The Bridgeport Poltergeist

In November 1974, a small house in Bridgeport, Connecticut, became the site of dramatic poltergeist activity. The case drew attention because numerous officials, including police officers and firefighters, witnessed the phenomena firsthand.

The Family

The Goodin family had recently moved into the house on Lindley Street. Almost immediately, strange things began happening. A television set flew across the room. Furniture moved on its own. Heavy objects fell from shelves.

The activity centered on ten-year-old Marcia Goodin.

The Witnesses

What distinguished this case was the quality of witnesses. Police officers responding to calls witnessed objects moving. Firefighters saw furniture topple. A Catholic priest was struck by flying objects.

The house became a media circus. Crowds gathered outside. Reporters attempted to document the phenomena. Ed and Lorraine Warren investigated.

The Phenomena

Witnesses reported:

• A refrigerator rocking violently
• A television levitating and crashing
• Chairs moving across rooms
• Loud banging sounds from walls
• Religious objects being flung about

Controversy

As with many high-profile cases, questions arose about hoaxing. Some investigators reported catching Marcia moving objects when she thought she wasn’t observed. Others insisted the phenomena were genuine.

Resolution

The activity ceased after a few weeks. The family moved, and no further phenomena were reported.

Assessment

The Bridgeport poltergeist remains controversial. The number of official witnesses suggests something unusual occurred, but questions about the focus person complicate the case.