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Anneliese Michel Exorcism
Anneliese Michel underwent 67 exorcisms over 10 months while refusing food. She died of malnutrition and dehydration at age 23. Her parents and two priests were convicted of negligent homicide. Audio recordings of the exorcisms survive. The case inspired 'The Exorcism of Emily Rose.'
1976
Klingenberg, Bavaria, Germany
10+ witnesses
The most documented exorcism case in modern history.
The Victim
Anneliese Michel:
- Born 1952, Germany
- Devout Catholic family
- Epilepsy diagnosed at 16
- Psychiatric treatment failed
- Believed she was possessed
The Symptoms
What she experienced:
- Demonic voices
- Violent convulsions
- Aversion to religious objects
- Self-harm
- Speaking in tongues
- Multiple “demons” identified
The Exorcisms
The rituals:
- 67 sessions over 10 months
- Two Catholic priests
- Bishop approved
- Parents present
- Audio recorded
The Demons
Entities allegedly present:
- Lucifer
- Judas Iscariot
- Nero
- Cain
- Hitler
- Others named
The Death
July 1, 1976:
- Weighed 68 pounds
- Starvation and dehydration
- Broken knees from genuflecting
- Age 23
- No medical intervention
The Trial
Legal aftermath:
- Parents convicted
- Priests convicted
- Negligent homicide
- Six months suspended
- Sparked debate