Comedian Matt Rife has made headlines with his recent purchase of the Connecticut home once owned by paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, known for their extensive work in ghost hunting and demonology. Rife, alongside YouTube star Elton Castee, has become the “legal guardian” of the infamous Annabelle doll, a centerpiece of the Warrens’ occult museum. In a passionate TikTok announcement, Rife expressed his admiration for the Warrens, emphasizing their influence in making paranormal investigation mainstream and the honor he feels in taking over what he describes as one of the most significant sites in paranormal history.
The property, located in Monroe, Connecticut, is steeped in history, having been the backdrop for over 3,000 paranormal investigations conducted by the Warrens, which inspired numerous horror films, including “The Conjuring” series and “The Amityville Horror.” Rife expressed his personal connection to the Warren legacy, sharing that the Conjuring films are among his favorite horror movies. Though the comedian did not disclose the purchase price of the house, he detailed some of the haunted artifacts remaining on the property, including fragments from Eastern Airlines Flight 401 and an organ reputed to play by itself.
A significant draw for visitors to the museum will be the Annabelle doll, a Raggedy Ann figure believed to possess a demonic presence due to its unsettling history of moving mysteriously and causing disturbances to those around it. Annabelle has previously been part of exhibitions, such as the recent “Devils on the Run Tour,” led by paranormal investigator Dan Rivera, who tragically passed away in July. While Annabelle herself was not present during Rivera’s death, local authorities have stated there was nothing unusual about the circumstances.
Despite the somber event surrounding Rivera, Rife remains enthusiastic about his new venture. He clarified that while he and Castee do not legally own the collection of 750 haunted artifacts, they serve as guardians and caretakers for the next five years. Rife intends to reopen the house for museum tours and overnight stays, inviting people to immerse themselves in the rich, haunting history that has surrounded the Warrens and their collection. His humor also shines through as he reflects on the unique nature of his new “hobby,” joking that he might have picked something safer, like stamp collecting.
Before they can officially welcome guests, Rife and Castee will need to address fire-safety concerns reported by local news outlets. They have expressed excitement about their plans for the property, emphasizing their desire to transform it into a premier destination for paranormal investigation enthusiasts. Castee shared his disbelief and enthusiasm online, stating that they are determined to make the location the top spot for those intrigued by haunted history.
In summary, Matt Rife’s acquisition of the Warren home and museum represents not only a personal dream for the comedian but also an opportunity to preserve and share a significant piece of paranormal history. As they prepare for public tours and experiences centered around the Warrens’ legacy, the pair seeks to engage a new generation of fans and skeptics alike, merging entertainment with the rich, often eerie narratives that surround the Warrens’ famed investigations.
