Morbid Podcast: The Perron Family Haunting
Hosts: Ash Kelley & Alaina Urquhart
Episode Date: April 2, 2026
Episode Overview
In this episode, Ash and Alaina take listeners through the chilling and infamous case of the Perron Family Haunting—the real-life inspiration behind The Conjuring movie. With their trademark blend of detailed research and playful banter, the co-hosts unpack the history of the Perron family, the haunting events they endured, and the tangled legacy of stories, media attention, and skepticism that followed. Listeners are treated to a layered exploration of what made this haunting so unnerving, the cultural echoes it set off, and the personal consequences for those who lived (and survived) it.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Introduction & Context
[02:51–09:00]
- After friendly banter and life updates, Ash introduces the haunting as the inspiration behind The Conjuring films:
"We’re going to be talking about the Perron Family Haunting today, which apparently, apparently, apparently was the inspiration for the Conjuring movies. Oh, like the first one, at least." – Ash [08:52]
- The story begins with Roger and Carolyn Perron's marriage in 1957 and the expanding family of five daughters.
2. The Perron Family's Early Life
[09:03–11:28]
- Quick rundown of the family dynamic:
- Roger: Long-haul trucker, emotionally distant, described as “less encouraging” and “not that emotionally available.”
- Carolyn: “A good mama,” thoughtful, treated each daughter as an individual.
- Andrea (eldest daughter) becomes the central chronicler.
- The family moves to Willimantic, CT, and then to Cumberland, RI, seeking roots and stability.
Quote:
"She took great pleasure in their company. It’s just like six besties living in a house. Hell, yeah." – Ash [11:09]
3. Shifting Fortunes: Tragedy and Unrest in Cumberland
[13:03–18:49]
- The death of their puppy Bathsheba in an accident marks the start of a chain of traumatic events:
- Neighborhood becomes increasingly unsafe: rise in juvenile crime, thefts, assaults, even a shocking attempted assault at the local school.
- The Perrons experience further loss: death of their cat and a home break-in.
- The accumulation drives Carolyn to urge Roger for a move:
“She basically said, in no uncertain terms… she was straight up not having a good time in Cumberland, Rhode Island.” – Ash [18:33]
Memorable Moment:
"She said, it's not for us out here in these streets. And I would like to sell this house and move into the country." – Ash [18:40]
4. Finding and Moving Into the Harrisville Farmhouse
[27:27–33:36]
- Carolyn finds an irresistible listing for a colonial farmhouse in rural Harrisville—soon revealed to be the infamous “Conjuring House.”
- Despite Roger's concerns, Carolyn places a deposit before consulting him fully.
- The family tours and ultimately moves into the house in January 1971, aided by friends, with Roger reluctantly won over by the property’s charm.
Quote:
“He was like, I also don’t think a few bad experiences are sufficient enough reason to leave. He’s like, lift your crime rate, though. I was like, the home invasion is the crime is the crime of it all upsetting to you, Roger.” – Ash [20:37]
Notable Moment:
Mr. Kenyon, the groundskeeper, leaves them with an ominous warning:
"Leave the lights on at night. Better to light a candle than curse the darkness." – Mr. Kenyon [34:17]
5. The Haunting Begins: Unexplainable Phenomena
[36:05–47:46]
- The family experiences classic “haunted house” phenomena: abundant, uncanny noises, frequent temperature fluctuations, feelings of being watched.
- The girls and Carolyn begin to share stories of their experiences:
- Apparitions (such as the "smoky" figure emerging from the cellar).
- Unpleasant odors, physical sensations, and even attacks (Cynthia’s encounter results in exhaustion; Carolyn nearly struck by a scythe thrown from the hayloft).
- Carolyn is physically attacked by a wire hanger in full view of her neighbor and five daughters.
Quote:
“They all saw this—see her being whacked across the face, head, and neck with a wire coat hanger, held in the air just, like, by some unseen force.” – Ash [47:29]
Memorable Moment:
Neighbor's repeated warning to keep the lights on:
"The Kenyons always kept the lights on overnight. All the lights every night." – Mrs. Pettigrew [48:25]
6. Isolation, Disbelief, and Escalation
[51:06–62:13]
-
Roger remains skeptical and emotionally distant, refusing to believe the women’s stories, which increases Carolyn’s stress and sense of isolation.
-
The haunting intensifies:
- Figures, cold spots, beds shaking, poltergeist activity.
- The infamous “twisted, grotesque” woman apparition appears to Carolyn at night, paralyzing her with fear.
- Apparition is described as:
“Her neck seemed to have been snapped, causing her head to tilt at an unnatural angle… she stared, gray-eyed and unblinking at Carolyn.” – Ash [54:26]
-
Andrea and the girls share more experiences, including the entity’s “friendliness” toward one child, echoing the archetype of sinister child hauntings.
Quote:
"'Mom, she loves me, Mom. She wants to be friends with her.'" – Quoting Cindy, the daughter [57:58]
7. The Legend of Bathsheba and Seeking Help
[62:13–66:38]
- Carolyn learns from a local, Fran, about the property’s history:
- Former owner Bathsheba Sherman was widely believed to be a witch who allegedly murdered a child.
- Carolyn connects this lore to their experiences.
- The family eventually reaches out to Ed and Lorraine Warren, who visit, confirm an “evil presence,” and initiate a highly publicized investigation.
Memorable Moment:
“Ed and Lorraine definitely would do their best to help the family, but they also would create a public spectacle that would benefit them more than the parents.” – Ash [65:28]
8. The Dramatic Seance and Aftermath
[66:38–70:07]
- The Warrens conduct a “cleansing”/exorcism-ritual, bringing with them an entourage of ghost hunters, shaman, and clergy.
- During the ritual, Carolyn acts possessed, uttering guttural noises.
- Roger, deeply skeptical and angry, physically confronts Ed Warren by punching him.
- The chaos ends with Roger expelling everyone from the house.
- Andrea, as an adult, reflects that her father’s denial might have sprung from guilt over having put his family in danger.
Quote:
“Do you realize you’re being played by a pair of two-bit charlatans?” – Roger to Carolyn [69:21]
9. Resolution and Legacy
[70:30–74:10]
- The haunting slowly abates in intensity after the seance but never fully resolves; the family lives in the house until 1980.
- Carolyn and Roger eventually divorce but try to maintain positive relationships with their daughters.
- Later homeowners have experienced unwanted attention from “Conjuring” fans and media, but no reported supernatural activity.
- Andrea, now grown, sees Bathsheba’s legend as exaggerated and the real history as more ambiguous.
Quotes:
“The release of the film based loosely on her family's experiences prompted a significant interest too, in the legend of Bathsheba Sherman, who Andrea and local historians now believe was unfairly maligned.” – Ash [71:39]
“I'm team Carolyn.” – Elena [69:47]
Notable Quotes & Timestamps
- "Leave the lights on at night. Better to light a candle than curse the darkness." – Mr. Kenyon [34:17]
- "Whatever had held it previously was gone. And Carolyn was just sitting there in tears, just having been hit with a wire hanger." – Ash [47:46]
- "She wants to be friends with her." – Cindy, as quoted by Ash [57:58]
- "Do you realize you’re being played by a pair of two-bit charlatans?" – Roger [69:21]
- "The Kenyons always kept the lights on overnight. All the lights every night." – Mrs. Pettigrew [48:25]
- "I'm team Carolyn." – Elena [69:47]
Memorable & Humorous Moments
- Aura farming/aura maxing tangent: Hilarious commentary on Gen Z lingo about “aura farming” and “maxing” [19:10–20:10].
- Carolyn’s impulsive house deposit:
"Carolyn said 1-800-listing agent, and she scheduled a showing for the following day." – Ash [28:26]
- Recurring bit about hauntings always being accompanied by bad smells:
"A fart cloud. A paranormal fart club. Now, as soon as the odor entered Cynthia’s nostrils. The smell was apparently so overpowering that it sent her into a coughing fit." – Ash [44:38]
Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of the Perron Haunting
[71:33–74:10]
- The story remains a foundational “real” haunting for American folklore and media (especially after The Conjuring).
- Both skepticism and belief persist, with the hosts admiring Carolyn’s resilience and acknowledging the emotional impact on the whole family.
- The episode closes with their signature humor, anticipation for spooky season, and a fond reminder of their love for haunted tales.
“Love hauntings… It’s almost spooky season.” – Ash & Elena [74:01]
Segment Timestamps (Quick Reference)
- Perron Family Background: [09:03–13:25]
- Turning Tragedy in Cumberland: [13:25–18:49]
- Finding the House: [27:27–33:36]
- Early Haunting Signs: [36:05–47:46]
- Physical Encounters and Community Warnings: [47:46–51:06]
- Disbelief and Family Strain: [51:06–62:13]
- Bathsheba Sherman Lore & The Warrens Enter: [62:13–66:38]
- Warrens’ Seance & Fallout: [66:38–70:30]
- Final Years & Modern Legacy: [70:30–74:10]
Final Thought
If you’re looking for an in-depth, entertaining, and empathetic exploration of one of America’s most famous hauntings—with all the layered humanity, cultural context, and a few legendary zingers—you’ll find this episode a can’t-miss. Keep your lights on and your auras…maxed.
