1980s in Pennsylvania

The Smurl haunting refers to claims made by Jack and Janet Smurl of West Pittston, Pennsylvania, U.S., who alleged that a demon inhabited their home between 1974 and 1989. The Smurls' claims gained wide press attention and were investigated by demonologists who encouraged the family to believe that demons were to blame, and clergy, psychologists, and scientific skeptics who offered more parsimonious explanations. The Smurls' version of their story was the subject of a 1986 paperback titled The Haunted and a 1991 made-for-TV movie of the same name released by 20th Century Fox. The 2025 horror film, The Conjuring: Last Rites, offers a loosely adapted portrayal of the Smurl haunting. The YouTube video created by Sam and Colby called The NEW Conjuring House: A Night Turned Demonic, attempts to debunk the situation the Smurl family lived in, allegedly proving that half of what they claimed were lies using a "spiritboard", the YouTubers were able to contact an entity named Patrick. They supposedly removed the demonic entity known as "It" from their establishment with their third exorcism attempt, but proceeded to lie for money and fame by taking their story to the press, being paid for interviews that would be broadcast countrywide would then seem to create an Egregore that would pose as the past evil entity as more fame was brought.