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Devil of a job, getting at the truth
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 UNITED STATES. You would have thought that after almost a quarter of a century, a book recounting what is claimed to be one of the most remarkable modern cases of possession would be beyond question.
Yet, as we have already reported, two members of the family involved are now claiming to be suing over the account. But the author and surviving investigator stand by their story. So let’s try to get at the truth.
The story of The Devil in Connecticut involved the Glatzel family and, particularly, 11-year-old David who was apparently the main target of “42 demons” that were tormenting him at the beginning of the 1980s. But, even more sensationally, newspapers were soon reporting that Arne Johnson, boyfriend of David’s sister, Debra, had also been possessed (after attempting to shield David from the demons’ attacks) and had subsequently stabbed his landlord to death.
Following republication of The Devil in Connecticut last year, Carl Glatzel, David’s older brother, has issued a press release in which – speaking on behalf of his brother and himself – he claims to be suing Lorraine Warren (she and her late husband, Ed, were the “demonologists” consulted by the family), Gerald Brittle, the book’s author, the publisher and the literary agency representing both parties.
The Glatzel boys also claim to be writing a book telling “the truth”. Originally with a working title Alone Through The Valley, it is now being mooted as The Devil BUSTED in Connecticut.
It has the makings of a good story, but the leading characters insist that it’s the press release that’s fiction and they are standing by the original story. Here’s what we know so far:
Gerald Brittle has contacted www.ParanormalReview.com to protest about our original story, insisting, “Every sentence in the book [The Devil In Connecticut] is true and supported by overwhelming evidence that has not only stood the test of time, but has been corroborated, in writing, by every single person who witnessed the case – including the person now making the accusations.”
Lorraine Warren, 80, dismisses the lawsuit as “ridiculous”, insisting to an Associated Press writer that: “[David] would go right up off the bed. He had marks all over his body. He could tell things that were going to happen in the future, such as the murder.”
Brittle also testified to the journalist: “The child was being beaten by unseen hands… [and] … was being levitated.”
Interviewed by Connecticut’s Danbury News-Times, Lorraine also pointed out that six priests of the Roman Catholic Church were involved in the case, all of whom agreed David Glatzel was possessed and performed exorcisms.
And Brittle told the same newspaper: “[The book] was written because the family wanted the story told, and I told their story.” He spent more than 100 hours interviewing them and he still has the tapes to prove it.
“Just to be sure I got it right, the family got the manuscript before it went to the printer, and they vouched for its accuracy in writing.” The parents also received $2,000 for their involvement in the book, according to Warren.
Meanwhile, David and Carl’s sister, Debra – who married Arne Johnson during the almost six years he spent in prison for the murder – and her husband are also standing by the original story. They recently gave a long interview [see “Show Archives”] on a paranormal website describing some of their experiences.
Perhaps the most telling fact, so far, in this “who’s hoaxing who?” saga, is that according to Brittle and Warren no lawsuit has yet been filed against them. They suggest the Glatzels have “their own agenda” (making money from their own book and/or extorting money from them) and the press release and threatened lawsuit are all part of that plan.
No one, it seems, is suggesting possession as an explanation.
It should be added, however, that Glatzel’s attorney, Gregory Nolan, is reported by Danbury News-Times to have filed an application for a prejudgment remedy in Danbury Superior Court “to ensure that the defendants don’t dispose of assets that might be used to compensate his client”. A hearing on that application is expected within a month.
Whether or not the
Glatzel brothers issue a lawsuit, Brittle tells us the person making the
charges “will soon be facing defamation of character and other charges if the initial grievance is not withdrawn”.
One way or another, we guess we haven’t heard the end of The Devil In Connecticut – which is probably precisely what the Devil wants!
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Posted on Sunday, November 11, 2007
Category: Ghosts
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