The story is about Michael Taylor, a 31-year-old man who lived in England with his wife Cristina and their five children. In 1974, Michael began experiencing back problems and depression, which led to his interest in a Christian fellowship group. He became obsessed with the group's leader, Mary, and eventually became possessed by 40 demons, according to the group's exorcists.
After a 7-hour exorcism ritual, Michael's behavior became increasingly erratic and violent. He eventually killed his wife and their dog, ripping out his wife's eyes and tongue and skinning her face. He was arrested and claimed to have no memory of the events.
During his trial, psychologists and psychiatrists testified that Michael's actions were the result of psychological terror he experienced during the exorcism ritual. He was acquitted and spent four years in a psychiatric hospital before returning to his normal life.
However, Michael's troubles didn't end there. He was later found guilty of inappropriately targeting a teenager and had to undergo further psychiatric treatment. Today, Michael is still alive and has attempted to rebuild his life. The story is a disturbing and bizarre account of demonic possession and the devastating consequences that can result from it.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. The story begins in the 1970s in a place called Ossett, England.
2. Michael Taylor was 31 years old, and his wife Cristina was 29 years old.
3. They had five children, all boys, aged 6 to 12, and a dog.
4. They were a happy and contented family, according to their neighbors.
5. Michael started having back problems in 1974 and became depressed.
6. He was fired from his job and became increasingly upset.
7. A friend of the family introduced them to a Christian fellowship group.
8. The group's leader, Mary, was young and charismatic.
9. Michael became infatuated with Mary and started spending more time with her.
10. His wife, Cristina, became suspicious of their relationship.
11. Michael started attending meetings with the group, which focused on the supernatural side of the Bible.
12. He became increasingly erratic and violent, and his wife decided to confront him.
13. Mary told Michael that he was possessed by a demon.
14. The group decided to perform an exorcism on Michael.
15. The exorcism took place on October 5, 1974, and lasted for 7 hours.
16. Michael showed signs of possession, including hitting, biting, and scratching.
17. The exorcists claimed to have expelled 40 demons from Michael's body.
18. After the exorcism, Michael was taken home, but he became violent again.
19. He killed his wife, Cristina, and their dog.
20. The police found Cristina's body with her eyes and tongue ripped out.
21. Michael was arrested and taken to the police station.
22. He claimed to have no memory of the events and said he felt relieved that the "evil" was gone.
23. During his trial, psychologists and psychiatrists testified that Michael's actions were the result of psychological terror.
24. Michael was acquitted and spent four years in a psychiatric hospital.
25. He was released and returned to his normal life, but later reappeared in the media for inappropriately targeting a teenager.
26. Michael is currently alive and still undergoing psychiatric treatment.