Unveiling the Truth: The Devil on Trial - Separating Fact from Fiction

The Big Picture

The Devil On Trial is a true-crime Netflix documentary that explores the first instance of possession being used as a defense in a murder trial in US history.

The documentary centers around Arne Johnson, the individual responsible for the murder, and the alleged possession that influenced his behavior.

The film explores the effects of the possession on the Glatzel family, with a specific emphasis on David Glatzel, who asserted that he was possessed. It also brings attention to the dispute surrounding the genuineness of the possession.

Just in time for Halloween, Netflix has released a true-crime documentary titled The Devil On Trial. What makes this documentary noteworthy? It marks the first occasion in US history where possession has been cited as a defense in a murder trial. Forget about claims of clinical insanity, this trial surpassed that by asserting that a man committed murder due to being possessed by the devil. This sensational trial garnered national attention and became known as "The Devil Made Me Do It" trial. If you're familiar with the Conjuring universe, you may find this story familiar. The third installment of the main film series, called The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, was based on the events preceding this trial. The Devil On Trial delves into the impact of a supposed religious experience not only on the possessed individual but also on the family connected to the possession.

Who Is Arne Johnson and What Happened to Him?

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When Arne Johnson was just 19 years old, he fatally stabbed his landlord, Alan Bono, multiple times. As reported by the Washington Post, it was on February 16th, 1981, that Arne decided to call in sick to work and instead joined his girlfriend Debbie Glatzel at the Brookfield Boarding Kennels, her place of employment. Interestingly, Alan Bono happened to be not only their landlord but also in charge of the kennels. That day, Alan took Arne, Debbie, along with Arne's sister Wanda, and cousin Mary out for lunch. During the outing, they all enjoyed some drinks.

After returning from lunch, Alan engaged in excessively loud music and exhibited obvious signs of intoxication. Debbie attempted to swiftly remove Wanda and Mary from the situation, yet Alan forcefully seized Mary, causing tension to escalate. The subsequent events felt like a haze, until Debbie positioned herself between Alan and Arne in an attempt to prevent their altercation. Tragically, the tumultuous argument abruptly ceased when a knife forcefully pierced Alan's skin, resulting in his untimely demise. Arne was apprehended and charged with murder, although he asserts a complete lack of recollection of the incident, attributing the blame to an otherworldly influence.

Who Are the Glatzels and How Are They Connected to Arne Johnson?

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The origins of the devil infesting Arne's body remain a mystery. Had it not been for the Glatzels, Arne might never have committed the heinous act or attributed it to possession. In 1980, David Glatzel, who was only 11 years old at the time, claimed to be possessed. As the younger sibling of Debbie, he visited her and Arne's house and insisted that the devil had taken hold of him. A significant portion of The Devil On Trial delves into David's harrowing experience at such a tender age. Viewers are treated to photographs and audio recordings capturing the Glatzels' interactions with David during his possession.

David lived in constant fear as he witnessed shadowy figures, toys, and objects moving on their own. When the possession seemed to escalate, Judy Glatzel, the matriarch of the family, sought help from Ed and Lorraine Warren, who were well-known in the Connecticut area due to the Amityville case. TIME reports that, given David's condition, the Warrens and Glatzels obtained approval from the Catholic Church for an exorcism. During the exorcism, Arne, who was present, stepped in when David was struggling. He courageously challenged the entity, saying, "Take me on. I'm here. Take me on." It's safe to assume that Arne isn't a huge horror movie fan, otherwise he would have known how dangerous this idea was for himself! It is at this point that both the majority of the Glatzel family and Arne suspect that the entity released its grip on David and instead attached itself to Arne. Tragically, six months after the exorcism, Arne committed murder.

Was Arne Johnson Really Possessed?

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The truth of whether or not Arne was possessed remains unknown. Despite Judge Callahan's refusal to acknowledge any claims of possession as a defense, Arne and his lawyer faced considerable difficulties in arguing their case. The media presence of Ed and Lorraine Warren was extensive, going to the extent of enlisting writer Gerald Brittle to pen the account. The resulting book, titled The Devil In Connecticut, was published in 1983, serving as the inspiration for the 2021 film, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. However, in the documentary, David's older brother Carl Glatzel vehemently denies the claims of anyone being possessed.

Carl discovered, following his mother's demise, that there existed a more rational account of David's ordeal, which subsequently led Arne to claim ownership. Carl stumbled upon a note which alluded to his mother providing her family with their required "medicine." The aforementioned medication happened to be Sominex, a sleep aid. Carl observed that excessive intake of Sominex could result in mood swings, weight gain, and hallucinations. Therefore, it seemed plausible to him that David had been experiencing these side effects. Consequently, it appeared that Arne had exploited David's suffering as a pretext for his heinous act of murdering Alan. Furthermore, there are speculations in the documentary about Debbie possibly engaging in infidelity with Alan, which could offer a more logical explanation for Arne's sudden outburst.

Where Are The Glatzels and Arne Johnson Now?

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Consequently, Arne Johnson was convicted of manslaughter and served a mere five-year prison sentence. Remarkably, during his time behind bars, he and Debbie tied the knot, and their marital bond endured until her unfortunate demise. Presently, David Glatzel leads a serene existence, as revealed by Newsweek. Given the overwhelming attention and media coverage orchestrated by the Warrens surrounding this distressing incident, it is understandable why he yearns for a solitary life. In a striking turn of events, Carl and David later pursued legal action against the Warrens, Brittle, and the publisher of the book chronicling their family's ordeal. Although the case was eventually dismissed, the book was promptly withdrawn from circulation. Maintaining his conviction of being truly possessed, David, nevertheless, feels exploited by the Warrens, leaving a lingering sense of mistrust.

The Devil On Trial delves deep into the impact of family trauma, reaching across generations and even influencing other individuals and families. This captivating documentary delves into the perspectives of believers and non-believers, highlighting the stark differences in their interpretations of the truth.

Stream The Devil On Trial now on Netflix.

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