The Conjuring: Last Rites is set to open in theaters next month, and like the first three films in the series, it is based on a haunting case that was investigated by Ed and Lorraine Warren. Obviously, there is no way of knowing how closely the film will follow the original story, but here is what we know about the real-life tale.
Jack and Janet Smurl moved into their house in West Pittston, Pennsylvania in 1973 with their two daughters. According to the Smurls, the house on Chase Street eventually began to show signs of supernatural activity. They claimed there was a demonic presence that would manifest foul odors and loud sounds, and even said the presence once pushed one of their children down the stairs and threw the family dog into a wall. In 1985, a large light fixture fell from the ceiling, hitting young Shannon Smurl in the head, and Jack even claimed to have been sexually assaulted by the entity.
The Smurls went public with their story, and ended up on several television talk shows. Much like George and Kathy Lutz, many people suspected they were only trying to get attention.
In 1986, Jack and Jant contacted famed demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren, and asked for their help. After their initial investigation, they determined that the demonic entity in the home was extremely powerful. The Warrens claimed that they first tried to persuade the demon to leave by praying and playing religious music, but the temperature in the house dropped drastically, and the mirrors and furniture began to shake.
Ed and Lorraine Warren later spoke about their encounters at the Smurl home, concluding there were actually four spirits there: a violent young girl, an old woman, the demon and the spirit of a man who had died there. It was their belief that the demonic presence was employing the other three in a bid to run the Smurls out.
Later, the house was blessed by priests, and according to the Smurls, three unsuccessful exorcisms were performed. As much as the Smurls and the Warrens claimed the house was indeed haunted, others were not so sure. One priest who agreed to spend the night at the home later said nothing at all happened during the time he stayed there.
The Smurls wrote a book in 1986 called The Haunted: One Family’s Nightmare, which was later made into a television movie. As far as the demon goes, a pastor named Joseph Adonizio is said to have finally gotten rid of it. He claimed that intense prayers did the job, but Janet Smurl said she still heard the occasional knocking sound and would see shadowy figures. The Smurls moved away in 1988, and the home’s future inhabitants claimed to have never experienced any type of supernatural activity.