Morbid Podcast Summary: Episode 613 - Latoya Ammons and the Demon House

Podcast Information:

• Title: Morbid
• Host/Author: Morbid Network | Wondery
• Description: “It’s a lighthearted nightmare in here, weirdos! Morbid is a true crime, creepy history and all things spooky podcast hosted by an autopsy technician and a hairstylist. Join us for a heavy dose of research with a dash of comedy thrown in for flavor.”
• Episode: 613: Latoya Ammons and the Demon House
• Release Date: October 28, 2024

Introduction to the Case

Timestamp: [07:37]

In this chilling episode, hosts Ash and Elena delve into the harrowing true story of Latoya Ammons, an Indiana single mother who, along with her children and mother, experienced relentless supernatural assaults in their rented home. The narrative draws parallels to infamous cases like the Amityville haunting, setting the stage for a deep exploration of paranormal activity intertwined with real-world consequences.

Initial Experiences in the House

Timestamp: [08:07]

In January 2014, Latoya Ammons, her mother Rosa Campbell, and her three children—Nate (13), Shantae (12), and Andre (7)—moved into a new rental house in Gary, Indiana, seeking a fresh start. Shortly after moving in, the family encountered unusual disturbances:

• Black Flies Infestation: “The house was constantly infested with black flies.” [08:07] This was the first sign of their haunting, with flies appearing in patterns that couldn't be explained by seasonal changes.

Escalation of Supernatural Phenomena

Timestamp: [10:29]

The disturbances quickly intensified:

• Unexplained Noises: “They started hearing just inexplicable noises in the house. Always after midnight...” [10:29] Heavy footsteps, door knocks, and flickering lights became nightly occurrences.

• Shadowy Figures: “Rosa was woken by the sound of footsteps... she saw the shadowy figure of a man just pacing back and forth.” [12:35] These apparitions were not mere fleeting shadows; multiple witnesses, including friends and even officials, reported seeing these disturbances.

Efforts to Seek Help

Timestamp: [29:57]

Desperate for solutions, Latoya and Rosa sought help through various channels:

• Churches and Clergy: Initially reaching out to their local Baptist church, they found little support. “The clergy at their church were sympathetic but didn’t take them very seriously.” [28:44] This led them to connect with churches that specialized in deliverance, eventually finding Reverend Mike Magino who was open to performing exorcisms.

• Clairvoyants: Latoya consulted clairvoyants who informed her that their home was besieged by 200 demons, advising that moving the demons was essential. “The family's house, home was besieged by 200 demons, and the best thing they could do was move 200 demons.” [30:52]

Involvement of Medical Professionals and DCS

Timestamp: [39:28]

As the supernatural events continued, the situation took a toll on the family’s physical and mental health:

• Medical Intervention: Latoya visited her primary care physician, Dr. Jeffrey Anyakwu, seeking answers. “In examining the family, the doctor described... 'delusions of ghosts in the home' and 'hallucinations among the children.'” [40:17]

• Department of Children's Services (DCS): Due to ongoing concerns about the children's well-being and Latoya’s ability to supervise them, DCS intervened. “DCS decided it was in the best interest of the children to temporarily remove them from the home...” [51:15]

Witnesses to the Phenomena

Timestamp: [46:08]

The case gained credibility through multiple eyewitness accounts:

• Police Captain Charles Austin: A seasoned officer who initially skeptically believed in ghosts but was convinced of demonic presence after witnessing unexplainable phenomena. “There was something inside that house that had the ability to do things that I have never seen before.” [59:40]

• Medical Staff: Nurses and caseworkers observed behaviors and incidents that defied logical explanations, such as a child walking backwards up a wall and onto the ceiling.

Exorcism Attempts and Climax of the Haunted Activity

Timestamp: [64:02]

Reverend Mike Magino conducted several exorcisms between May and June:

• Initial Attempts: “Magino instructed Latoya to look up the names of the demons... each time she tried, the computer would shut down without explanation.” [65:09]

• Successful Exorcism: “Magino changed tactics and berated the demons in Latin... Latoya convulsed, fell asleep, and upon waking, no longer experienced any demonic activity.” [66:38]

Despite the success of the final exorcism, the ordeal left lasting impacts on the family, leading to their relocation back to Indianapolis and continued therapy.

Zach Bagans' Involvement and Demolition of the House

Timestamp: [69:14]

The story took a dramatic turn when Zach Bagans of Ghost Adventures purchased the house for $35,000:

• Investigative Documentary: Bagans produced a documentary dubbing the house as the "Next Amityville", emphasizing the severity and unexplained nature of the hauntings.

• Demolition: Declaring the house too dangerous, Bagans had it demolished after the documentary’s release. “There was something very dark, yet highly intelligent and powerful... we're demolishing that house.” [71:11]

Cinematic Adaptation

Timestamp: [71:51]

In 2016, Latoya's harrowing experience was adapted into a film titled "Deliverance", directed by Lee Daniels and starring Andra Day and Glenn Close. This adaptation brought national attention to the case, intertwining cinematic storytelling with real-life terror.

Conclusion and Reflections

Timestamp: [73:37]

Ash and Elena reflect on the complexities of the case, balancing skepticism with acknowledgment of the multiple credible witnesses. They ponder the intersection of mental health crises and alleged supernatural events, emphasizing the profound impact on the family.

• Final Thoughts: “There is something very unexplained in this situation.” [70:17] The hosts agree that while some aspects may be dramatized, the core experiences of the Ammons family suggest a genuine paranormal battle.

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

1. Elena on Initial Flies:

   • “They killed them and killed them and killed them, but they just kept coming back.” [08:35]

2. Ash on Shadowy Figure:

   • “I can't have the Internet, but yeah.” [08:07]

3. Elena on Church's Response:

   • “These are members of your congregation that are coming to you. Isn't that like, the whole point?” [28:26]

4. Ash on Exorcism Visibility:

   • “It was scary... I'm pretty sure I said at the beginning he was nine years old.” [35:37]

5. Reverend Mike Magino:

   • “There was something very dark, yet highly intelligent and powerful...” [71:11]

6. Zach Bagans on Demolition:

   • “We're demolishing that house.” [71:11]

Key Takeaways

• Multiple Witnesses: The involvement of police officers, caseworkers, and medical staff adds a layer of credibility to the Ammons family's claims of supernatural activity.

• Intersection with Mental Health: The case raises questions about how mental health crises can interplay with or be misinterpreted as paranormal phenomena.

• Church and Community Response: Initial lack of support from their local church pushed the family to seek out specialized religious assistance, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals in distressing situations.

• Impact on the Family: The ordeal had profound effects on the family's physical health, mental well-being, and social relationships, culminating in involvement with DCS and eventual separation from their children.

• Media Adaptation: The transformation of Latoya's story into a documentary and later a movie underscores the public's fascination with haunted house narratives and the blurred lines between fact and fiction.

Final Thoughts

Episode 613 of Morbid presents a compelling and unsettling case that traverses the realms of true crime, paranormal activity, and the struggles of a family under siege. Through detailed narration and insightful discussions, Ash and Elena provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of Latoya Ammons' battle against unexplained evils, the societal and institutional responses to such claims, and the lingering questions about the nature of reality and belief.

Stay Tuned: The hosts hint at upcoming episodes featuring guests and special Halloween content, promising more spine-tingling stories and engaging discussions.