Ed and Lorraine Warren are two paranormal investigators whose name will forever be associated with some of the world’s most famous paranormal cases. There are even several movies out there, which are based on the cases of Ed and Lorraine. But who are the people behind the movies? And what are their most famous cases? Read on to find out!

Background and General Information

Edward Warren Miney and Lorraine Rita Warren are two American paranormal investigators. They are also authors, known to write about their most famous cases. Of course, some of these books have been translated into movies; this includes The Conjuring and Annabelle. One of their cases was made into several movies and a television series, Amityville.

While there are so many interesting facts about the pair, one of the most interesting facts is undoubtedly Ed’s background. Before becoming a paranormal investigator, Ed Warren served in the second World War. He was also a police officer. Later on, he would become a demonologist, author, and lecturer. Why he underwent such a drastic career switch is still unknown.

Lorraine is just as interesting as her husband though. While her husband identified as a demonologist, Lorraine professes she is a clairvoyant and a light trance medium. As husband and wife, the pair has investigated numerous famous cases inside and outside the United States.

At the time of this article, Lorraine Warren is 91 and lives in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Unfortunately, Ed Warren died several years ago at the age of 79.

“No, I don’t fear death, not one iota, I know I’ll be going to a beautiful place, a place so spectacular it defies words.” – Ed Warren

Their Most Famous Cases?

The Warrens had many famous cases over the years. To give you an accurate overview of their most famous cases, we went looking for their most detailed ones. So, if you would like to know more about Ed and Lorraine’s work, be sure to read the overview of cases below.

Annabelle

One of the most intriguing and controversial cases the Warrens have ever worked on is the case of Annabelle, a case also depicted in movies such as The Conjuring and Annabelle. Even though the movies are loosely based on the facts, Annabelle the doll can be viewed in the Warrens’ Occult Museum in Monroe, Connecticut.

According to the Warrens, Annabelle is a Raggedy Ann doll who was gifted to a student nurse in the 70’s. The student nurse and her roommate claimed the doll was possessed by a spirit called “Annabelle Higgins”. While they originally cared for the doll, the pair became scared of the doll’s behavior and would call upon Ed and Lorraine.

In the end, Annabelle was taken by Ed and Lorraine, who displayed her in their occult museum. The doll is displayed in a special case and visitors are warned not to touch the case or remove the doll from it.

The Perron Family

Another Warren case that got made into a movie is the case of the Perron Family, which originated in Harrisville, Rhode Island. It is claimed the Perron’s home was haunted by a 19th-century witch, who cursed the property.

The Perron family’s story was made into the famous movie The Conjuring. Lorraine Warren was consulted to the movie and contributed to the overall result.

Amityville

Undoubtedly one of the most famous cases in the world, but also one of the most criticized ones, is the Amityville case. The case took place in a town in Long Island called Amityville. It is believed the haunting started in 1974.

On November 13, 1974, Ronald J. DeFeo Jr. murdered his entire family with a .35 Marlin rifle. He murdered both his parents as well as his four siblings. It is believed the haunting commenced after the killings. However, Ronald J. DeFeo Jr. claims there was another demonic presence in the House already, forcing him to kill his family.

After the killings, the notorious house would get some new owners: the Lutz family. The family bought the house thirteen months after the killing at a greatly reduced price, considering the horror that took place there.

The Lutz family only managed to remain in the haunted house for 28 days. During their time there, the family reported all kinds of paranormal activity; this included strange odors, and dropping temperatures. However, there are some specific paranormal reports that are truly terrifying.

When a priest was invited to bless the house, he claimed to hear a voice screaming at him to get out. He also told the Lutz family never to sleep in one specific room in the house, believing it was the central point of demonic activity.

George Lutz also claimed he would wake up at 3:15 am every morning. Coincidentally, this was the time Ron DeFeo killed his family a year before the family moved in. The family would also report green slime oozing through a keyhole and red eyes staring at them through a window. There were also reports of levitation.

The Amityville story did have quite the fallout. Both George and Kathy Lutz took a lie detector test and passed, only for their former lawyer to discount the claims as a hoax later. However, the son of the family, Daniel Lutz, stood by the story. He states the Amityville house has ruined his life. He also stated he still has nightmares about their time in the house.

Surprisingly, the Amityville house has been inhabited by four different families since the Lutz family fled the home. It was resold again in 2017 for $605,000, $200,000 less than the asking price. Despite the controversy, there is certainly something wrong with the house.

The Amityville story has been made into several movies and a television series. It is one of the most contested ghost stories until this day, but the Warrens have always stood behind their belief the house was truly haunted. One thing is certain, Amityville is the house that put the Warrens on the paranormal map. However, the real truth about the house may never be discovered. At least, not in this lifetime.

Criticism

Ed and Lorraine Warren were and still are criticized a lot, which is no surprise since most of us have a healthy skepticism when it comes to the occult. However, I believe Ed Warren said it best when he talked about the criticism, so I leave you with his quotes to mull over.

“THE NAME OF THE GAME IS TO EXPOSE EVIL FOR WHAT IT REALLY IS, DO NOT BE FRIGHTENED FOR GOD IS ON OUR SIDE, THE HOLY VIRGIN IS ON OUR SIDE SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL IS ON OUR SIDE

THE MARTYRS ARE ON OUR SIDE.

THE ATHEISTS, THE DEVIL WORSHIPERS,EVIL IN ALL FORMS CANNOT DEFEAT SUCH AN ARMY. BE PROUD OF WHAT YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU ARE DOING. HOLD YOUR HEAD UP HIGH AND SHAME THE DEVIL”

Author information