In a recent interview, Martin Minnella, the lawyer who represented Arne Cheyenne Johnson in a murder case involving exorcisms, revealed shocking details about the infamous trial that captivated the world in 1981. Johnson, who claimed to be possessed by the devil, stabbed his landlord four times in the chest, sparking one of the most bizarre criminal cases in history.
Contrary to popular belief, Johnson never actually stated that he was possessed by the devil. According to Minnella, it was the priests and paranormal investigators involved in the case who made those claims. Johnson simply said that he blacked out and didn’t remember anything that happened.
The case gained international media attention and inspired books, movies, and documentaries, including “The Conjuring” and a recent Netflix documentary titled “The Devil Made Me Do It.” However, Minnella clarified that Johnson’s own words were never accurately portrayed in these retellings.
Johnson’s close friend and future brother-in-law, David Glatzel, played a significant role in the case. At just 11 years old, Glatzel uttered the names of 42 demons in Latin during exorcisms, which were recorded on tapes. Witness statements even claimed that Glatzel levitated and objects were thrown around the room in his presence.
Despite the extraordinary events surrounding the case, the judge refused to allow the demonic possession defense, considering it unscientific. The defense team argued that any evidence showing a lack of specific intent should be allowed, but their pleas were dismissed.
Johnson was ultimately convicted of first-degree manslaughter and served about five years in prison. However, Minnella believes that if the case had been presented in a different era, with the Vatican’s updated guidelines on exorcisms, the outcome could have been different.
While some skeptics, including Glatzel’s brother Carl, have dismissed the case as a hoax, others involved in the trial maintain that they were telling the truth. Director Chris Holt, who worked on the Netflix documentary, sat down with the key players in the case and believes in the authenticity of their accounts.
The Arne Cheyenne Johnson case continues to intrigue and divide opinions in the true-crime community. Despite the lack of a conclusive resolution, the story remains an unforgettable chapter in legal history, challenging conventional notions of reality and spirituality.
In Conclusion:
The case of Arne Cheyenne Johnson and his claim of demonic possession during a murder trial in 1981 continues to fascinate and divide opinions. While some believe the events to be a hoax or a result of mental illness, others involved in the case maintain the authenticity of their accounts. The judge’s refusal to allow the demonic possession defense and the subsequent media frenzy surrounding the trial made it one of the most bizarre criminal cases in history. Regardless of one’s beliefs, the Arne Cheyenne Johnson case challenges traditional notions of reality and spirituality.
