The Exorcism of Anneliese Michel
Anneliese Michel was born September 21, 1952, to a devoutly religious family. At 16, she began suffering seizures and was diagnosed with epilepsy, however prescribed drugs didn't help.
Within 3 years, she became depressed and heard voices that told her she was 'damned' and 'would rot in hell'. She even grew an aversion to churches and crucifixes. On a Christian pilgrimage to San Damiano, a family friend concluded that Anneliese was possessed. "[She] was unable to enter the shrine. She approached it with the greatest hesitation, then said that the soil burned like fire and she simply could not stand it...She looked at the people who were kneeling...and it seemed to her that while praying they were gnashing their teeth...she had to avert her glance from the picture of Christ...she could no longer look at medals or pictures of saints; they sparkled so immensely that she could not stand it." - Father Alt
Her family consulted a priest about an exorcism, though the priests declined and suggested medicine. Anneliese soon began growling, throwing things, self-injuring and drinking her own urine. She even ate insects, coal, and once bit the head off of a dead bird. Despite taking numerous neuroleptic medications, her symptoms persisted.
In 1975, Bishop Josef Stangl allowed priest Arnold Renz to exorcise. Father Renz performed the first session on September 24, 1975. In total, 67 exorcisms were performed, twice a week, for up to 4 hours each time.
On July 1, 1976, Anneliese died at home from malnutrition and dehydration after undergoing self-starvation for a year during her exorcisms. She weighed 68 pounds at the time of her death and had broken knees from continuously kneeling to pray.
After an investigation, it was determined that Anneliese's death could've been prevented. The state charged her parents, Father Alt, and Father Renz with negligent homicide.
During the trial, tapes of 42 exorcisms were played. In them, Anneliese speaks as a demon and identifies as Lucifer, Cain, Judas, Hitler and Nero. Anneliese's parents, Father Alt, and Father Renz were all found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to 6 months in jail.
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