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The Haunted Boy of
Cottage City, Maryland: I just wanted to say that I thought your article on "The Haunted Boy" was an outstanding article on the subject. Your Mr. Opsasnick did his homework well: doing extensive research and interviewing key people who were around at the time or who knew the boy. What impressed me the most was that the article didn't take a sensationalistic, National Enquirer point of view to the story. Mr. Opsasnick told just the facts, and based his opinions and conclusions on only the facts, not the fiction and legend that has surrounded this story. Great writing. Joseph Abello
I have to say, "The Haunted Boy of Cottage City" by Mark Opsasnick was a very refreshing and enjoyable article to read. It also introduced me to your publication, which I've been reading thoroughly. Being a fan of the Horror genre, I feel "The Exorcist," both novel and film, ranks high up on my list of favorite stories. I've always felt that if the often discussed back story of the original incident was looked into with a good, thorough and critical eye, the results would be just what Opsasnick came up with. I work in a profession where I, for some unknown reason, get assigned to research any weird or bizarre incident that comes down the pipe. I know that initial accounts, like that back story discussed here, are often taken at face value by people and quickly become the indisputable truth. It seems people's minds shut down when faced with bizarre details. I enjoyed the thoroughness of Opsasnick's research and his description of the methods used. These same public access records are the same my colleagues and I use every day. Very simple. I had to laugh a bit when he described some of the interviews because I can imagine what he must have come across. I also felt, from his writing, the sense of satisfaction when the pieces started to finally fall into place. All in all, a very enjoyable and informative article. A very refreshing piece of work in a sea of nonsense on this topic. I'm sure Opsasnick has enough information to produce a book on this investigation, but who would read it. It's easier and more fun to be intellectually lazy.... If he does have the opportunity to do a follow up, please let me know. I would like to hear more or just the substance of some of the additional interviews. Nice job, Bill Galvin I have to congratulate Mark Opsasnick for his excellent article on the Exorcist case. I am one of those who is guilty of having uncritically accepted the case as strong evidence for "demon possession" after viewing the documentary In The Grip of Evil a couple of years ago. I felt I had finally found a good source on the issue that set the record straight and established certain "facts" on solid ground. I guess I was pretty wrong. The author has largely torn down one of the greatest paranormal cases of all time, one which I had hoped stood on stronger grounds. For one of the best investigative articles I have ever read, I both bless you and curse you, Mr. Opsasnick! Richard J.
Ravalli, Jr. Thank you for your in-depth article about the Haunted Boy/Issue 20. One hundred and one congratulations to Mark Opsasnick for his research and expertise. This type of investigation should have been done long ago. However, (bear with me, please) how about another clue as to which student it is in the yearbook photograph? Thanks, folks. And once again, congratulations. Randy Osburn I just found a link to your article on the "Mt. Rainier" haunted boy, on the official Exorcist website (www.theexorcist.net). Truth be told, I expected a paragraph or two, saying the same thing everyone's heard for the past 25 years. But no, I ended up with something much better, and something much more engrossing. Finally, someone had the [nerve] to actually investigate this thing once and for all! Just wanted to thank you for all of the information I've patiently been waiting for since I first saw The Exorcist. Congrats! I'll be visiting the website quite frequently from now on! Mark L. I just wanted to send an e-mail to you congratulating you on the wonderful Exorcist article I have just read on the internet. I am a big fan and was amazed that someone actually went to the lengths to prove this possession story wrong (well, that's what I think). Just one question: which one is the haunted boy in the photo? Jay I wanted to drop an email to let you know how much I appreciated your in-depth report on The Exorcist. After reading it I realize how much something can be blown out of proportion. For years that movie scared me, now it will not. I am so thankful that the young gentleman took time to research the hoax and to report it on this website. Again, thank you. Tom M. My name is Michelle Stalnos, I'm 21 years old and I'm from Cape Coral, Florida. I just read the article on the Rob Doe Exorcist facts. [Recently] I noticed that my father had just bought the 25th anniversary edition of The Exorcist. I've seen it before about 2 or 3 times. So I decided to watch it again. Before the movie, they did interviews with the cast members. I immediately was stunned to find out facts that happened that the movie was based on. I heard years back that it was based on a true story and that it happened to a young boy. After watching it tonight I found it to be true that it was a young boy and not a girl. After the movie, I was determined to find out the facts. It took me about two hours of web searching on the net to find some kind of articles. Then I came upon yours. Guess I was looking in the wrong spot. Well, anyway, I just wanted to tell you that you have gone a long way to research this ordeal. You were determined to find out the facts. And I guess you have. I'm a little disappointed though, I kinda wanted to believe all the stories. Makes it more fun to think there is actual evidence of haunting and demon possessions. You have done a great job at setting things straight. Congratulations, you have gone where no man has ever gone before! Michelle Stalnos After seeing a special on History channel about the "Haunted Boy," I was extremely excited to find out more about this. I was lucky enough to find this site. I think that Mark's investigative interviews were incredible...and how he knew that something was just not right with this story. He kept digging until he felt satisfied that he had turned over every rock to find out the real truth behind the myth. I do not believe that [the Haunted Boy] was possessed, I believe that he was spoiled and wanted out of Cottage City -- like Mark said. Great Reading. Lisa Hall I just want to express my profound appreciation of your search for truth. David Jodrey
Excellent and thorough research on this particular story. My father (now deceased) used to take retreats with Fr. Hallorhan, and through him the myth and legend was passed down to our family. It is funny how seemingly responsible "journalists" and other "professionals" lose their ability to think clearly when the potential for huge profit rears its head. Perhaps the man in question "Rob Doe" would be willing to have an interview for a large sum of money. Naturally, everything he has to say on the subject would be suspect, but at least we could hear what he has to say. Keep up the good work, and thanks for the information. Thaddeus O'Donnell |