**Haunting Legacy: The Smurl Family’s Journey Through Terror**
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In the 1980s, the Smurl family from West Pittston, Pennsylvania, became embroiled in events that would change their lives forever. Jack and Janet Smurl, along with their four daughters, Heather, Dawn, Shannon, and Carin, reported a series of horrifying paranormal incidents that not only affected their family but also caught the attention of the media and paranormal investigators.
The family’s ordeal began shortly after moving into their duplex home in October 1973. It was not until April 9, 1985, during a seemingly ordinary evening as they prepared for their daughter Heather’s confirmation, that the first significant incident occurred. As Janet pinned Heather’s robe, a ceiling light fixture unexpectedly plummeted to the table, narrowly missing the family members present. The incident left an indelible mark on the refrigerator and a traumatic memory for the family.
From that point onward, the house became the site of escalating disturbances. The Smurls reported instances of doors opening and shutting unaided, light fixtures flickering, and disembodied noises causing escalating alarm. Particularly troubling were claims that the family’s sleeping arrangements were disrupted by violent shaking of their bed and the presence of shadowy figures. At one point, Janet recounted being forcibly pulled from her bed at night, while other unusual phenomena included foul smells and eerie animal-like noises.
Seeking relief from their nightly terrors, Jack and Janet turned to their local Catholic priest for assistance; however, their pleas were met with scepticism. This prompted the Smurls to seek help from famed paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. The couple, known for their involvement in high-profile hauntings, became the last hope for the Smurl family.
The Warrens quickly identified a malevolent spirit, later classified as a succubus, haunting the household. Despite their initial efforts, which included prayer and holy water, the Warrens faced intense resistance from the entity. Ed Warren described an encounter where he was thrown across the room, highlighting the dangerous nature of the entity they were dealing with.
Public speculation grew regarding the Smurl case, and as pressure mounted, a consecrated exorcist from the church was finally assigned to address the haunting. The exorcism was reportedly successful, leading the Smuls to believe their home had been cleared of the malevolent presence.
Years later, the house remains standing in West Pittston, yet its eerie legacy continues to linger. The Smurls moved to Wilkes-Barre in 1988, and the property has since changed hands multiple times. New residents have reported no unusual occurrences, suggesting that the haunting may have subsided after the exorcism.
Jack Smurl lived a quiet life following the media spotlight, working for the Topps Chewing Gum company for over three decades and remaining active in his local community. He passed away on June 22, 2017, at the age of 75. His widow, Janet, moved to Laporte, Pennsylvania, where she continued to lead a private life until her own passing on January 10, 2026.
The couple’s daughters have also largely maintained a low profile. Heather now works as a teacher and is a mother to two grown children. Dawn raised her son Mark Glowinski II, who has pursued a career in professional football. Meanwhile, Shannon, who works in health services, has revealed her ongoing interest in the paranormal and has even engaged in ghost-hunting ventures.
Carin, who contributes to the field of social work, firmly defends her family’s experiences against allegations of fabrication. She expressed frustration over misconceptions surrounding their ordeal, stating, “It’s everyone else that blew it up into a nightmare. We battled the demons inside and the public outside.” Carin has taken on a role as a part-time paranormal investigator to assist others facing similar situations, motivated by her family’s traumatic past.
The Smurl family’s harrowing experiences were recently reconceived on screen, inspiring the 2025 film “The Conjuring: Last Rites.” While they have since moved on from the haunting’s aftermath, the story of their plight continues to resonate, reminding us of the complex relationship between personal trauma and public fascination with the supernatural.