In the history of American criminal law, few cases have stirred as much intrigue and controversy as the trial involving Arne Cheyenne Johnson, a man who in 1981 claimed the devil made me do it. This extraordinary case, which later inspired the documentaryThe Devil on Trial, challenged the boundaries of faith, law, and the unexplained. The story brought together murder, alleged demonic possession, and a legal system unprepared for the supernatural.The Devil on Trialexplores this real-life courtroom drama and its connection to the infamous demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren, giving viewers a chilling perspective on belief, fear, and accountability.
The Case Behind The Devil on Trial
The Devil on Trialis rooted in the real-life events surrounding the murder of Alan Bono, a 40-year-old landlord in Brookfield, Connecticut. The accused, 19-year-old Arne Cheyenne Johnson, shocked the nation when his legal defense claimed that he was possessed by a demonic force at the time of the killing. This marked the first time in U.S. legal history that demonic possession was used as a defense in a homicide trial.
Before the incident, Johnson was reportedly involved in a series of exorcisms surrounding the younger brother of his fiancée, an 11-year-old boy named David Glatzel. David had allegedly been tormented by disturbing visions and supernatural experiences. The Glatzel family, feeling helpless, turned to paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, who became central figures in the case and would later connect Johnson’s actions to the dark forces involved in David’s possession.
The Murder and Arrest
On February 16, 1981, during an altercation with Alan Bono, Johnson fatally stabbed him with a pocket knife. Witnesses claimed that Johnson had been behaving strangely leading up to the incident. The act itself was brutal and swift. After the murder, Johnson fled the scene but was later apprehended by police. What set this case apart wasn’t just the crime it was what came next.
Johnson’s legal team made headlines when they submitted a plea of not guilty by reason of demonic possession. This was unprecedented. The argument was that Johnson had no control over his actions due to an external evil force that had entered him during the exorcisms performed on David Glatzel.
Introducing The Devil on Trial Documentary
The Devil on Trialis a documentary that carefully examines the events leading up to the trial, the trial itself, and the broader implications of its claims. Through interviews, re-enactments, and archival footage, the documentary presents a deep dive into the blend of supernatural belief and legal proceedings. It doesn’t aim to convince viewers of the existence of demons but rather explores the psychological, cultural, and emotional impact of the belief in such forces.
Key Elements Explored in the Documentary
- The exorcism of David Glatzel A series of sessions said to involve violent demonic activity.
- The involvement of Ed and Lorraine Warren Their role in documenting and interpreting the supernatural events.
- The murder of Alan Bono The incident that triggered the trial and the defense’s claim of possession.
- The legal defense strategy How lawyers attempted to bring a spiritual argument into a court of law.
- The aftermath and media coverage Public reaction, skepticism, and the cultural legacy of the case.
The Warrens and the Paranormal Connection
Ed and Lorraine Warren were no strangers to the world of demonic possession and haunting claims. They had gained fame from their involvement in high-profile cases such as the Amityville Horror and the Perron family haunting, both of which inspired popular horror films. InThe Devil on Trial, the Warrens play a significant role, providing firsthand accounts and spiritual interpretations of the events that allegedly led to the possession and murder.
The documentary sheds light on how the Warrens believed that Johnson had become vulnerable to demonic possession by challenging the entity during David’s exorcism. They maintained that evil forces had shifted their focus from David to Johnson. This spiritual narrative became central to the defense’s explanation for Johnson’s behavior.
Public Reaction and Controversy
The case and its documentary portrayal drew mixed reactions. On one hand, there was fascination and fear. The idea that a demonic force could drive someone to murder is both compelling and terrifying. On the other hand, legal experts and skeptics criticized the defense as being unscientific and irresponsible. Many believed it undermined the seriousness of legal accountability by introducing supernatural excuses into the courtroom.
In the end, the judge presiding over the case rejected the demonic possession defense, stating that such a claim could not be proven by science or legal standards. Johnson was convicted of first-degree manslaughter and sentenced to 1020 years in prison, of which he served five.
The Legacy of The Devil on Trial
The Devil on Trialremains a gripping reminder of how belief systems, psychology, and law intersect in complicated ways. It raises important questions about how far courts should go in entertaining metaphysical explanations for real-world actions. The documentary also touches on the dangers of exploiting spiritual beliefs, the ethical limits of paranormal investigation, and the deep emotional scars such events leave on those involved.
Lasting Impact on Pop Culture
The story behindThe Devil on Trialhas influenced several films and television shows, including the horror franchiseThe Conjuring, which dramatized the Warrens’ perspective. The real-life drama has inspired discussions on podcasts, in classrooms, and in legal debates around the world. Whether one believes in demonic forces or not, the case continues to resonate because it taps into universal themes fear of the unknown, the limits of justice, and the fragile nature of the human mind.
Human Psychology and Supernatural Belief
One of the most interesting layers inThe Devil on Trialis its examination of belief itself. Why do people believe in demons? How can fear manifest in ways that feel real and uncontrollable? The documentary presents psychologists and experts who explain how belief in possession can be deeply rooted in personal trauma, cultural background, and social influence. It challenges viewers to consider whether belief can be as powerful as reality in shaping human behavior.
Through this lens, the story becomes more than a crime tale it becomes a case study in how humans navigate the unexplained. The lines between faith, manipulation, mental health, and responsibility are all explored, making the documentary much more than just another true-crime narrative.
The Devil on Trialis not just a documentary about murder or possession it is a story about how people interpret the world around them when logic and emotion collide. It captures a moment in American legal history when the supernatural stood side by side with legal evidence in a courtroom. By blending personal testimonies, legal perspectives, and psychological insights, the documentary creates a compelling narrative that challenges viewers to think critically about belief, truth, and accountability. Whether one accepts the spiritual explanation or not, the trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson remains one of the most unique and unsettling chapters in criminal justice history.