What Happened to the Smurl Family After The Conjuring: Last Rites?

The Smurl family's harrowing experiences in their West Pittston, Pennsylvania, home in the 1980s have become a chilling chapter in the annals of paranormal history, inspiring the latest film in the Conjuring franchise. Their story involves a series of unexplained phenomena attributed to a malevolent entity, leading to involvement from renowned paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. This article delves into the Smurls' terrifying ordeal, the Warrens' intervention, and where the family stands today, over three decades later.

Last updated: 09 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• The Smurl family experienced severe paranormal activity starting in 1985.
• Ed and Lorraine Warren investigated the case, identifying a demon and several human spirits.
• The family moved from their haunted home in 1988, which still stands today.
• Jack Smurl passed away in 2017, and his family continues to live private lives.
• Carin Smurl is active in paranormal investigation, seeking to help others who face similar challenges.

The Background of the Smurl Family

Jack and Janet Smurl moved into their duplex in October 1973, leading a seemingly normal life with their four daughters: Heather, Dawn, Shannon, and Carin. However, by 1985, they began to experience unsettling occurrences that disrupted their daily lives. Janet recalled the first incident occurring on the night of their daughter Heather's confirmation. While preparing for the ceremony, a ceiling light inexplicably fell, causing injury and panic among the family.

This incident marked the beginning of a series of unnerving events, including doors opening and closing on their own, lights flickering, and unusual sounds echoing throughout the home. The family reported experiences of levitation, shadowy figures, and aggressive physical assaults, adding to the horror of their situation. According to various accounts, Jack even claimed to have been attacked by a spirit identified as a succubus, leading them to seek help from local authorities.

Seeking Help: The Role of Ed and Lorraine Warren

Desperate for assistance, the Smurls first approached their local priest, who blessed the house but felt ill-equipped to help further. This prompted them to contact Ed and Lorraine Warren, renowned paranormal investigators who had previously tackled various hauntings. The Warrens arrived at the Smurl home with the intention of confronting the demonic presence. They used religious artefacts, including holy water and crucifixes, in hopes of expelling the entity.

Despite their efforts, the Warrens faced significant challenges. Ed reported being violently thrown back during their attempts to confront the demon, which led to a public plea for help from the Catholic Church. Lorraine identified four spirits haunting the property—three human and one demonic. Eventually, the pressure from the media and the public led the Church to assign an exorcist to the case, resulting in an exorcism conducted at the Smurl home.

The Aftermath of the Haunting

Following the exorcism, the Smurls reported a sense of relief, believing the haunting to have ceased. However, the impact of their experiences had lasting effects on their lives. In 1988, the family moved to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, seeking a fresh start away from the notoriety attached to their former home.

The house in West Pittston, where the haunting took place, remained standing and became a point of curiosity for many. New tenants reported no strange incidents, which adds to the complexity of the Smurl story. Richard Bridle, a subsequent owner, noted difficulties renting the property due to its haunted reputation, despite his belief that the claims were unfounded.

Life After the Haunting: The Smurl Family Today

Jack Smurl led a relatively quiet life after the events, working at the Topps Chewing Gum company for over 30 years until his passing in June 2017. His daughter Carin shared that he had a deep sense of regret regarding missed milestones, including their planned 50th wedding anniversary.

Janet Smurl currently resides in Laporte, Pennsylvania, while her daughters maintain a low profile. Heather has embraced a teaching career, raising her own family, whereas Dawn has supported her son Mark Glowinski II, a professional football player, in his athletic pursuits. Shannon works in the health sector but has expressed a continued interest in the supernatural, indicating that the family's past continues to influence their present.

Carin Smurl, who has entered the field of social work, has also ventured into paranormal investigation. She aims to provide support to others experiencing similar challenges, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding in the face of unexplained phenomena. Carin has publicly stated that the family's intentions were never profit-driven; their lives became a media spectacle due to circumstances beyond their control.

The Cultural Impact of the Smurl Haunting

The Smurl family's story has resonated with audiences due to its blend of supernatural terror and the relatable themes of family struggles. The horror film "The Conjuring: Last Rites" seeks to dramatise these events, bringing renewed attention to their ordeal. The family's narrative serves as a reminder of the power of belief and the complexities surrounding paranormal claims.

As the fascination with hauntings continues, the Smurls' experiences prompt questions about the nature of the supernatural and its impact on those who encounter it. The family's resilience in the face of public scrutiny showcases their strength as they navigated the fear and uncertainty brought upon by the paranormal events in their home.

What Lies Ahead for the Smurls?

As the years progress, the Smurl family remains an intriguing case study for both paranormal enthusiasts and sceptics alike. Their experiences highlight the ongoing discourse surrounding hauntings and the societal responses to such phenomena. While the family's public appearances have diminished, their legacy continues through the stories shared in media adaptations and discussions among paranormal investigators.

In an era where the supernatural continues to captivate, the Smurls' journey raises further questions about belief, understanding, and the human experience in confronting the unknown. How will the stories of those who have faced similar situations evolve as society's views on the paranormal continue to shift? The answers remain as elusive as the spirits that haunted the Smurls.

FAQs

What paranormal experiences did the Smurl family encounter?

The Smurl family reported a range of paranormal activities, including unexplained noises, doors opening and closing on their own, levitation, and physical assaults by a demonic entity.

How did Ed and Lorraine Warren get involved in the Smurl case?

The Smurls contacted the Warrens after local priests were unable to assist them, prompting the Warrens to investigate the haunting and conduct an exorcism with the help of the Church.

What happened to the Smurl family's house?

The Smurl family's house in West Pittston still stands today. Subsequent residents have reported no unusual occurrences, contrasting with the Smurls' experiences during their time there.

Where are the Smurl family members now?

Jack Smurl passed away in 2017. Janet lives in Laporte, Pennsylvania, while their daughters lead private lives, with some involved in teaching, sports, and social work.

How has the Smurl haunting influenced popular culture?

The Smurl family's experiences have inspired films, books, and documentaries, contributing to the broader conversation about hauntings and the supernatural in popular media.

As the Smurl family's story continues to unfold, it offers a glimpse into the enduring fascination with the paranormal and the resilience of those who confront it. The legacy of their experiences prompts further exploration of the unseen forces that may dwell within our homes. #Paranormal #Conjuring #SmurlFamily