Netflix has a reputation for producing some of the most riveting and chilling true crime documentaries ever made, and its newest release is no different. The Devil Made Me Do It, which debuts on October 17, 2023, is a four-part series that exposes the shocking and terrifying details of the notorious “Devil Made Me Do It” case – the first and only time in U.S. history that a murder suspect pleaded not guilty by reason of demonic possession.
The case centers on Arne Cheyenne Johnson, a 19-year-old who brutally stabbed his landlord Alan Bono to death in 1981 in Brookfield, Connecticut. Johnson’s lawyers contended that he was not in control of his actions, because he was possessed by the devil after taking part in an exorcism of his girlfriend’s younger brother, David Glatzel, who allegedly suffered from demonic attacks.
The documentary features exclusive interviews with Johnson, his girlfriend Debbie Glatzel, the famed paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, who assisted in the exorcism and testified in court, as well as journalists, lawyers, witnesses, and experts who followed the case. It also includes never-before-seen footage, audio recordings, reenactments, and dramatizations of the events that led to the murder and the trial. This may sound familiar as The Conjuring 3 is based on the Warrens and the Johnson case.
Ed and Lorraine Warren in The Devil on Trial
The Devil On Trial uncovers the dark and sinister aspects of the case, such as the role of the media, the influence of religion and superstition, the validity of the possession claim, and the impact of the verdict on the legal system and public opinion. It also explores the personal and emotional consequences of the case for Johnson, Glatzel, and their families.
The Devil Made Me Do It was inspired by “a true story,” as are all the Conjuring movies that feature the Warrens, and The Devil on Trial is a Netflix documentary that challenges that claim. The Netflix magazine Tudum gives the background of the story:
“Often referred to as the ‘Devil Made Me Do It’ case, the trial of 19-year-old Arne Cheyenne Johnson quickly became the subject of lore and fascination after it made national news in 1981. Johnson claimed that he murdered his 40-year-old landlord, Alan Bono, while under the influence of demonic forces. The brutal killing in Connecticut drew the attention of self-professed demonologists and paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, known for their probe into the infamous haunting in Amityville, Long Island, several years prior. The Devil on Trial recounts the troubling events leading up to Bono’s murder, the trial, and the aftermath, using firsthand accounts of the people closest to the case, including Johnson.”
The Devil On Trial is a spine-tingling and horrifying documentary that raises questions about the nature of evil, the power of faith, and the limits of justice. It is a must-watch for fans of true crime and horror genres. You can watch it on Netflix with a subscription starting October 17th, or rent or buy it on other platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, or Vudu. But be warned: this documentary is not for the faint of heart. You may never sleep soundly again after watching it.
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