Podcast Summary: True Crime Obsessed – Episode 428: The Devil on Trial

Introduction

In Episode 428 of True Crime Obsessed, hosts Jillian Bathivale and Patrick Hines delve into the Netflix documentary The Devil on Trial. Released on May 13, 2025, this episode provides a critical and in-depth analysis of the documentary, dissecting its portrayal of demonic possession, the involvement of famed paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, and the subsequent murder trial that captivated audiences.

Overview of "The Devil on Trial"

The Devil on Trial narrates the chilling story of the Glatzel family from Brookfield, Connecticut, focusing on their 11-year-old son, David, who alleges demonic possession. The documentary chronicles the family's descent into turmoil, the intervention of Ed and Lorraine Warren, and the sensational murder of Alan Bono, the family's dog groomer and Debbie Glatzel's boyfriend.

Hosts’ Critique of the Warrens

From the outset, Jillian and Patrick express strong skepticism towards Ed and Lorraine Warren, labeling them as "grifters" and questioning the authenticity of their paranormal claims. Patrick bluntly states, “Yes. They suck. They're such grifters” ([00:02]). This critical stance sets the tone for their analysis, as they dissect the documentary's narrative and the Warrens' role in perpetuating the family's alleged supernatural experiences.

Key Events Discussed

1. Family Dynamics and Initial Possession Claims ([01:30] – [04:00])

   • David Glatzel claims to be possessed by a demon, leading to erratic behavior and violent outbursts.
   • The family’s initial disbelief is quickly overridden by their fear, prompting them to seek help from the Warrens.

2. Involvement of Ed and Lorraine Warren ([14:56] – [16:04])

   • The documentary portrays the Warrens as seasoned demonologists bringing their expertise to the Glatzel case.
   • Hosts mock the formal titles and methodologies of the Warrens, suggesting a lack of genuine supernatural evidence.

3. The Murder of Alan Bono ([40:00] – [47:58])

   • Arnie Johnson, Debbie’s boyfriend, murders Alan Bono during a fallout allegedly linked to demonic possession.
   • The defense attempts to use "demonic possession" as an alibi, culminating in a highly publicized trial.

Examination of Evidence

Jillian and Patrick scrutinize the documentary's presented evidence, including audio recordings and photographs. They highlight inconsistencies and question the authenticity of supernatural occurrences. For instance, Patrick points out the lack of audio evidence during critical events: “We don't hear any of the audio recordings” ([02:35]).

Alternative Explanations

The hosts propose that the family's reported supernatural experiences may stem from psychological manipulation and prior abuse. Carl Glatzel, the oldest brother, reveals that their mother had been administering Sominex to control the family, leading to mood swings and hallucinations ([67:00]). This revelation suggests that David's behavior could be attributed to long-term medication rather than demonic influence.

Legacy and Impact

The episode discusses how the Glatzel family's case significantly boosted the reputations of Ed and Lorraine Warren, drawing parallels to the infamous Amityville case. Jillian asserts, “The Warrens come in and do that rude thing about victims by making it this like spooky ooky story” ([16:16]). The hosts criticize the Warrens for capitalizing on tragedy for personal gain, ultimately reducing real suffering to mere entertainment.

Conclusion

Jillian and Patrick conclude that The Devil on Trial perpetuates a false narrative of demonic possession, obscuring the real issues of family abuse and psychological manipulation. They emphasize the importance of scrutinizing such documentaries critically, advocating for a focus on factual accuracy over sensationalism.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Patrick Hines (00:02): “Yes. They suck. They're such grifters.”
• Jillian Bathivale (04:00): “He was a creep, I think.”
• Patrick Hines (14:56): “The Conjuring is about Ed and Lorraine Warren. Right. Are they given those names in the movie?”
• Jillian Bathivale (26:26): “You hear, so I'm glad. At least he listens to my father.”
• Carl Glatzel (47:29): “In front of people. She tried to portray herself as a holy roller and all this other stuff, but that was not even close to reality.”
• Patrick Hines (58:35): “Only after that conversation, did David do any of this? He learned what to do from the warrants he was told.”
• Jillian Bathivale (67:50): “But David the son is like, my mother would never do that. She would never have drugged the family.”

Final Thoughts

Episode 428 of True Crime Obsessed offers a skeptical lens through which to view The Devil on Trial. By challenging the legitimacy of the Warrens and presenting alternative explanations for the family's distress, Jillian and Patrick encourage listeners to question popular true crime narratives and seek deeper understanding beyond sensationalized stories.