by WEST PITTSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WOLF) — A chilling new horror movie hitting theaters this fall is reviving one of Pennsylvania’s most infamous paranormal cases. The Conjuring: Last Rites is inspired by real events that happened in a quiet West Pittston neighborhood during the 1980s—an eerie story that once captured both local headlines and national interest.
The Smurl family, who lived on the 300 block of Chase Street, claimed they were tormented by intense and unexplained paranormal activity. After years of frightening disturbances, they sought help from famous paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren—whose involvement plays a central role in the upcoming film.
The house itself, built around 1910 over old coal mines, sits in a peaceful area. However, local historians say there’s no record of any dark or tragic history linked to the property.
“Nothing we’ve found suggests anything significant or sinister happened here before the 1980s,” said Mary Portelli, president of the West Pittston Historical Society. “In fact, many people in town don’t even know about the haunting.”
Although the Smurl children declined on-camera interviews, they confirmed to FOX56 that they gave filmmakers permission to use their story and even participated in behind-the-scenes interviews during production.
John Balucha, founder of Wyoming Valley Ghost Tours, says the haunting left a deep mark on the local paranormal scene.
“What stood out about the Smurl case was how violent and disturbing it was. It wasn’t your typical ghost story—it was dark and intense,” Balucha said. “That contrast is what still drives our interest today. We want to understand the full range of paranormal experiences.”
His ghost tour group plans to add the Smurl home to their haunted trolley route starting next month.
For those curious about the case, it’s worth noting that Chase Street was once known as Union Street. Over the decades, the home was occupied by many working-class families connected to local industries like mining and railroads.
Since the 1980s, no further paranormal activity has been reported at the house.
The Conjuring: Last Rites opens in theaters nationwide on September 5.
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