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Netflix has just released a new documentary which is based on a ‘harrowing and gruesome’ real life story that is truly shocking.
The Devil on Trial, which was released on Tuesday, delves into the details of a gruesome murder and the mind-blowing trial that ensued afterwards.
Arne Cheyenne Johnson was the first and only person to use ‘demonic possession’ as a murder defence in the US.
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The documentary includes first-hand accounts of the alleged demonic possession, with actual recordings included, to tell the ‘extraordinary story about a family that lost control’.
The Devil on Trial focuses on the then-19-year-old’s trial, which is often referred to as the Devil Made Me Do It case and it’s not hard to understand why.
On February 16, 1981, Johnson stabbed his 40-year-old landlord Alan Bono multiple times with a five inch pocket knife all while growling like an animal.
Johnson pleaded not guilty, claiming he was possessed by demonic forces during the horrific incident.
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The case caught the attention of known paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, who along with Johnson’s lawyer Martin Minnella, claimed that the murder was due to demonic possession.
A key part of Warren’s defence was the alleged demonic possession of Johnson’s girlfriend’s 11-year-old brother, David Glatzel, which happened five months before the murder took place.
In 1980, David began shouting blasphemies and acting in an erratic way. This also drew the attention of the infamous Ed and Lorraine Warren, who had previously investigated the haunting in Amityville, Long Island.
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Glatzel’s family was in attendance during the exorcism, including his brothers Alan and Carl, his sister Debbie and her boyfriend, Johnson.
During the exorcism, Johnson said he challenged the devil to leave the little boy’s body and take over his instead, desire Lorraine Warren warning him of the risks.
Although Johnson’s lawyer told the jury that Johnson ‘ an unassuming, average 19-year-old, a superb athlete who has never been in trouble before,’ judge Robert Callahan wasn’t convinced.
After 15 hours of deliberation over the course of three days before convicting Johnson of first-degree manslaughter.
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He was sentenced to 10-20 years in prison but was released after five years for good behaviour.
The official synopsis of the documentary states: "The Devil on Trial explores the first — and only — time 'demonic possession' has officially been used as a defence in a US murder trial.
"Including firsthand accounts of alleged devil possession and a shocking killing, this extraordinary story forces reflection on our fear of the unknown."
The Devil on Trial is available to watch now.
Featured Image Credit: NetflixTopics: TV And Film, Netflix, True Crime