Demonic Possession, Exorcisms, and Murder: The True Story Behind 'The Conjuring 3'

During the trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, also known as the "Devil Made Me Do It" case, the defense put forth an unconventional argument. It was the first recorded instance in the United States of a defense seeking to prove innocence by claiming demonic possession and disavowing personal responsibility for the crime.

Arne Cheyenne Johnson was found guilty of first-degree manslaughter for the murder of his landlord, Alan Bono, in Brookfield, Connecticut, on November 24, 1981.

The Devil Made Me Do It

Prior to the incident with his landlord that inspired The Conjuring 3, Arne Cheyenne Johnson had a flawless record. He resided in the tranquil town of Brookfield, Connecticut, and was engaged to Debbie Glatzel. However, their relationship was not without its problems.

In the year leading up to the murder, Debbie Glatzel's 11-year-old brother, David, began exhibiting unusual behavior. He claimed that he was tormented by an "old man with big black eyes, a thin face with animal features, and jagged teeth, pointed ears, horns, and hoofs." Johnson, who was staying with the Glatzels to assist them, also heard strange noises coming from the attic.

Desperate for help, the Glatzels contacted paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. They discovered that David was possessed by a demon, despite multiple psychiatrists diagnosing him with a learning disability. David's condition worsened, and he began hissing, seizing, and speaking in strange voices.

Despite the involvement of the Church, the Warrens, and several priests, David's possession continued. The Warrens conducted three exorcisms on David, during which he allegedly levitated and predicted that Johnson would commit murder. In October, Johnson challenged the demon to leave David and "take him on."

Johnson claimed to have looked into a nearby well where David had first encountered the demon. Following this, he began experiencing trances, growling, and hallucinations that he had no recollection of later.

The events of The Conjuring 3 finally culminated on February 16, 1981. Johnson met with Glatzel at a dog kennel owned by Alan Bono, who was Johnson's landlord and also employed Glatzel. Glatzel was there grooming dogs and had brought her nine-year-old cousin, Mary, with her that day.

According to reports, Bono became drunk and grabbed Mary in a fit of rage, causing Glatzel to call for help. Johnson allegedly became enraged and growled like an animal to get Bono off of Mary. In the altercation that followed, Johnson fatally stabbed Bono with a five-inch pocket knife in the stomach and chest.

Johnson was arrested two miles away and brought to trial in November. However, he claimed that he had no memory of the murder because he was possessed by a demon at the time. This defense left the courtroom perplexed.

"The True Story Behind The Conjuring 3: Demonic Possession, Exorcisms, and a Murder Trial"

Despite the claims of demonic possession, neither the Arne Johnson case nor The Conjuring 3 provided any concrete evidence linking it to Bono's murder. Johnson was found guilty of first-degree manslaughter on November 24, 1981, and was sentenced to 10 to 20 years in prison.

In both the movies and reality, Ed and Lorraine Warren were present at the trial of Arne Johnson. Their involvement in the case added to the sensationalism surrounding the trial and the claims of demonic possession.

The credibility of Ed and Lorraine Warren, the paranormal investigators involved in the Arne Johnson case, has been a topic of debate. While some consider them to be credible and genuinely interested in investigating the supernatural, others view them as con artists who preyed upon people's fears and beliefs in the paranormal.

After serving five years in prison, Arne Johnson earned his high school diploma while behind bars. He was released at the age of 24 and subsequently married his fiancée, Glatzel.