Critics, including the late investigator Joe Nickell and the local West Pittston historical society, have pointed out that the Smurl haunting coincided with a massive financial and emotional stress period for the family. Jack was a hard-working garbage truck driver and maintenance man. The family needed money. The Warrens needed a new case after Amityville fell apart. A book deal and a TV movie ( The Haunted , 1991) followed. Skeptics argue the remaining Smurls are alive but silent because the claims were exaggerated or fabricated.
And perhaps, regardless of what you believe, that silence is the most honest answer of all.
If you are a fan of paranormal documentaries, classic horror films like The Conjuring universe, or the golden age of “true scare” TV shows from the 80s and 90s, you know the name . The Smurl family haunting is one of the most famous—and most controversial—alleged demonic infestations in American history.
Decades later, the question remains on the lips of paranormal enthusiasts:
Sources: The Haunted (Warren & Smurl, 1988), local Pennsylvania obituaries (2017), interviews with Jack Smurl prior to his death, and the documentary “The Devil’s Road.”
Critics, including the late investigator Joe Nickell and the local West Pittston historical society, have pointed out that the Smurl haunting coincided with a massive financial and emotional stress period for the family. Jack was a hard-working garbage truck driver and maintenance man. The family needed money. The Warrens needed a new case after Amityville fell apart. A book deal and a TV movie ( The Haunted , 1991) followed. Skeptics argue the remaining Smurls are alive but silent because the claims were exaggerated or fabricated.
And perhaps, regardless of what you believe, that silence is the most honest answer of all. are the smurls family still alive
If you are a fan of paranormal documentaries, classic horror films like The Conjuring universe, or the golden age of “true scare” TV shows from the 80s and 90s, you know the name . The Smurl family haunting is one of the most famous—and most controversial—alleged demonic infestations in American history. Critics, including the late investigator Joe Nickell and
Decades later, the question remains on the lips of paranormal enthusiasts: The Warrens needed a new case after Amityville fell apart
Sources: The Haunted (Warren & Smurl, 1988), local Pennsylvania obituaries (2017), interviews with Jack Smurl prior to his death, and the documentary “The Devil’s Road.”
