Comedian Matt Rife becomes 'legal guardian' of Warren home, Annabelle doll
Comedian Matt Rife is now the legal guardian of the home and museum of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, including the entire haunted collection, such as the infamous Annabelle doll.
The comedian recently announced on his social media pages that he and YouTube creator Elton Castee have officially purchased the home and the Occult Museum of known paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren in Monroe, Connecticut, which inspired horror films, including The Conjuring.
"If you know me, you know I’m obsessed with the paranormal and all things haunted. You also may know The Conjuring films are my favorite scary movies of all time. So I’m incredibly honored to have taken over one of the most prominent properties in paranormal history," he wrote on his post.
"Ed and Lorain Warren arguably put demonology and paranormal into the mainstream and are the very heart of some of the most famous haunted stories of all time, The Conjuring House, Amityville Horror, etc.," he added.
In a separate post, Rife said that he and Castee will not have permanent legal ownership of the home, museum, and the 750 artifacts, but will be its legal caretakers for the next five years.
"Couldn’t be happier to own such a prominent piece of paranormal history! I can’t wait to operate this place with the respect and care it deserves, whilst becoming the greatest paranormal investigation location in the country!" he wrote in the caption.
Rife said that they plan to open the house to the public for overnight and weekend stays and museum tours.
“I know a lot of you guys don’t know [what] any of this means whatsoever, but if you follow ghost stuff, this is about as big as it gets," Rife said.
"This is the most random hobby ever, but it’s so f*****g cool, man. I should probably collect stamps or something, might be a little safer.”
The Occult Museum was closed to the public in 2019 due to zoning violations since its use is not permitted in residential neighborhoods, The Monroe Sun previously reported.
This came after the sudden passing of paranormal investigator Dan Rivera, who led the Devils on the Run Tour organized by the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR). The paranormal expert was found alone in his hotel room on July 13 amid the tour, with authorities noting that his passing didn't look suspicious. The cause of his death remains unknown.
