"A Haunting in Connecticut" is a chilling tale of a family's ordeal with paranormal phenomena, based on true events that took place in the 1980s. The Snedeker family's experiences in their rented house in Southington, Connecticut, became the subject of both a book and a movie. This article delves into the detailed account of their haunting.

The Snedeker Family Moves In

In 1986, Carmen and Al Snedeker, along with their three children, moved into a rental house in Southington, Connecticut. They needed to be closer to the UConn Health Center in Farmington, where their eldest son, Philip, was receiving treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma. The large house seemed perfect for the family's needs, but it came with a dark history that they were initially unaware of.

The House's Sinister History

The Snedekers soon discovered that their new home had previously been a funeral parlor. The basement, which was converted into a bedroom for their sons, still contained mortuary equipment, including a gurney, blood drainage pit, and coffin lift. This revelation marked the beginning of a series of terrifying events for the family.

Paranormal Phenomena Begin

The haunting started subtly with items mysteriously disappearing and reappearing. The family heard strange noises, and cold spots were felt throughout the house. However, the disturbances quickly escalated:

• Apparitions: The Snedekers reported seeing ghostly figures. Carmen claimed to see a thin man with high cheekbones and long black hair dressed in a pinstriped suit. Her niece, who stayed with them, also reported seeing spirits.
• Physical Attacks: The family members experienced physical attacks. Carmen reported being groped by unseen hands, and the children claimed to have been pushed and slapped by invisible entities.
• Philip's Transformation: Philip's behavior changed drastically. He became withdrawn, angry, and violent. He started having visions of dead people and described seeing a man with black eyes. His personality changes were so extreme that he was eventually sent to a psychiatric hospital.

The Warrens' Investigation

Desperate for help, the Snedekers contacted Ed and Lorraine Warren, renowned paranormal investigators. The Warrens, who had worked on numerous high-profile hauntings, took on the case and conducted a series of investigations.

• Lorraine's Clairvoyance: Lorraine Warren, a clairvoyant, claimed to sense a dark presence in the house. She believed that the spirits of those who had been treated and prepared for burial in the funeral home were still lingering, alongside more malevolent entities.
• Ed's Investigation: Ed Warren discovered accounts of necromancy and necrophilia connected to the funeral home, which, according to the Warrens, contributed to the house's malevolent energy.

The Exorcism

The Warrens, along with a team of priests, conducted an exorcism to cleanse the house of its dark entities. According to their accounts, the exorcism was successful, and the house was eventually deemed free of paranormal activity.

The Aftermath

The Snedekers moved out of the house after their ordeal. Carmen Snedeker continued to share their story, which was documented in the book "In a Dark Place: The Story of a True Haunting," co-written by Ray Garton with the Warrens and the Snedekers. This book became the basis for the 2009 film "The Haunting in Connecticut."

Controversy and Skepticism

The case, like many of the Warrens' investigations, has faced considerable skepticism and controversy. Author Ray Garton later claimed that the story he wrote was a combination of various exaggerated and inconsistent accounts from the Snedekers. He suggested that the Warrens encouraged the embellishment of events for dramatic effect.

Neighbors and previous tenants of the house also disputed the Snedekers' claims, stating that they never experienced anything unusual while living there. Critics argue that the family's stress over Philip's illness and financial difficulties could have contributed to a psychological rather than a supernatural crisis.

Conclusion

"A Haunting in Connecticut" remains one of the most compelling and debated cases in the annals of paranormal lore. Whether viewed as a genuine haunting or a product of stress and suggestion, the Snedekers' story continues to captivate and terrify audiences. The blend of documented events, personal testimonies, and paranormal investigations make it a notable entry in the exploration of the supernatural.