Smurl House – Haunted Duplex in West Pittston, Pennsylvania

The Smurl House gained national attention in the 1980s as one of the most terrifying haunted homes in America.

This quiet-looking duplex in West Pittston became a battleground between a Pennsylvania family and what they believed was a demonic force.

Historical Background

Year Built: 1973
Original Purpose: Residential home
Significant Events:
Jack and Janet Smurl moved into the home in 1973. Over the years, they claimed to experience violent paranormal activity that intensified and tormented their entire family. The events became so disturbing that renowned demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren were called to investigate.

The Smurls reported loud banging, putrid smells, shadowy figures, and even physical attacks.
Appliances turned on by themselves. Walls shook without reason.
Family members were scratched, pushed, and, in some reports, even sexually assaulted by an invisible force.
The Warrens believed the house was plagued by a powerful demon.
The activity often followed a pattern, growing more aggressive at night or during times of family stress.

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The entity was not just a ghost, but what the Warrens called a “non-human spirit”—something far darker.
Jack claimed he was sexually assaulted multiple times.
Janet saw black, human-like figures that stood over her while she slept.
Their daughter Dawn was thrown from her bed.
The family dog was hurled against a wall.
A priest was called to bless the house but left shaken, saying something was indeed there.
Ed and Lorraine Warren conducted several visits and claimed they recorded evidence of a demonic presence.
The events were detailed in the book The Haunted and adapted into a made-for-TV movie.

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The master bedroom was reportedly the center of the worst attacks.
Shadowy figures and cold spots were common there, and it’s where many of the more violent events took place.

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Not open for public visits. Sightings and experiences were mostly reported during the late 1970s through the late ’80s.

The Smurl family gave multiple interviews to newspapers and appeared on national TV.
Skeptics questioned their claims, but others who visited the home claimed to feel an overwhelming sense of dread.
Lorraine Warren stated it was one of the most active demonic cases she had seen.

The case was heavily investigated by the Warrens.
Audio recordings of alleged demonic growls were captured, though many questioned their authenticity.
No major scientific paranormal teams have been allowed access since the story faded from headlines.

The Smurl House is a private property.
Trespassing is strictly prohibited and could lead to police involvement.
The current owners have no connection to the haunting and wish to be left alone.