Introduction

The Devil on Trial is a recently released horror documentary on Netflix that delves into the intriguing case of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, who attempted to use demonic possession as a defense in a murder trial. The documentary sheds light on the events surrounding the infamous "Devil Made Me Do It" case that took place in 1981 in Brookfield, Connecticut. With new audio recordings, photographs, fictional reenactments, and interviews with key individuals involved, the documentary aims to uncover the truth behind this unique legal defense.

The Murder Trial and the Denial of Possession Defense

Arne Cheyenne Johnson's defense team argued that he should not be held responsible for the killing of his landlord, Alan Bono, due to demonic possession. However, the judge ruled that possession was not an acceptable defense and disallowed any evidence related to it. This decision posed a significant challenge for the defense, as they had to find alternative arguments to support their case.

Despite Johnson's sisters signing police statements stating that they witnessed him stabbing Bono, he vehemently maintained his innocence throughout the trial. Johnson insisted that he had never hurt anyone and that he was not the person responsible for the crime. Interestingly, the detective who processed Johnson after the stabbing reported that he appeared to have no recollection of the incident. As the trial progressed, Johnson changed his defense strategy and pleaded self-defense, aiming for a manslaughter charge instead of first-degree murder. Ultimately, the jury sided with Johnson, convicting him of manslaughter in the first degree and sentencing him to 10 to 20 years in a maximum-security prison.

The Perspectives of Those Involved

The Devil on Trial places a particular focus on David Glatzel, Arne Johnson's brother-in-law and a key figure in the possession narrative. David recounts his experience of being possessed by the devil when he was just 11 years old. He vividly describes encountering a terrifying entity in Arne and Debbie's new house—an entity that appeared as a devil with solid black eyes resembling coal. This encounter marked the beginning of what David, Arne, Alan, and Carl Glatzel believed to be a full-scale demonic possession.

Following David's possession, his mother, Judy, sought help from renowned paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, who are best known for their involvement in the Amityville Horror incident. Together with Judy, the Warrens arranged for an exorcism sanctioned by the Catholic Church. During the exorcism, when David seemed to be struggling, Arne boldly confronted the entity possessing him. Arne yelled at the entity, challenging it to take him instead. As Arne did this, he experienced an intense coldness enveloping him.

According to the Warrens and most members of the Glatzel family, they believe that the malevolent entity then migrated from David into Arne. Five months later, this entity allegedly resurfaced, fully possessing Arne's body and ultimately leading to Alan Bono's death.

Differing Perspectives and Controversies

While many members of the Glatzel family and the Warrens firmly believe in the connection between possession and the murder of Alan Bono, Carl Glatzel, the oldest brother, holds a different view. Carl asserts that there was no demonic influence involved in Bono's murder. Instead, he suggests that Arne's possessiveness over Debbie (David's sister) and rumors of an affair between her and Bono could have played a significant role.

The Influence on The Conjuring Franchise

After Arne Johnson's trial, Ed and Lorraine Warren hired author Gerald Brittle to write the story of David and Arne. The Warrens instructed Brittle to make it frightening, even if some people disputed its veracity. The resulting book, The Devil in Connecticut (1983), served as inspiration for The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021). Notably, the Glatzel parents received $4,500 for selling their story, while the Warrens profited over $81,000.

The documentary reveals David Glatzel's dissatisfaction with how he and his family were portrayed in The Devil in Connecticut. David claims that Lorraine promised him riches from the book deal but asserts that he never received any substantial compensation. He expresses his belief that the Warrens exploited their story for financial gain.

The Aftermath and Family Struggles

In 1985, Arne Johnson married Debbie Glatzel while still in prison. He was released a year later due to good behavior after serving five years of his sentence. Arne and Debbie remained married until her passing in 2021.

However, despite their shared experiences during these tumultuous events, the Glatzel siblings have drifted apart over time and rarely maintain contact with one another. After their parents' deaths, Carl discovered a note from his mother implying that she had been drugging the family with Sominex (a sleep aid) mixed into their food. Carl speculates that his brother David may have ingested enough Sominex over the years to experience hallucinations and altered perceptions.

Conclusion

The Devil on Trial presents a captivating exploration of the controversial case involving Arne Johnson and his attempted use of demonic possession as a defense in a murder trial. Through interviews, reenactments, and new evidence, this documentary raises thought-provoking questions about belief systems, legal defenses, and the influence of popular culture on true events. While opinions on this case remain divided among those involved, it continues to captivate audiences with its blend of supernatural elements and legal drama.