Those who have watched the captivating new Netflix documentary, The Devil on Trial, might be curious about the role of Sominex in relation to David Glatzel's condition. The documentary, perfectly timed for the eerie season, delves into the notorious "Devil Made Me Do It" case. This true crime series highlights one of the most sensational murder trials of the 1980s, where Arne Cheyenne Johnson's defense team aimed to establish his innocence by claiming he was possessed by a demon during the murder.
However, this story goes deeper than it appears. Allegedly, it all began with David Glatzel, the younger brother of Arne's partner, who was just 11 years old at the time. While clearing out a house, David supposedly became possessed by malevolent forces, which deeply concerned his mother Judy. In an attempt to seek help, she turned to paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren.
To this day, there is a divide amongst people regarding the true events. Was it truly a case of David and Arne being taken over by an evil entity, or did Arne deceitfully use this situation as a cover-up for his actions of murdering his landlord and friend, Alan Bono? Among these lingering questions, one particular detail that has caught the viewers' attention is Sominex, and whether or not this medication can induce hallucinations.
The Devil on Trial: What is Sominex?
Sominex, a brand name for an over-the-counter medication containing diphenhydramine hydrochloride, is primarily utilized as a sleep aid for the treatment of insomnia or sleep-related problems. Its relevance to The Devil on Trial lies in the assertion made by Carl Glatzel Jr, David's older brother, that their mother Judy would administer Sominex to drug their family.
Due to its sedative properties, especially in children, this substance can induce alterations in mental states or moods, alongside restlessness, irritability, and hallucinations. Carl's perspective is that David and Arne were never truly under demonic influence, asserting that Judy and the Warrens merely amplified the mental health challenges he believes his younger sibling was going through during that period.
WallgreensFollowing the passing of their parents, Carl recounts the process of going through Judy's belongings with his wife. Noting that his mother had OCD, he reveals her habit of meticulously jotting down information on various mediums such as paper or calendars. One particular note caught their attention, stating, "The family had their medicine tonight and everything was good."
With Judy previously recognized as a skilled cook, often preparing meals for the entire family, Carl and his wife decided to investigate further. Upon careful examination of the note, they made a startling discovery - Judy had been secretly incorporating Sominex into their meals, administering it to the entire family over an extended period of time.
Carl explains that when Judy would serve them dinner, her bowl would be separate from the rest of the family’s. “I believe my mother used Sominex to control all us boys and my dad. At the end of the day, if everybody’s tired and exhausted, guess what? Everybody’s going to rest and sit down – there’s no more problems.”
Carl Glatzel Jr opposes the idea that his brother and Arne were possessed.Carl highlights the potential impact on individuals, including mood fluctuations and hallucinations, which could potentially be linked to David's alleged encounter with demonic possession. Carl further suggests, "It is highly conceivable that my brother David had been exposed to this phenomenon enough times throughout the years to start perceiving things, or at least believing he was perceiving things."
"Ultimately, David, Arne, and Alan all suffered as victims in the long run."
David and Arne firmly maintain their stance: they were indeed possessed. In response to Carl's allegations, David emphasizes, "My mother would never drug our family. She always took excellent care of us. The reality is, when I was just 11 years old, I believe I was under the influence of a malevolent spirit, for lack of a better term. There is absolutely no motive for me to deceive anyone."
You can now stream The Devil on Trial on Netflix. For more information about this documentary, click here, and explore our extensive coverage of true crime below.
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