Haunted doll's handler says it's not responsible for disasters while on tour
A cursed doll rumored to have gone missing while touring the US with a traveling exhibit is being blamed for local disasters including a fire and a jailbreak.
The 'Annabelle' doll, which some believe is demon-possessed and was featured in The Conjuring horror films, is on a paranormal tour along with other items belonging to her ghost hunter owners.
Word on the street in mid-May was that Anabelle vanished while stopping at the Ghost City Tours office in New Orleans. It happened to be the same week that a fire tore through a nearby plantation and 10 prisoners escaped from a jail.
But Tony Spera, the owner of the Warren Occult Museum in Monroe, Connecticut, said that Annabelle is 'safely back' there locked in her display case.
'You know, it's easy for rumors to start. The fact of the matter is, that doll was never out of our sight, never out of our control,' Spera told NBC News this week.
'It's in a protective case that many precautions were taken to make it safe.'
Paranormal investigator Ryan Buell sought to further quell rumors by posting a video on Facebook on May 24 of himself at the museum.
'She's not in Chicago, she never was in Chicago, and she's not missing because she's right behind me,' said Buell, while pointing the camera towards him with the doll sitting in the case over his shoulder.
Still, social media users and conspiracy theorists have been skeptical about those accounts of Annabelle's whereabouts.
A blaze destroyed the Nottoway Plantation House between Baton Rouge and New Orleans on May 15, and the very next day, inmates escaped from the Orleans Justice Center.
Annabelle was touring in New Orleans on May 13 and 14, and among the precautions that were taken were having a Catholic priest alongside the doll.
Some people are 'absolutely convinced' that Ghost City Tours is at fault for the fire and jailbreak, said its founder Tim Nealon.
One Facebook user asked why Annabelle wasn't left at the Connecticut museum and wrote on Ghost City Tours' page: 'Did it cross your mind maybe she was there for a reason. Some things are better left alone.'
'I did not think people were taking it seriously, I kept seeing jokes about it on Instagram and TikTok,' Nealon told USA Today.
'But, I didn't realize people were out here like, actually thinking that this was legit.' More Trending
Spera said he doesn't blame people for being skeptical.
'If people don't know about the demonic, it's very difficult to believe that these thing are happening,' he said.
'But they do happen.'
Annabelle has been on sold-out tours across the US – and Buell said that plans are underway for her to be at the Rock Island Roadhouse Esoteric Expo in Illinois on October 4.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
MORE: Family business '£10,000 out of pocket' after Meta blocks their accounts for 12 weeks
MORE: British journalist Charlotte Peet who vanished in Brazil four months ago has been found
MORE: FDA tomato recall elevated to highest level due to salmonella risk
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Tech CEO killed in horror mid-air skydiving crash after ‘pal's knee hit his head' as cousin pays tribute to ‘family man'
A TECH CEO was killed when his friend's knee smashed into his head in a freak mid-air skydiving collision. Thomas Britis, the 44-year-old head of a fiberoptics firm, crashed down into a field after he and his pal leapt from a small plane in Brazil, according to local officials. 3 Thomas Britis, 44, was killed in a freak skydiving collision Credit: Facebook 3 The tech CEO was declared dead at a hospital after Saturday's crash Credit: Facebook/Luiza Dias 3 His parachute opened, but he crashed down in a field far from the landing zone Credit: G1 Globo Both the pair's parachutes deployed, reports Brazilian outlet G1, suggesting Thomas had been able to release it but unable to gain control. He was rushed to a local hospital but tragically died from his injuries. Thomas, CEO of Voluy Telecom, was described by his family as a "very experienced" skydiver who had been jumping from planes since 2014. He and his friend bagan their jump from the Boituva National Skydiving Center in São Paulo state. read more in world news BIKINI BRAWL Moment women brawl on beach in Ukraine after group 'played Russian music' His dive partner was reportedly also treated in hospital. Both the parachutes and a helmet were seized by police, and forensics are working to identity the precise cause of death. Police are also investigating the death, which is currently being treated as suspicious. Thomas's cousin, Mayra, paid him an emotional tribute. She told G1: "He worked very hard, was very loving to his son, to his family. "He was so experienced, it was such a silly accident. No one ever imagined it would happen." Tragic Highway Crash in Idaho: Seven Dead in Tour Van Collision Mayra continued: "I was getting ready to go get my nails done when I got the phone call. I broke the news of the death to the rest of the family. I live in Uberlândia and had to come to Pouso Alegre. He was so young, he was in the best phase of his life, doing something he loved so much. "Despite the distance, we were always close. Thomas was also best man at my wedding." She insisted: "There was no one who didn't love him." Their statement read: 'His energy, commitment, and passion for innovation left a profound mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. "In this time of mourning, we join in solidarity with his family, friends, and all who share this great loss." Thomas's company remembered him as a passionate leader. The Brazilian Parachuting Confederation (CBPq) said it regretted the accident, and explained that the collision happened during the separation phase of a "Desloc" jump. This is a free flight technique where the parachutist uses the body to generate lift and horizontal movement while falling. The CBPq has already instructed a technical expert to prepare a report into the accident. A statement from the parachuting body read: "At this difficult time, our thoughts are with our athlete, his family, and the entire skydiving community. "We reiterate our commitment to the safety and integrity of everyone involved in our sporting activity." The Boituva city hall confirmed that both jumped had their parachutes open when they landed - but that Thomas's decent was uncontrolled. He was rescued by the Fire Department and taken to São Luís Hospital, where his death was confirmed.
Metro
2 hours ago
- Metro
Black cabbie returns £100,000 Hermès handbag to rightful owner
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A black cab driver has been hailed for his honesty after returning a £100,000 designer handbag to its rightful owner. Terry quickly went viral after finding the Hermes clutch bag in his back seat and returning it safely to her fancy central London hotel the next day. After giving the grateful woman a cheeky thumbs up, Terry said: 'I noticed the bag on the backseat after the fare got out. I could see straight away this wasn't an ordinary handbag. 'I drove straight back to the hotel to return it. That's just what we do. This is why London black cabs are the best in the world — we're trusted.' Returning the bag, which appears to be either crocodile or alligator skin, the tattooed driver bonded with the woman over his love of Dubai's golf courses. The person who posted the video claimed Terry received a £200 tip and a flights-included stay in Dubai at the hotel the grateful customers owned. Hana Al Ha later posted a heartfelt message on social media, thanking the driver for his incredible honesty. In her post, she wrote: 'It's rare to meet someone with such integrity and genuine care for others. More Trending 'Please know how much I appreciate the trouble you went through, and how deeply grateful I am for your actions. You turned what could have been a stressful experience into a reminder of the goodness in people. 'Thank you once again for going out of your way — I won't forget it.' The Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association (LTDA) highlighted the act of good will as proof of why London's black cab industry must be safeguarded. In a statement, the LTDA said: 'London's cabbies continue to set the gold standard in service and trustworthiness. This driver's actions exemplify why black cabs remain the safest and most reliable form of transport in London.' MORE: Boxer who punched Princess Anne's kidnapper wishes he hit 'mollycoddled killer' harder MORE: Thousands of Santander bikes not working across London after software upgrade MORE: Man slashed in the arm with samurai sword in Canary Wharf
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Meghan Markle drops new vintage of As Ever rose that has to be bought in BULK and has less alcohol
ROSÉ TINTED GLASSES Meghan Markle drops new vintage of As Ever rose that has to be bought in BULK and has less alcohol Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MEGHAN Markle has unveiled the latest rosé from her As Ever lifestyle brand - following the rapid sell-out of the previous vintage in under an hour. The Duchess of Sussex's new rosé has a slightly lighter touch, containing one percent less alcohol than its predecessor. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Meghan Markle releases new rose Credit: Instagram/As Ever 3 It comes as her last rose sold out within an hour Credit: Instagram/Meghan 3 Meghan markle releases new rose wine .. Credit: Instagram/Meghan The wine is available exclusively in packs of three, six or twelve. A newsletter from As ever announced: "It's here — our 2024 Napa Valley Rosé." "With a graceful blush hue, the 2024 Napa Valley Rosé evokes the same effortlessly elegant notes of our debut vintage: delicately balanced, with soft notes of stone fruit, a gentle minerality and a lasting finish," it continued. "Reminiscent of the finest Provencal styles, this thoughtfully crafted blend is perfect for summer's end. Cheers!" It comes as Meghan's 2023 Napa Valley Rosé sold out within an hour. More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
