“The Real Story Unveiled: Netflix’s Docuseries ‘The Devil on Trial’ Examined”

The Devil on Trial: A Haunting Tale of Demonic Possession and the Criminal Justice System

By | October 18, 2023 | 12:22 PM EDT | Sydney, Australia

New Netflix Documentary Explores the Intersection of Demonic Possession and the Legal System

Netflix‘s latest horror documentary, The Devil on Trial, delves into a chilling case that captured national attention in 1981. The film chronicles the trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, a 19-year-old defendant from Brookfield, Conn., who attempted to use demonic possession as a defense in the murder of his landlord, Alan Bono. While the judge ultimately rejected the use of possession as a legitimate defense, the case raises intriguing questions about the intersection of supernatural beliefs and the criminal justice system.

Truth, Interpretation, and the Nature of Reality

In The Devil on Trial, director Chris Holt explores the perspectives of Johnson and his brothers-in-law, David, Alan, and Carl Glatzel, through interviews and reenactments. Holt acknowledges that while people may interpret events differently, the film presents their stories as truthful. This raises profound philosophical questions about the nature of reality and the subjective nature of truth.

Does the belief in possession make it real? If someone truly believes they were possessed by a demonic entity, does that belief hold any validity in a court of law? These are the complex questions that emerge from this extraordinary case.

The Possession Narrative: David Glatzel’s Role

The heart of The Devil on Trial lies in the narrative of David Glatzel, the youngest brother-in-law of Arne Johnson. Glatzel recounts a terrifying encounter with what he believed to be the devil himself at the age of 11. This experience led to allegations of full-scale demonic possession by David, Arne, Alan, and Carl.

The involvement of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, known for their involvement in the infamous Amityville Horror incident, further heightened the supernatural aspect of the case. The Warrens, alongside David and Arne’s mother, Judy, secured an exorcism from the Catholic Church. According to their accounts, the entity possessing David then migrated into Arne and ultimately led to the tragic killing of Alan Bono.

However, not everyone within the family agrees with this supernatural interpretation. Carl Glatzel, the oldest brother, dismisses the notion of possession and instead suggests that the murder was motivated by Arne’s possessiveness over Debbie, David’s sister.

Exploitation and Profit in the Aftermath

One of the most troubling aspects that emerged from the documentary is the alleged exploitation and profiteering surrounding the case. The Warrens hired author Gerald Brittle to write the story of David and Arne, emphasizing the need for a terrifying narrative. The resulting book, The Devil in Connecticut, served as inspiration for the recent film, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It.

The Glatzel parents received a mere $4,500 for selling their story, while the Warrens reportedly profited over $81,000. David Glatzel expressed bitterness toward the Warrens, feeling deceived by their promises of wealth and claiming that they capitalized on their suffering.

The Criminal Justice System and the Role of Possession

The trial’s ultimate focus on the defense of self-defense rather than possession raises intriguing questions about the criminal justice system. Johnson’s attorney, Martin Minnella, believed in the defense and acknowledged the difficulty of finding a lawyer willing to represent Johnson with such an unconventional argument.

However, the judge’s refusal to accept possession as a defense limited the defense’s ability to present their case effectively. It poses a conundrum: Should the legal system make room for supernatural explanations, or should it strictly adhere to evidence-based reasoning?

Conclusion: A Case That Blurs the Line Between Reality and the Supernatural

The case of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, his alleged possession, and the subsequent murder trial, as portrayed in The Devil on Trial, presents a complex and chilling tale. It challenges our notions of truth, reality, and the role of belief within the legal system.

While the judge’s rejection of possession as a defense may seem logical, it raises broader philosophical questions about the nature of reality and the subjective experiences of individuals. The exploitation and profit surrounding the case further complicate matters, adding ethical considerations into the mix.

As viewers, we are left pondering the fine line between fact and interpretation, truth and belief. The Devil on Trial serves as a fascinating exploration of these complex themes, urging us to question our own preconceived notions and the role of the supernatural within society and the criminal justice system.

Ultimately, the case of Arne Cheyenne Johnson represents a haunting convergence of the real and the supernatural, leaving us to grapple with the enduring questions it raises.