Character Relationship Map: The Devil on Trial

Characters

• Debbie Glatzel (played by Hannah Mae Beatty) — supporting
• David Glatzel (played by Foster Hamilton) — supporting
• Arne Cheyenne Johnson (played by Adam Hunt) — supporting

  Arne Cheyenne Johnson is the central subject of the documentary’s investigation into a 1981 murder case. The story examines the alleged demonic possession associated with him and follows his trial, wh...

• Ed Warren (played by Victor Serfaty) — supporting
• Judy Glatzel (played by Kathy Rupcic) — supporting
• Lorraine Warren (played by Susannah Spearin) — supporting
• Alan Glatzel (played by Raine Van Elsacker) — minor

Canonical Relationships

Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.

• Lorraine Warren → David Glatzel (Professional Investigator And Subject) — Lorraine participates in investigating David's alleged possession.

  Lorraine Warren visits the family with Ed Warren, questions David, and reviews recordings concerning the alleged supernatural activity.

• Ed Warren → David Glatzel (Professional Investigator And Subject) — Ed investigates David's alleged possession by interviewing him and examining recordings.

  Ed Warren and Lorraine Warren visit the family, question David, review recordings, and say they must witness the alleged supernatural activity themsel...

• Debbie Glatzel → Arne Cheyenne Johnson (Romantic Lovers) — Debbie is identified with Arne's personal relationship as the events move from David's alleged possession to the fatal confrontation.

  The plot reference describes the confrontation involving Arne, his lover, and Alan Bono; the character list identifies Debbie Glatzel as a central sup...

• David Glatzel → Alan Glatzel (Family Member) — Alan is associated with the family whose account centers on David's alleged possession.

  The film recounts David's experiences in the context of his family, and Alan Glatzel is identified in the character list as part of the Glatzel story.

• David Glatzel → Judy Glatzel (Family Member) — Judy is connected to the family affected by David's alleged possession.

  The film identifies David's family as witnessing his frightening episodes and trying to recover their former life; Judy Glatzel is listed among the ch...

• David Glatzel → Debbie Glatzel (Family Sibling) — Debbie is part of the family confronting David's alleged possession and seeking assistance for him.

  The film describes David as a member of the Glatzel family and Debbie as part of the family that recalls his violent episodes and sought help.

Story Dynamics

Alliances, conflicts, and narrative interactions that evolve throughout the story.

• Arne Cheyenne Johnson → Alan Glatzel (Unknown) — No relationship is established by the supplied plot reference.

  The plot reference names Alan Bono as the person fatally stabbed during the confrontation, while the character list does not include Alan Bono and ins...

• Lorraine Warren → Arne Cheyenne Johnson (Alliance Advocate) — Lorraine supports the possession explanation advanced in connection with Arne's murder case.

  Lorraine Warren argues with Ed that Arne himself was not responsible because a demon had taken control of his body.

• Ed Warren → Arne Cheyenne Johnson (Alliance Advocate) — Ed supports the claim that possession, rather than Arne's own agency, explains the fatal stabbing.

  Ed Warren argues that Arne was not responsible for the killing because a demon had taken control of his body.

Story Analysis

The documentary traces an alleged possession from David's family crisis to a murder trial that tests the boundary between supernatural belief and legal evidence.

Plot Progression

1. A Child at the Center — The film opens with disturbing audio and David identifying himself as the child allegedly possessed. Family recollections and reports establish the case's personal and public stakes.
2. The Family Seeks Answers — The Warrens visit, question David, and review recordings while insisting on witnessing the activity themselves. A doctor's assessment conflicts with the family's belief that a hostile force is torment...
3. A Dangerous Ritual — Catholic clergy become involved, and a minor exorcism is authorized at St. Joseph's Church. The family proceeds despite being warned that the ritual could be fatal.
4. From Possession to Homicide — The film connects the exorcism account to a later claim that the force moved to Arne. A confrontation escalates, Alan Bono is fatally stabbed, and Arne is arrested.
5. Belief Meets the Court — The Warrens support the possession explanation as the defense considers presenting it in court. The judge excludes the claim, leaving the courtroom divided over belief and legal standards.