Annabelle the Doll is back in the headlines. The infamous “haunted” Raggedy Ann toy is now the property of comedian Matt Rife and YouTuber Elton Castee, by way of their recent purchase of the Ed and Lorraine Warren house and museum.
Eerily, paranormal investigator Dan Rivera, Annabelle’s most recent caretaker, died suddenly while on tour with her. Police ruled his death natural, but paranormal fans point to Annabelle’s record of causing trouble. (Sorry, horror enthusiasts, there’s no official demon on file.)
Who is Annabelle the Haunted Doll?
Annabelle’s official story begins in the 1970s. According to reports, a young nurse in Hartford, Connecticut, received the oversized Raggedy Ann doll as a gift. Not long after, people claimed the doll moved on its own, left strange notes, and even scratched victims.
At that time, a medium is said to have told Annabelle’s owner that the doll carried the spirit of a troubled little girl. When famed demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren were called in, they declared Annabelle dangerous and locked her in a case at their museum.
Even so, stories multiplied. Visitors to the trapped Annabelle the Doll said they suffered accidents after taunting the doll. One story even includes a death by motorcycle accident, though we haven’t been able to confirm ths report.
Annabelle became such a fixture in paranormal lore that she headlined three Conjuring spin-offs: Annabelle (2014), Annabelle: Creation (2017), and Annabelle Comes Home (2019).
What Comes Next
New owners Rife and Castee say they’ll preserve the Warrens’ collection and eventually open the estate for tours and overnight stays. Psychic Philip Siracuse has called this “a recipe for disaster,” warning that cursed energy has a way of following people home.
Is a new chapter for this sinister children’s toy just beginning? It’s hard to say, but we’ll just leave you with this: Tours and TikToks may bring in views, but Annabelle has outlasted every owner so far. Good luck and godspeed, boys.
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Would YOU be crazy…er, brave enough to buy Annabelle the Doll? Let us know below!
