7 Shocking Truths About The Real 'The Conjuring' Story That The Movie Hid
The cinematic universe of The Conjuring has terrified millions, but the true story of the Perron family’s harrowing paranormal encounters in their Harrisville, Rhode Island farmhouse is far more complex and, arguably, much darker than Hollywood ever depicted. As of December 2025, new research and ongoing interviews with the surviving family members continue to peel back the layers of folklore and cinematic embellishment, revealing shocking truths about the infamous case file of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren.
The original 2013 film focused on the demonic possession of Carolyn Perron and the malevolent spirit of Bathsheba Sherman, but the real-life events that unfolded between 1971 and 1980 involved a host of other entities, conflicting accounts, and a legacy that continues to be debated by skeptics and believers alike. This in-depth look uncovers the latest updates and the seven most shocking truths the blockbuster movie franchise chose to omit or completely rewrite.
The Perron Family: A Complete Biography and Timeline
The Perron family moved into the 14-room, 18th-century farmhouse in Harrisville, Rhode Island, in 1971. The family consisted of seven members: Roger and Carolyn Perron, and their five daughters: Andrea, Nancy, Christine, Cindy, and April.
- Roger Perron (Father): A dedicated father who worked hard to provide for his large family. He was initially skeptical of the supernatural but became a reluctant believer after witnessing several inexplicable events. He passed away in 2006.
- Carolyn Perron (Mother): The primary target of the most malevolent entity, believed to be Bathsheba Sherman. She was reportedly the victim of a demonic "possession" attempt, which culminated in the dramatic séance conducted by the Warrens. She passed away in 2013, shortly before the film's release.
- Andrea Perron (Eldest Daughter): The main chronicler of the family’s experience, having authored the three-book series House of Darkness, House of Light. She has been the most vocal family member, sharing the "supernatural odyssey" with the world and ensuring her mother’s story is remembered.
- Nancy Perron: One of the five daughters who lived through the haunting. She continues to share her perspective on the events, often participating in interviews alongside her sisters.
- Christine Perron: One of the daughters, famously recounting the spirit that told her, "There are seven devils in this house." She, too, has participated in numerous interviews about her childhood trauma.
- Cindy Perron: Reportedly had the most direct contact with the spirits, including a young girl named "Prudence."
- April Perron (Youngest Daughter): Though the youngest, she also experienced the haunting. The family eventually moved to Georgia in 1980 to escape the torment.
Timeline Highlights of the Haunting (1971–1980):
- 1971: The Perron family moves into the Harrisville farmhouse. Paranormal activity begins almost immediately, starting with minor events like strange smells and objects moving.
- 1972: The activity escalates, including physical assaults and the apparition of a malevolent female spirit targeting Carolyn Perron.
- 1973: Ed and Lorraine Warren are called to the farmhouse. Their investigation culminates in a harrowing séance intended to communicate with the spirits.
- 1980: After nearly a decade of terror, the Perrons finally sell the house and move to Georgia.
5 Shocking Truths the Movie Got Wrong About Bathsheba Sherman
The primary antagonist of The Conjuring (2013) is Bathsheba Sherman, a suspected witch who allegedly cursed the land and killed her own child. However, recent, updated historical research paints a very different picture of the 19th-century woman.
1. Bathsheba Was NOT a Witch Who Killed Her Child
The film’s central premise is that Bathsheba Sherman was a Satanist who sacrificed her infant son. Historical records, however, show no evidence of this. Bathsheba was a real person who lived in the 1800s, but the stories of her being a witch were likely folklore and local gossip that became intertwined with the Perron haunting decades later.
2. She Died of Natural Causes, Not Suicide
In the movie, Bathsheba hangs herself from a tree on the property. In reality, Bathsheba Thayer Sherman died in 1885 at the age of 73. Her death certificate confirms she died of natural causes, specifically a stroke, and not by suicide or hanging.
3. She Was Falsely Accused and Recently Honored
The negative portrayal of Bathsheba has led to renewed historical interest in correcting the record. In a notable update, a new headstone was placed at her burial site to honor the real woman, not the fictional witch, acknowledging that the stories tying her to the Perron haunting were erroneous.
4. The Warrens Performed a Séance, Not an Exorcism
The film depicts a dramatic exorcism attempt on Carolyn Perron. While the event was terrifying, Andrea Perron confirms the Warrens performed a séance to try and communicate with the entities, not a formal exorcism. This séance was so traumatic for Carolyn that Roger Perron demanded the Warrens leave the property immediately.
5. Many Other Spirits Haunted the House
The haunting was not limited to Bathsheba. The Perron family reported interactions with over 20 distinct spirits, including a young girl named Prudence, a man who had been murdered, and several children who had drowned in a nearby creek. Bathsheba was simply the most malevolent and prominent of the entities, particularly targeting Carolyn.
Where Are They Now? The Lasting Legacy of the Harrisville Haunting
The Perron family’s harrowing experience has left an undeniable mark on pop culture, but the real-life aftermath continues to unfold decades later, impacting the family, the house, and the future of the Warrens’ legacy.
The Perron Family Today
The five daughters—Andrea, Nancy, Christine, Cindy, and April—have largely moved on from the physical location but remain united by their shared supernatural trauma. Their mother, Carolyn Perron, passed away in 2013, having lived to see the movie about her life released. Andrea Perron, the eldest, remains the family’s primary spokesperson, actively participating in documentaries and interviews to share the true story and her mother's perspective.
The Fate of the Harrisville Farmhouse
The infamous farmhouse, located in Harrisville, Rhode Island, has changed hands several times since the Perrons left in 1980. The current owners, who purchased the property in recent years, have reported that they have not experienced the same level of demonic possession or paranormal activity that the Perron family endured. However, the house remains a destination for paranormal investigators and enthusiasts, often hosting tours and live streams documenting its history.
The Future of The Conjuring Universe
The Warrens’ case files continue to inspire the cinematic universe. The next major installment, The Conjuring: Last Rites, is scheduled for release in 2025. This new film will shift its focus entirely away from the Perron family and the Bathsheba Sherman narrative. Instead, it will explore the true story of the Smurl haunting, another high-profile case investigated by Ed and Lorraine Warren in the 1980s, marking the end of the main series.
The *real* story of the Perron haunting is a powerful blend of personal trauma, historical inaccuracy, and the polarizing legacy of the Warrens. While the movie provided a terrifying, streamlined narrative, the actual experiences of Carolyn and Roger Perron and their five daughters—Andrea, Nancy, Christine, Cindy, and April—remain a compelling and enduring mystery in the annals of paranormal investigation.
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