The Maligned Roland Doe: Unveiling the True Story Behind The Exorcist

Key Takeaways

While the story of Roland Doe has captured the imagination of many, the truth behind his experience is often overlooked. This article explores the real-life case that inspired The Exorcist, shedding light on the actual events and the life of Ronald Hunkeler, the boy who was not possessed.

Who Was Roland Doe?

Roland Doe, a name now synonymous with terrifying supernatural experiences, was the real-life subject of an exorcism that inspired the iconic movie, The Exorcist. His real name was Ronald E. Hunkeler, an emotionally troubled 14-year-old boy from Maryland.

The Real Roland Doe: Ronald E. Hunkeler

Known as Ronald during his troubled childhood, he was an only child living with his parents and Aunt Harriet, whom he affectionately called his Aunt Tillie. His Aunt, a self-proclaimed spiritualist, introduced him to the Ouija board, igniting a fascination that would soon turn into a nightmare.

Aunt Tillie, a spiritualist, introduced Ronald to the Ouija board, setting the stage for his troubles. Ronald's parents left him with his grandmother, and the subsequent events led to the discovery of strange phenomena. The exorcism was a real event, involving several religious figures and changing the world as it inspired the movie.

Tracing Roland Doe's Journey

Ronald Hunkeler's story is one of emotional turmoil, a misdiagnosis, and an eventual truth revealed through a thorough investigation.

Childhood Scraps: Hunkeler was described as a bored, overactive, and likely very intelligent child. His life took a turn when his Aunt Tillie died, which seemed to trigger a series of supernatural events. School and Exorcism: The events escalated, leading to public disturbances, and eventually, a full-fledged exorcism involving religious figures. The world was forever changed by the real-life events that inspired The Exorcist. Adult Life: Hunkeler went on to become a NASA scientist and spent the latter part of his life in retirement in Laurel, MD, before passing away in 2020.

Resolving the Mystery

As an investigative journalist delved into the case, it was revealed that Roland Doe was indeed Ronald E. Hunkeler, an emotionally disturbed 14-year-old boy who was acting out and feigning possession to get attention. This truth laid to rest the myth that Roland Doe was a true case of demonic possession.

The link provided gives a detailed account of the events, including the involvement of a psychologist who confirmed that Roland was a mentally stable and healthy teenager with no abnormal symptoms. The involvement of religious figures in the exorcism underscored the acceptance of the supernatural by society at the time.

Lessons Learned

The Roland Doe case teaches us the importance of discernment in accepting supernatural claims. Not all reported cases of possession are real, and it is crucial to investigate thoroughly before jumping to conclusions.

Additionally, the story highlights the impact of the Ouija board and the dangers of inviting entities into one's life without proper understanding. It serves as a reminder of the responsibility we have when engaging with such tools.

Further Reading

For a more detailed account, visit Ghost Stories R Us and read the full story of Roland Doe.