In Episode 1 of Season 2 we discuss the wild Posession of Gottliebin Dittus. Here are 5 more allegedly true possesions!

1. Possession of Roland Doe

What would a list about possession be, if the classic 1973 film, The Exorcist, wasn’t mentioned, at least once? Roland Doe’s story is what inspired the book and eventual film.

“Roland Doe” or “Robbie Mannheim“, names used to protect the real victim’s identity, was 14 at the time of the Posession. The claims started after his aunt passed away and the family started to noticed strange things happening when Roland was nearby, such as furniture moving around on its own, and vases flying across the room.

Roland went through numerous Exorcisms by Roman Catholic priests, including one at Georgetown University Hospital. During the Georgetown Exorcism, Roland slipped out of his bed restraint, ripped out a bed spring, and slashed the priest in the arm.

The final Exorcism took place at Alexian Brothers Hospital, now known as South City Hospital, in St. Louis, Missouri. Several priests we’re there to assist, this time around. According to accounts, words such as “evil” and “hell” would appear as scratches along Roland’s body, the bed would shake violently, and at one point Roland broke one of the priest’s nose.

After the St. Louis Exorcism, Roland was said to have lived a long, normal, and Possession free life . His identity has, understandably, remained unknown to this day.

2. Possession of Laura

It’s is easy to get wrapped up in the idea that a paranormal events only happened long long ago. There is something about it happening in the last 7 years that makes it more real and terrifying, a closer to home kind of feeling.

The Possession of a girl named Laura took place in 2015. You can actually watch footage of this exorcism being performed in Argentina. She lashes about while being held down and yells obscenities. It’s pretty intense to watch, so just be warned.

3. Anneliese Michel

The one who said she was possessed by Hitler, seriously. This is a very sad and tragic one because it ended in her untimely death, and it is very controversial as to why. Anneliese Michel stopped eating food and died of malnourishment and dehydration after 67 exorcism sessions. This case ended up going to trial. She has had a few films based on her posession and exorcism; including the 2005 film The Exorcism of Emily Rose, the award-winning 2006 film Requiem and the 2011 film Anneliese: The Exorcist Tapes

4.Michael Taylor

Another tragic tale. Michael Taylor, met a 21 year old pastor named, Marie Robinson, who believed she could rid demons out of him that causesd his bouts of depression. He spent a lot of time with her as a result. Only problem? He was a father of 5 and a husband. He attacked his wife when she questioned him about having an affair with Robinson. After this attack he had an exorcism with two priests. He proceeded to spit on them and bite them. He would also have seizures, and at one point he spoke in tongues. Despite the exorcism, he ended up murdering his wife the next day. The interesting thing about his case is, that they actually accepted the defenses stance that he was driven insane from the exorcism; he got away with out a conviction.

5. Clara Germans Cele

Last one on the list is a recipe for disaster, it takes place a long time ago and involves a pact with the Devil.

No animal had ever made such sounds. Neither the lions of East Africa nor the angry bulls. At times, it sounded like a veritable herd of wild beasts orchestrated by Satan had formed a hellish choir

Attending nun of St. Michael’s Mission, Natal, South Africa

In 1906 Clara Germana Cele, 16 at the time, apparently started showing erratic behavior, such as, tearing at her own clothes, growling, speaking in tongue and multiple other languages she did not know. A witnessing nun was quoted saying “ No animal had ever made such sounds. Neither the lions of East Africa nor the angry bulls. At times, it sounded like a veritable herd of wild beasts orchestrated by Satan had formed a hellish choir” Cele also exhibited super human strength. During the exorcism, in front of 170 witnesses, her body levitated, her skin burned from the touch of Holy Water, and a putrid smell left her body. The exorcism worked and she was free of the Demon, who apparently smells awful.

Originally published: October 11, 2022