Arne Johnson is a name that is enough to send a shudder down the spines of those who know him. For those who do not know, let me inform you that Arne is a person against whom there is a charge of committing murder. However, there is yet another fact related to this case, which makes Arne a mysterious person.
After committing the murder, when Arne’s trial began, the accused claimed that the Devil made him commit the crime. Now, this was the first time in history that the American court of law dealt with a plea of demonic possession. That is why we know this trial famously as the “Devil Made Me Do” case. In fact, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It is a representation of the true story of Arne. Therefore, if you wish to know about this mysterious and dark case, then this article is the perfect stop for you.
The Case
On the 16th of February 1981, Arne Cheyenne Johnson stabbed Alan Bono, his landlord to death. Following his arrest, the murder initially seemed to be an open-and-shut case. The police, after an initial investigation, reached the conclusion that the murder was a result of a heated argument between the two. However, when the accused opened his mouth in the court of law, the case took an unexpected turn.
Arne appeared at the court with charges of first-degree manslaughter. However, he claimed that the devil made him commit the murder. Soon after this, his attorneys took up his claim as a potential defence for the murder. In addition, two paranormal investigators who performed the exorcism also supported the claim.
In fact, the Glatzel family has been eyewitnesses of Arne’s possession. The family claims that Devil possessed the 12-year-old David Glatzel and the family appointed Lorraine Warren and Rd, as paranormal investigators. The duo approached multiple priests to perform a formal exorcism. As the eyewitnesses suggest, Arne was also participating in the exorcism. During the process, they claim that the demon left David, only to enter Arne.
The Murder
Alan Bono, the landlord of Debbie and Arne was a friendly person. In fact, he shared a very warm relationship with Johnson. However, on the 16th of February 1981, a violent argument took place between the two. In the course of this heated exchange, Johnson stabbed Bono multiple times in his stomach and chest. Bono bled to his death.
However, the paranormal investigators claimed that just before the murder, Arne went near a well. Incidentally, this well was the spot where Debbie’s brother first witnessed the devil. Arne also claimed that there was a devil hiding in the well, which ended up possessing him. However, the judge of the trial, Judge Robert Callahan dismissed the defence as unscientific.
But, the Diocese of Bridgeport admitted that the priests were helping Arne in the exorcism. However, the priest was under vows not to speak in public about the incident. The court sentenced Arne to 10 years in jail. But he served only five years.
After his release due to good behaviour, Arne married Debbie Glatzel and the couple welcomed two children from their marriage.
Also read: Salena Green Vargas: The Controversy and Her Disappearance
