The “Devil Made Me Do It” case, formally known as the trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, is a landmark legal case that took place in 1981 in Brookfield, Connecticut, USA. The case is famous not only for its dramatic and tragic events but also for its attempt to introduce a unique and controversial defense in the courtroom: demonic possession.

Here is an in-depth look at the details surrounding the case, the people involved, and its broader cultural and legal implications.

Background and Key Figures

Arne Cheyenne Johnson was a young man living in Brookfield, Connecticut. He was involved with Debbie Glatzel, whose younger brother, David Glatzel, had reportedly been experiencing disturbing and violent behavior. David’s family, believing he was possessed by a demon, sought help from Ed and Lorraine Warren, a married couple who were self-proclaimed demonologists and paranormal investigators. The Warrens were well-known figures in the paranormal community, having investigated several high-profile cases, including the Amityville Horror.

David Glatzel began showing signs of demonic possession at the age of 11. According to his family, he exhibited strange behavior, such as growling, speaking in otherworldly voices, and having visions. The Warrens claimed to have performed multiple exorcisms on David, during which he allegedly levitated, demonstrated superhuman strength, and predicted the murder that would later occur.

The Incident

On February 16, 1981, a tragic event unfolded that would bring this case into the spotlight. Arne Cheyenne Johnson, who had been living with the Glatzel family to help with David’s supposed possession, had an altercation with his landlord, Alan Bono. The confrontation escalated, and Johnson stabbed Bono multiple times, resulting in Bono’s death. Johnson was arrested and charged with murder.

The Defense Strategy

What made this case particularly unusual was the defense strategy employed by Johnson’s attorney, Martin Minnella. Minnella attempted to argue that Johnson was not responsible for his actions because he had been possessed by a demon at the time of the murder. This defense, dubbed the “Devil Made Me Do It” defense, was unprecedented in American legal history. Minnella sought to bring the Warrens and other experts on demonology to testify about the possession and exorcism of David Glatzel and the subsequent transfer of the demon to Johnson.

The court, however, did not accept this defense. The judge, Robert Callahan, ruled that such testimony was inadmissible, stating that it could not be scientifically or legally substantiated. Callahan emphasized that the court required evidence based on facts and law, not superstition or speculation.

The Trial

Despite the dismissal of the demonic possession defense, Johnson’s trial proceeded. The prosecution painted a picture of a violent and intentional act, while the defense argued that Johnson had acted in self-defense during a heated argument with Bono, who was allegedly intoxicated and aggressive at the time.

The jury ultimately found Arne Cheyenne Johnson guilty of first-degree manslaughter. He was sentenced to 10 to 20 years in prison but served only about five years before being released on good behavior.

Cultural and Legal Impact

The “Devil Made Me Do It” case captured the public’s imagination and has since become a significant part of American folklore and pop culture. It was widely covered in the media at the time and has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and films.

The case is notable for highlighting the boundaries of acceptable legal defenses in American courts. The rejection of the demonic possession defense reaffirmed the necessity for evidence to be grounded in scientific and legal standards. It underscored the challenges of integrating supernatural or paranormal claims into legal proceedings, where the burden of proof requires tangible, empirical evidence.

The case contributed to the mystique surrounding Ed and Lorraine Warren, who were already prominent figures in the paranormal community. Their involvement in high-profile cases and their role in this trial further cemented their legacy. The case also inspired various works in popular culture, including a segment in Michael Chaves’ 2021 film “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It,” which dramatized the events surrounding the trial.

Further Exploration

To fully appreciate the “Devil Made Me Do It” case, it is essential to delve into the broader context of the paranormal activities reported by the Glatzel family and the Warrens’ involvement.

The Warrens’ Investigation: Ed and Lorraine Warren were called to investigate David Glatzel’s alleged possession in the summer of 1980. According to the Warrens, David was being tormented by multiple demons, a claim they supported with audio recordings and witness testimonies. The Warrens documented their efforts to exorcise these demons, which reportedly included assistance from priests.

Skeptical Perspectives: Many skeptics have questioned the validity of the possession claims, suggesting psychological explanations for David Glatzel’s behavior. Critics argue that the Warrens may have exploited the family’s beliefs and fears, and that the supposed supernatural events could be attributed to mental illness or other natural causes.

Media and Public Reaction: The media frenzy surrounding the case played a significant role in shaping public perception. Sensationalist headlines and dramatic retellings contributed to a sense of fear and fascination. The case tapped into a deep-seated cultural interest in the paranormal and the idea of malevolent supernatural forces influencing human actions.

Comparative Cases: The “Devil Made Me Do It” defense is not entirely unique. Similar cases have been reported in various cultures and historical periods, where individuals have claimed demonic influence or possession as a factor in criminal behavior. These cases often reveal a complex interplay between cultural beliefs, mental health, and the legal system.

Reflection on the Legal System

The trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson serves as a reminder of the legal system’s foundational principles. The exclusion of the demonic possession defense highlights the court’s commitment to evidence-based adjudication. It also raises important questions about the limits of legal defenses and the role of expert testimony in establishing the credibility of claims rooted in paranormal or supernatural phenomena.

Expert Testimony: The court’s decision to exclude testimony from the Warrens and other paranormal experts underscores the importance of rigorous standards for expert witnesses. The credibility of expert testimony hinges on its basis in scientifically accepted methods and principles. The court’s refusal to entertain supernatural explanations reflects a broader judicial reluctance to rely on unverified or anecdotal evidence.

Public Perception and Legal Outcomes: The intense public interest in the case and the portrayal of the events in the media can influence public perception and, indirectly, legal outcomes. High-profile cases often shape societal attitudes toward crime, justice, and the supernatural. The “Devil Made Me Do It” case, in particular, highlights the potential for sensationalism to impact the legal process and the importance of maintaining objectivity in the courtroom.

Final Thoughts

The “Devil Made Me Do It” case is a compelling narrative that intertwines legal, cultural, and supernatural elements. It raises profound questions about human nature, the power of belief, and the limits of legal reasoning. The trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson stands as a unique chapter in legal history, one that continues to captivate and challenge our understanding of justice and the unknown.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are no provisions in U.S. law that recognize demonic possession as a defense for any crime; such claims are often used to argue insanity. The “Satan defense” occasionally appears in Texas courts, but it typically results in the defendant being found guilty or insane. This defense is impractical because blaming the devil implies a lack of personal responsibility.

Below are some frequently asked questions about the case:

What unusual events did Johnson witness before the murder?

Johnson witnessed his future brother-in-law levitating, listing the names of forty-two demons in Latin, and exhibiting unusual strength.

How did Johnson allegedly become possessed by a demon?

Johnson allegedly invited the demon into his own body, leading to strange behaviors like punching through a chest of drawers and surviving a 100-foot fall uninjured.

What defense did Johnson’s lawyer, Martin Minnella, present in court?

Martin Minnella argued that demonic possession caused Johnson to kill his landlord, indicating a lack of intent.

Johnson claimed he blacked out and did not remember the stabbing.

What was Judge Robert Callahan’s ruling on the defense of demonic possession?

Judge Robert Callahan denied the defense, stating that “[e]vidence of demonic possession is simply not relevant.”

Who did Minnella want to call to testify, and why was this dismissed?

Minnella wanted to call Catholic priests to testify, as Catholic doctrine acknowledges demonic possession, but Callahan dismissed this as “incompetent evidence.”

What was the outcome of Johnson’s trial?

A number of Legal observers noted that allowing such testimony could have set a problematic precedent.

Johnson was convicted of manslaughter and served five years of a ten- to twenty-year sentence.

Are there any other cases that make reference to demonic possession?

Yes. There have been other cases where defendants have claimed supernatural influences or demonic possession as part of their defense strategy. Here are a few notable examples:

The Michael Taylor Case (1974)

Michael Taylor, a resident of Ossett, England, claimed to be possessed by demons when he brutally murdered his wife and their family dog. Prior to the murder, Taylor had undergone an intense exorcism that allegedly removed several demons from his body, but not all. His defense argued that he was under the influence of these remaining demons when he committed the crime. Taylor was found not guilty by reason of insanity and was committed to a psychiatric hospital.

David R. Berkowitz (1978)

David R. Berkowitz, also known as the “Son of Sam,” was charged with six counts of second-degree murder in 1978, committed during a “yearlong shooting rampage” in New York City. Berkowitz’s actions left six people dead and seven wounded. Initially, at his trial, Berkowitz cited demons as the cause of his actions, claiming that they motivated him to kill and injure people throughout New York City. Additionally, Berkowitz pointed to Sam Carr and Carr’s black Labrador retriever, claiming that they were the leaders of the demons and gave him the nickname “Son of Sam.”

Prior to the trial, Berkowitz was examined by multiple psychiatrists to ensure that he was mentally fit to stand trial—which he was. Instead of pleading insanity as he originally intended, Berkowitz pled guilty to the murders. He was given six twenty-five-years-to-life sentences.

The Alan Bono Case (1981)

While this case is actually the victim in the Arne Cheyenne Johnson trial (the “Devil Made Me Do It” case), it’s worth noting the broader context of the Glatzel family’s experiences. The family claimed that their son, David Glatzel, was possessed by demons and that the demonic influence transferred to Johnson, leading to Bono’s murder.

The Bill Ramsey Case

Bill Ramsey, a resident of Southend-on-Sea in the UK, became known as the “Southend Werewolf” due to his claims of demonic possession and episodes of animalistic behavior. Ramsey’s case attracted the attention of Ed and Lorraine Warren, who believed he was possessed by a demon. Although Ramsey did not commit murder, his case is often cited in discussions about demonic possession and the legal system.

The Antone LaVey Case (1999)

Antone LaVey, not to be confused with Anton LaVey (founder of the Church of Satan), claimed demonic possession as a defense for the murder of a woman in California. LaVey argued that he was compelled by demonic forces to commit the crime. His defense was not successful, and he was convicted of the murder.

The Sean Sellers Case (1986)

Sean Sellers was a teenager in Oklahoma who killed his mother, stepfather, and a convenience store clerk. Sellers claimed that he was under the influence of Satanism and demonic possession when he committed the murders. He was sentenced to death and executed in 1999, becoming one of the few individuals executed for crimes committed as a minor in the United States.

The Daniel Petric Case (2007)

Daniel Petric, a teenager in Ohio, shot and killed his mother and wounded his father after they took away his video game, “Halo 3.” During his trial, his defense suggested that he was influenced by the violent content of the game and possibly demonic forces. Petric was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

Lorraine Mbulawa (2011)

A recent demonic defense claim occurred in England in 2011. Nineteen-year-old Lorraine Mbulawa claimed possession by evil spirits to escape an attempted murder conviction. Mbulawa stabbed her sleeping mother and claimed that she acted according to instructions from her deceased grandmother. She “told police she had planned to kill herself after killing her mother.” Mbulawa’s family believed in witchcraft and spirits and accepted Mbulawa’s story, welcoming her with open arms after her hearing.

A psychiatrist found that Mbulawa was of sound mind and, instead of being convicted for attempted murder, she was given the less severe sentence of unlawful wounding. Mbulawa received a 12-month custodial sentence with an 18-month suspension and 120 hours of unpaid labor. Justice Keith, who oversaw Mbulawa’s case, thought that Mbulawa’s conviction that she was obeying the spirits “reduced her culpability significantly.” This, coupled with Mbulawa’s family’s support, likely aided the efficacy of her spiritual possession defense.