This week on Mayhem Diaries, we’re unlocking the door to the Goodin family bungalow on Lindley Street. In the winter of 1974, this small home in Bridgeport, Connecticut, became the epicenter of one of the most documented and debated paranormal events in U.S. history. We’re getting into the mess of flying crucifixes, the arrival of demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren, and the wildest detail of all: a cat named Sam who supposedly had a lot to say.

Was this a genuine demonic entity terrorizing a family, or the greatest, most elaborate hoax ever pulled off by an 11-year-old girl?

Detailed Articles & Case Studies

• True Crime New England: Provides a deep dive into the timeline, starting from when Jerry and Laura Goodin bought the bungalow in 1960 through the height of the activity in 1974.

• Damned Connecticut: A great resource for the "weird" details, including the local lore about the talking cat and the debunking (or lack thereof) by police.

• Haunts Podcast Show Notes: Offers a concise summary of the major events, including the involvement of Ed and Lorraine Warren and the eventual "hoax" label.

• Bridgeport History Center: This PDF guide from the local library lists archival materials, newspaper clippings, and books related to the case.

• William J. Hall's Research: Hall wrote The World's Most Haunted House, which is considered the definitive book on the subject.

  
  

• The True Horror of the Bridgeport Poltergeist (YouTube): A full paranormal documentary that includes witness accounts and historical footage.

• New England Legends Podcast: This episode features a dramatic walkthrough of the events and the 1974 cultural atmosphere.

• Amazing Tales CT: Focuses on the credibility of the dozens of police and firefighters who swore they saw objects move.