The Haunting of the Smurl Family

WEIRD WEDNESDAY

The story of the Smurl family is one of the most chilling paranormal cases in modern history. Between 1974 and 1987, the Smurls claimed to experience relentless and escalating hauntings that pushed them to the brink. This is their story—one filled with eerie disturbances, demonic attacks, and a desperate search for relief.

The Smurl Family: An Ordinary Beginning

Jack Smurl, a Navy veteran and Neuropsychiatric Technician, met his wife Janet in a whirlwind romance. They married on December 28, 1968, and settled into what seemed like a normal life in Pennsylvania. Both devout Catholics, they planned to raise their family in faith. Jack worked at Topps Chewing Gum for 31 years, ending his career as a Production Planning Supervisor, while Janet focused on raising their children, Dawn and Heather.

But life took a tragic turn in 1972 when Hurricane Agnes devastated their home in Wilkes-Barre. Forced to relocate, Jack, Janet, their daughters, and Jack's parents (John and Mary) moved into a duplex at 328 Chase Street, West Pittston, in 1973. The arrangement seemed perfect at first, but soon, the tranquility of their new home would shatter.