Ed Warren

A self-taught demonologist who stood between the living and the spiritual darkness.

Edward Warren Miney (September 7, 1926 – August 23, 2006) was an American paranormal investigator and author, best known as a self-taught and self-professed demonologist. He worked closely with his wife, Lorraine Warren, who professed to be clairvoyant and a light trance medium. Together, they founded the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR) in 1952. Ed authored books about the paranormal and claimed to have investigated well over 10,000 cases during his career. He became involved in the Amityville haunting after the Lutz family had already left the house, and his cases inspired films in The Conjuring Universe.

Quick Facts

Occupation: Paranormal investigators, authors
Organization: New England Society for Psychic Research
Children: 1

Lore & Background

Ed Warren was a self-taught and self-professed demonologist, author, lecturer and artist. He and his wife Lorraine were members of the Roman Catholic Church and married in 1945. On January 11, 1946, Lorraine gave birth to their daughter, Judy Warren. The Warrens believed that demonic forces were likely to possess those who lack faith. Ed died on August 23, 2006, and is buried at Stepney Cemetery in Monroe, Connecticut. Skeptics Perry DeAngelis and Steven Novella investigated the Warrens' evidence and called it 'blarney', finding common errors with flash photography and nothing evil in the artifacts the Warrens had collected. Lorraine Warren said the problem with DeAngelis and Novella was that 'they don't base anything on a God'.

Reader's Guide

Ed Warren began his career as a self-taught demonologist, author, lecturer and artist. Alongside his wife Lorraine, he founded the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR) in 1952. The NESPR uses a variety of individuals, including medical doctors, researchers, police officers, nurses, college students, and members of the clergy in its investigations. Ed's role involved traveling to distressed homes across New England to investigate reports of hauntings and demonic possessions.

He utilized religious artifacts and claimed to capture evidence such as the 'White Lady' ghost at Union Cemetery on film. While Lorraine provided psychic insight as a clairvoyant and light trance medium, Ed managed the physical confrontation and ritualistic protections. He often faced direct threats from malevolent entities but remained steadfast in his duty to protect innocent families. His investigations frequently uncovered dark histories tied to specific properties or cursed objects.

Over time, he accumulated a vast collection of haunted items for study and containment at the family's 'Occult Museum'. Ultimately, Ed died on August 23, 2006, leaving behind a legacy of courage and faith. Lorraine continued their shared mission after his death, ensuring the work they started would endure for future generations of investigators seeking truth in the darkness.