The Exorcism of Roland Doe

The real case behind the most terrifying horror film ever made. A teenage boy. Unexplained phenomena. And over 30 exorcisms.

The Beginning

In 1949, a 14-year-old boy (pseudonym “Roland Doe,” real name later revealed as Ronald Hunkeler) began experiencing phenomena after his aunt’s death. His aunt had introduced him to the Ouija board. After she died, strange sounds began—scratching noises under the floorboards. Objects moved on their own, and his mattress shook violently.

The Phenomena Escalate

As weeks passed, the activity intensified. Furniture moved and flew across rooms. Roland’s bed shook so violently he couldn’t sleep. Words appeared scratched into his skin (“HELL,” “EVIL”). Marks would appear, bleed, then vanish. He spoke in languages he didn’t know, and his voice dropped to an inhuman growl.

Medical and Psychiatric Evaluation

Doctors examined Roland but found no physical cause and no psychiatric explanation. Phenomena occurred in hospital settings where medical staff witnessed events. No natural explanation could be found.

The Catholic Church Intervenes

The family contacted the Catholic Church. Father Raymond Bishop began keeping a diary. Multiple priests witnessed levitation. Objects flew at clergy. Roland’s aversion to religious objects was extreme, and holy water caused violent reactions.

The Exorcisms

Over 30 exorcism sessions were performed. Roland was restrained on a mattress as he displayed superhuman strength. He predicted the death of one priest (which proved accurate). Words continued appearing on his body, and he spoke in Latin, a language he’d never studied.

On April 18, 1949, during the final night, Roland’s voice suddenly changed. He said: “Satan! Satan! I am Saint Michael, and I command you, Satan and the other evil spirits, to leave the body now!” Roland convulsed, then went calm. The phenomena stopped permanently.

Aftermath

Roland Doe (Ronald Hunkeler) lived a normal life afterward. He married, had children, and worked for NASA. He never spoke publicly about the events and died in 2020.

The Diary

Father Bishop’s diary documented everything in 26 pages of detailed notes witnessed by multiple priests. It formed the basis for William Peter Blatty’s research. Blatty’s 1971 novel became the 1973 film.

”The Exorcist”

William Peter Blatty changed details. The male victim became female (Regan), the setting moved to Georgetown, and he added the spider-walk and head rotation. But the core events were based on the diary.

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The real case was terrifying enough. Roland Doe’s experience changed popular culture forever.