcisms, and the tragic outcome of the murder trial combine to create a narrative that is both fascinating and frightening. Whether one believes in demonic possession or not, the case leaves an indelible mark on the history of paranormal investigation and continues to inspire and unsettle those who hear it.