Inspired by Reality: The Creepiest True Crime Moments in The Devil on Trial
The Netflix documentary The Devil on Trial explores one of the most haunting true-crime cases in American history, delving into the story of the infamous “Devil Made Me Do It” defense used by Arne Cheyenne Johnson in 1981. What makes this case so compelling isn’t just the crime itself but the disturbing connection between supernatural forces and real-world tragedy, as claimed by the people involved. For fans of horror, goth culture, and true crime, this documentary presents a unique mix of terror and intrigue, blending courtroom drama with supernatural horror. By examining the true story behind the horror, The Devil on Trial invites viewers to question the boundaries between reality and the supernatural.
The Origins: A Small Town, a Possessed Boy, and a Family in Fear
The story begins in 1980, in Brookfield, Connecticut, where 11-year-old David Glatzel started experiencing terrifying phenomena. According to his family, David was tormented by an invisible entity, a force so powerful that it would cause him physical harm, leaving mysterious scratches and bruises on his body. His siblings and parents witnessed the boy suffering in ways that defied rational explanation, as he spoke in strange voices and experienced what appeared to be violent episodes of possession. Desperate and frightened, the Glatzels called upon Ed and Lorraine Warren, renowned paranormal investigators whose work on cases like the Amityville Horror had already cemented their reputation as experts in the supernatural.
Through several intense sessions, the Warrens claimed to have documented over 40 demonic entities tormenting David. They noted everything from the boy’s terrifying transformations to objects moving on their own. Lorraine, a self-described clairvoyant, described David’s case as one of the darkest possessions they had ever encountered. Through detailed records, the Warrens documented these events and even sought help from the Catholic Church, who allegedly performed multiple exorcisms on David. The horror movie adaptation The Conjuring 3 drew inspiration from these documented events, making the reality of the possession even more chilling for horror fans.
Arne Johnson’s Involvement and the Infamous “Devil Made Me Do It” Defense
Arne Cheyenne Johnson, the boyfriend of David’s sister Debbie, was deeply involved in supporting the family during this time. According to Debbie, Arne would provoke the demon, demanding that it leave David and possess him instead. The Warrens documented this interaction, warning Arne against such a dangerous request. Yet, the Warrens claim that by attempting to challenge the demon, Arne unwittingly invited something dark into his own life.
Months later, in February 1981, Arne stabbed his landlord, Alan Bono, multiple times in a brutal altercation. His defense attorneys argued something unheard of in the courtroom: Arne’s actions were a result of demonic possession, claiming he had no control over his behavior due to the dark forces that had supposedly taken over his body. This defense – the “Devil Made Me Do It” plea – shocked both the local community and the nation, challenging conventional notions of crime, accountability, and mental health. Despite the defense, the court dismissed the supernatural claims, and Johnson was found guilty of manslaughter. However, his early release due to good behavior led to renewed questions about the case's haunting details.
The Warrens’ Role and the Ongoing Influence of Supernatural Investigations
Ed and Lorraine Warren, two of the most well-known paranormal investigators, played a significant role in this case, collecting evidence and standing by the Glatzels and Johnson. While skeptics criticize the Warrens for allegedly sensationalizing events for media attention, their involvement brought national attention to the case and left a lasting impact on horror media. The Warrens’ stories inspired The Conjuring franchise, bringing the real-life horror of cases like David’s possession and Arne’s crime into popular culture. Their career, spanning over 4,000 hauntings, reveals a lifelong pursuit of evidence of the supernatural, with The Devil on Trial showcasing one of their most complex cases.
Supernatural or Psychological?
One of the most gripping aspects of The Devil on Trial is its exploration of whether supernatural forces genuinely influenced these events. The documentary doesn’t shy away from depicting the suffering of the Glatzel family, yet it also leaves room for interpretation. Are these manifestations of possession, or could there be psychological explanations for David’s behavior and Arne’s violent actions? Viewers are left to ponder the connection between mental health, cultural beliefs, and the role of religious faith, questioning how these elements might have interacted to create a terrifying series of events.
Cultural Impact: How The Devil on Trial Reflects Our Fascination with the Supernatural
The “Devil Made Me Do It” case has become a cultural phenomenon, a story retold in countless horror films, documentaries, and articles. For fans of goth and horror, the case symbolizes the ultimate merging of reality and the supernatural, suggesting that the most terrifying horror stories can come from real-life events. The case remains one of the most famous examples of alleged possession in a legal context, a blend of true crime and supernatural horror that continues to haunt the public imagination.
For those interested in the details of the case, here are some recommended references:
- The Devil on Trial on NETFLIX
- LADbible’s feature on Ed and Lorraine Warren
- The Conjuring’s real story background
With its harrowing blend of true crime and supernatural lore, The Devil on Trial delivers a unique, terrifying glimpse into one of the most disturbing cases on record, echoing long after the documentary ends.
If you are interested on this topic you can watch this beautiful video made by Welcome To The Darkside:
