The Roland Doe Exorcism

The 1949 exorcism of a boy known by the pseudonym Roland Doe became the basis for William Peter Blatty’s novel and the iconic 1973 film “The Exorcist.” The actual case, while less dramatic than its fictional adaptation, remains one of the most documented possession cases in American history.

The Beginning

The case began in Cottage City, Maryland, in January 1949. A thirteen-year-old boy began experiencing strange phenomena after the death of his aunt, who had introduced him to the Ouija board. Scratching sounds came from the walls. Objects moved on their own. The boy’s bed shook violently at night.

The family consulted doctors, who found nothing wrong. They contacted their Lutheran minister, who suggested the family seek help from the Catholic Church after witnessing the phenomena himself.

The Phenomena

The symptoms attributed to the boy included many classic possession signs. Words appeared scratched into his skin. He spoke in a guttural voice and demonstrated knowledge of private information about the priests who attended him. He exhibited violent reactions to holy objects and blessed water.

Multiple witnesses reported seeing objects move in his presence. His bed would shake and slide across the floor. During the most intense periods, he required physical restraint from multiple adults.

The Exorcism

After an initial exorcism attempt in Maryland resulted in the boy slashing a priest’s arm with a bedspring, the family traveled to St. Louis, Missouri, where Jesuit priests at St. Louis University agreed to help. Father William Bowdern led the exorcism, assisted by Father Walter Halloran.

The exorcism lasted several weeks, with sessions conducted almost nightly. A diary kept by one of the attending priests documented over forty sessions. The final session occurred on April 18, 1949, when the boy reportedly cried out “It’s over” and the symptoms ceased.

Aftermath

The boy recovered fully and went on to live a normal life, reportedly having no memory of the events. He married, had children, and lived a quiet life. His identity was protected throughout his life.