It’s the time of year when all things spooky come out to play. While some may enjoy watching horror movies or reading scary stories, others would rather avoid anything related to fear altogether. But even if you’re one of those people who usually steer clear of anything remotely spine-chilling, there’s no getting around the fact that horror is everywhere – including in the news. Here are eleven terrifying-but-true horror stories that made headlines in recent years. Brace yourself…they’re not for the faint of heart!
The Axe Murder House
The Axe Murder House is a two-story, red-brick home in Villisca, Iowa that has been dubbed “the most haunted house in America.” On the night of June 10, 1912, six members of the Moore family – parents Josiah and Sarah, and their four children: Herman, Katherine, Boyd, and Paul – were brutally murdered with an axe. The killer was never caught, and to this day the murders remain unsolved.
Many people have reported strange phenomena happening in and around the house over the years, including sightings of ghostly figures, hearing disembodied voices, and experiencing cold drafts even on hot days. So many people have claimed to see or feel ghosts at the Axe Murder House that it’s now considered one of the most haunted places in the entire country.
The Haunted Doll
There is a doll that is said to be haunted, and its story will give you chills.
The doll in question is named Annabelle and her story begins in 1970. A young couple, John and Mia, were given the doll as a gift by their roommate, who claimed that it was blessed and would bring them good luck. However, shortly after receiving Annabelle, the couple began to experience strange things happening in their apartment. Doors would open on their own, objects would move around, and they even heard footsteps when there was no one else there.
One night, John woke up to find Mia standing over him with the doll in her hand. He immediately knew that the doll was possessed by a demon and begged Mia to get rid of it before it killed them both. She eventually obliged and took Annabelle to a priest who performed an exorcism on her. The priest then placed Annabelle in a glass case at the Warren Occult Museum in Connecticut where she still resides today.
A Deadly Exorcism
On June 6th, 1949, two priests performed an exorcism on a young woman named Anna Ecklund. The exorcism lasted for over 24 hours, and Anna was left severely injured. She died a few days later. The priests claimed that they had successfully driven the demons out of her, but many people believe that they caused her death. In recent years, the case has been reopened, and new evidence has come to light. Some believe that the priests were not trying to help Anna, but were trying to cover up their involvement in her death. Whatever the truth may be, the story of Anna Ecklund is a tragic reminder of the dangers of exorcism.
Florida Devil Worshipping
Danielle Harkins, a 35-year-old schoolteacher from St. Petersburg, Florida, was arrested in 2012 for allegedly abusing seven of her former students. According to the Tampa Bay Times, friends noticed that Harkins had started to act strangely in the months leading up to her arrest, developing an interest in demonic rituals. Reportedly, Harkins would often talk about her “devil worshiping” with her friends, and would often bring up disturbing topics such as child sacrifice and cannibalism. In June 2012, police were notified of the abuse allegations, and Harkins was subsequently arrested. She is currently awaiting trial. If convicted, she could face up to life in prison.
The Death of Elisa Lam
Elisa Lam’s disappearance sparked a massive search effort. The police scoured the Cecil Hotel and the surrounding area, but there was no sign of the young woman. Her parents flew to Los Angeles and joined in the search, but still, there was no trace of Lam. As the days wore on, hope began to fade. And then, on February 19, tragedy struck. Lam’s body was found in one of the Cecil Hotel’s water tanks. It was a grim end to a mystery that had captured the public’s attention for weeks.
Lam’s death remains shrouded in mystery. She was last seen alive on January 31, entering an elevator in the Cecil Hotel lobby. Surveillance footage from that day shows her behaving oddly, pressing all of the buttons in the elevator and peering out into the hallway. Then she steps out of the elevator and out of frame. She is never seen alive again.
The most likely explanation is that Lam accidentally drowned in one of the hotel’s water tanks. However, the circumstances surrounding her death are still unclear. How did she get into the water tank? Was she alone or with someone else? And why did it take nearly three weeks for her body to be discovered? These are questions that may never be answered.
What is known is that Elisa Lam died tragically and suddenly at just 21 years old. Her death left her family and friends heartbroken and launched a nationwide conversation about mental health and suicide prevention. In a statement released after her death, Lam’s family thanked those who had contributed to the search effort and asked for privacy as they grieved their loss.
In a world where technology is constantly advancing, it’s important to remember that some things remain the same. People have always been drawn to horror stories, and they will continue to be so for years to come. Whether you’re reading them in a book, watching them on TV or cinema, or listening to them on the radio, these tales of terror are sure to send a shiver down your spine. So if you’re looking for a good scare this Halloween season, check out some of the most horrifying news stories from around the world. Just be prepared for nightmares afterward!