Podcast Summary: "The Devil Made Me Do It: The Case Behind A Big Screen Haunting | Crimes Of..."

Podcast: Scams, Money & Murder
Episode: The Devil Made Me Do It
Date: March 29, 2026
Hosts: Sabrina Dianaroga & Corinne Vien, Crime House

Episode Overview

In this episode, Sabrina and Corinne launch their new season investigating the intersection of true crime and the paranormal, focusing on the infamous “Devil Made Me Do It” case. They explore the 1981 murder trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, who claimed demonic possession as his defense—the first time such a claim was made in US court. The hosts revisit the events leading up to the murder, examining both the evidence for and skepticism of possession, and share their own perspectives as lifelong believers in the paranormal.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene: Crime, Paranormal, and a Chilling Case

• Introduction to the Season: Exploring true crime cases with paranormal ties (05:03).
• Case Introduction: The murder of Alan Bono by Arne Cheyenne Johnson; the claim of demonic possession as a legal defense (05:20–06:53).

2. The Incident: Fact, Tragedy, and Controversy

• Details of the Murder: Johnson stabbed his landlord and friend, Alan Bono. The evidence was clear—witnesses and a murder weapon—but Johnson claimed no memory of the act, insisting, “the devil made me do it” (06:20–10:09).
  • “19 year old Arne Cheyenne Johnson claimed that he has no memory, doesn’t remember stabbing his landlord to death. But the evidence is undeniable.” – Sabrina (10:09)
• Public & Legal Sensation: The claim shocked the legal system and media, drawing widespread attention.

3. The Glatzel Family Haunting: Origins of the “Possession”

• Initial Paranormal Events: Before Arne’s possession claim, his girlfriend’s 12-year-old brother, David Glatzel, experienced disturbing phenomena after helping clean a new rental house (12:13–19:09).
  • David saw a “black-eyed man” who warned him: “Beware.” Later, David insisted, “He wants my soul.” (16:32)
• Escalation at Home: After David’s experience, physical disturbances began—violent noises, shaking, and claims of choking by unseen forces (22:11–23:43).

4. Calling the Warrens: Evidence and Investigation

• Ed and Lorraine Warren Enter: The famous paranormal investigators were contacted for help (24:17–27:12). Lorraine is described as a clairvoyant; the Warrens conducted sessions and believed David was targeted by a demon.
• Documenting the Possession: The Warrens encouraged recording all incidents as evidence for the church to approve an exorcism (34:14).
• Supernatural Events Documented: Witnessed and recorded—unusual strength, violent outbursts, quoting religious texts without prior knowledge, strange voices (35:22–37:57).
  • “He would quote Bible verses and Paradise Lost despite never reading them.” – Corinne (37:18)

5. The Exorcism(s): Transfer of the Demon

• Several Rituals: Multiple exorcisms—disputed in location and by church officials (39:04–41:19). Physical contortions, coldness, and supernatural resistance.
  • Arne intervened during an exorcism, shouting, “Leave this little kid alone. I’m here. Take me on.” (43:32)
• Aftermath: David's symptoms disappeared, but the Warrens warned the danger was now with Arne.

6. Arne Johnson’s Decline and the Murder

• Behavioral Changes: Post-exorcism, Arne became irritable, dissociative, witnessed growling and odd behavior (51:06).
• Murder of Alan Bono: On February 16, 1981, after an altercation involving Debbie, her relatives, and Alan Bono, Arne fatally stabbed Alan, then wandered away “in a trance” (52:25–55:26).
  • “Arnie stood in front of Alan, stiff as a board, his face completely expressionless...all of a sudden, Arnie let out a deep guttural growl and lunged forward, holding something shiny in his hand.” – Sabrina (53:12–53:43)
• Arrest and Claim: Arne claimed no memory and insisted he’d been overtaken (55:14–55:55).

7. The Legal Battle: Demons in the Courtroom

• Novel Defense: Not guilty by reason of demonic possession, supported with tapes and testimony from the Warrens (56:44).
• Judicial Rejection: The judge refused to allow the demonic possession defense, so the case pivoted to self-defense (61:06).
  • “That same day, the judge declared that demonic possession was not a viable defense...” – Corinne (61:06)
• Verdict: Found guilty of manslaughter; sentenced to 10–20 years, served only 5 (62:33).

8. Was It Paranormal? Exploring Faith vs Skepticism

• Family Divided: Some, like David and his mother, remain convinced of the supernatural; others, like his brother Carl and father, reject it as a hoax or result of suggestion (64:15).
  • “The Carls...they refused to buy any of it. To them, the ‘demon’ was nothing more than a hoax, that David was just acting up for attention.” – Sabrina (64:15)
• Alternative Theories:
  • Power of suggestion: Did the Warrens influence the family's experience?
  • Psychological explanations: Mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia) examined and more or less dismissed by hosts due to lack of symptoms before/after (58:34, 63:22).
  • Medication hypothesis: Benadryl/side effects considered and refuted (66:19–67:16).
  • Criticism of the Warrens: Claims of profiteering and exaggeration, with the family receiving far less from the book deal than the Warrens (67:20–68:13).

9. Pop Culture & Legacy

• Movie Adaptations: The case inspired “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It,” but the hosts find it less faithful and dramatic than reality (71:36–72:28).
• Ongoing Debate: Hosts remain open but skeptical about Arne’s own possession, while convinced about David’s (68:13–69:12).
  • “I absolutely believe that David Glatzel was possessed… I do question whether Arne was possessed…” – Sabrina (68:13)

10. Reflections: Unanswered Questions & Philosophical Takeaways

• Ultimate Mystery: The truth may never be known—paranormal or not, a life was lost, and the broader debate about evil versus illness continues (72:42–73:42).
  • “Even now, it’s hard to know for sure what happened on that February day in 1981. Was Arne just a killer? Or was he the victim of a vengeful demon?” – Corinne (72:42)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Either a demon really did force this young man to murder his own friend, or it was nothing more than a delusion.” – Sabrina (08:13)
• “He wants my soul.” – David Glatzel, recounted by Sabrina (16:32)
• “This exorcism was supposed to save David, but it looked like it was killing him.” – Corinne (42:41)
• “Do you realize what you’ve done?” – Lorraine Warren (44:40)
• “I volunteer as tribute...” – Sabrina, referencing Arne’s decision (46:30)
• “Mental illness is very real. I have it. But in this case, it doesn’t apply…” – Sabrina (63:22)
• “But for Arnie and David, the demon was very, very real.” – Sabrina (73:07)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Paranormal Would-You-Rather & Opening Game: 01:19–02:45
• Case Introduction & Warnings: 05:03–06:20
• The House, David’s Encounter, & The “Beware” Incident: 12:13–16:32
• First Night of Haunting Violence: 22:11–23:43
• Warrens Arrive / Documenting Events: 24:17–29:09
• Kitchen Table Confrontation / “Knock Three Times”: 29:09–31:10
• Exorcism & Arne’s Sacrifice: 39:04–44:42
• Aftermath, Possession Transfer, and Arne’s Odd Behavior: 47:47–51:27
• Alan Bono’s Murder: 52:25–55:26
• The Demonic Defense in Court: 56:44–61:06
• Judicial Rejection & Self-Defense Outcome: 61:06–62:33
• Family Reactions and Continual Debate: 63:42–66:00
• Pop Culture, Movie Adaptations, and Final Reflections: 71:36–73:40

Conclusion

This episode offers a richly detailed account and analysis of the “Devil Made Me Do It” case, blending supernatural lore with true crime investigation. The hosts, while pausing to acknowledge their own beliefs, provide both the paranormal claims and the skeptical counterpoints—ultimately inviting listeners to examine where myth and reality may intersect. Whether one believes in possession or not, the episode confronts the tragedies and questions that haunt this landmark case.