Alleged Demonic Attacks in Pennsylvania: Exploring the Smurl Haunting, the Real-Life Incident Behind 'The Conjuring: Last Rites'

In the small town of West Pittston, Pennsylvania, a chilling tale of hauntings unfolded in the 1980s, centred around the Smurl family. The story, however, remains unconvincing due to a lack of extraordinary evidence and the presence of more grounded explanations.

The Smurl haunting gained notoriety after the family contacted renowned paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren. The Warrens, who were also involved in the Amityville haunting claim, were brought in to investigate the Smurl residence, which was reportedly plagued by foul smells, violent demons, and other strange occurrences.

However, the Church did not confirm that the Smurls were being haunted by a demon. Instead, they expressed uncertainty about the explanation for the family's experiences. Reverend Joseph Adonizio, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in West Pittston, claimed that prayers had chased the foul smells and violent demons from the home. Yet, a priest who spent two nights in the Smurl home in October 1986 reported nothing unusual occurred during his stay.

Some offered free psychiatric and psychological help to the Smurls, but they declined. Janet Smurl stated that the family continued to experience odd problems at the home, but nothing as severe as before they contacted the Warrens.

The investigation of the Smurl haunting was conducted by local law enforcement authorities in West Pittston. No conclusive evidence supports the paranormal explanation for the Smurl haunting. Jack Smurl's medical history, including a surgery to remove water from his brain and a history of meningitis, raised skepticism about the authenticity of the haunting.

Philosophy professor Paul Kurtz, from the State University of New York at Buffalo, added to the controversy by stating that the Ed and Lorraine Warren have no credentials in the scientific or parapsychological communities. Kurtz also referred to the Smurls' story as a "hoax, a charade, a ghost story."

Despite the controversy, the Smurls moved out of the home and settled in Wilkes-Barre. No supernatural experiences were reported by the subsequent residents. The Smurl haunting, while captivating, remains a tale shrouded in doubt and speculation.