The true story behind NetFlix’s Devil on Trial and Arne Cheyenne Johnson, the ‘demon-possessed’ man who stabbed his landlord to death explored.
On October 17, 2023, a new Netflix documentary titled The Devil on Trial was released for worldwide viewing for true crime fanatics.
It is a real-life story that dated over 40 years ago, and about a man who claimed the Devil made him stab his landlord to death.
The case became the country’s first known court case blaming demonic possession for a murder.
The victim, Alan Bono was brutally murdered in 1981 in Brookfield, Connecticut by his 19-year-old tenant, Arne Cheyenne Johnson.
Here’s what we know about the murderer and where he is today.
Who is Arne Cheyenne Johnson?
Arne Cheyenne Johnson is infamously associated with the “Devil Made Me Do It” case.
On February 16, 1981, Johnson repeatedly stabbed his landlord Alan Bono.
The incident resulted in the latter’s death and the former’s arrest.
The day after Johnson’s arrest, paranormal investigator Lorraine Warren contacted the Brookfield Police to vouch for him.
Lorraine and Ed Warren were certain Johnson’s fatal stabbing of Bono was triggered by an episode of demonic possession.
According to the Warrens, Johnson was possessed by a devilish entity that was passed on to him from his girlfriend Debbie Glatzel’s younger brother David, per TheSun.
The Warrens first encountered Johnson when they were investigating David Glatzel’s encounters with the supernatural.
The Warrens theorized Johnson was attacked by the same entity haunting the Glatzels because he egged on the presence during David’s exorcism.
On November 24, 1981, Johnson was found guilty of first-degree manslaughter.
He was sentenced to 10-20 years in prison but only served five for good behavior.
Where is Arne Cheyenne Johnson now?
Arne Cheyenne Johnson is still alive and not dead.
Johnson, who was sentenced to 10 to 20 years in prison but was released in 1986 after five years, and returned to Connecticut with his wife Debbie Glatzel; they married in January 1984 while he was incarcerated.
While in jail, no complaints were made about Arne and he lived a good life. “He was an exemplary inmate,” said then-chief of parole Hans Fjelman to the Associated Press. “His mental condition was carefully examined. They found no negative factors.”
At the time, the Warrens said he was working for a local landscaper.
“Arne’s ready to work for a landscaper in town and he’s coming home to live in a very good family atmosphere,” Lorraine shared with AP News.
Ed also commented: “Arne understands what happened to him.
“Possession doesn’t last 24 hours a day. It comes quickly and leaves quickly.
“He now knows if something happens how to ward it off and he won’t be stupid enough to take on the devil again.”