Annabelle is an ordinary Raggedy Annâstyle doll that Ed and Lorraine Warren declared demonically possessed. Since the 1970s sheâs been locked in a glass case at the Warrensâ Occult Museum in Monroe, Connecticut, and reputed to cause unexplained phenomena wherever she goes.
In July 2025, Dan Riveraâlead investigator for the âDevils on the Runâ Annabelle tourâwas found dead in a Gettysburg hotel room. Pennsylvania authorities and the coroner stated there were no signs of foul play and the doll was not present in his room when he died.
Origins and First Haunting
In 1968, nursing student Donna received the doll as a birthday gift. Shortly thereafter, Donna and her roommate reported the doll moving on its own, appearing in different rooms, and even leaving handwritten notes on parchment that they did not own.
Escalating Paranormal Activity
As unexplained knocks, scratches and cold spots intensified, Donna and her roommate consulted a medium who claimed the doll was inhabited by the spirit of a girl named Annabelle Higginsâbut the Warrens later identified something far darker.
Warren Investigation and Containment
Ed and Lorraine Warren concluded the doll was a conduit for a malevolent demon. They exorcised the presence, blessed the artifact, and secured Annabelle in a locked glass case marked âDo Not Openâ at their museum, where she remains on display today.
Modern Tour and Caretakerâs Death
In May 2025, Annabelle embarked on a U.S. tour called âDevils on the Run.â On July 13, 2025, Dan Rivera fell ill and returned to his hotelâlater found unresponsive. Despite rampant online speculation, NESPR and hotel staff confirmed the doll never left its protective case.
Public Reaction and Official Clarifications
Social media users blamed Annabelle for fires, jailbreaks and Riveraâs death. Museum owner Tony Spera and Pennsylvania investigators repeatedly affirmed the doll was never loose, urging the public to separate legend from fact.
Today, Annabelle remains locked in her glass caseâproof that while her legend thrives, no verified incident links her to harm beyond the stories themselves.