Hello, Wyrdo's.
On this episode, Craig and Andy delve into a case where true crime and the paranormal collide in the most brutal way imaginable. This is the tragic story of Michael Taylor, an exorcism gone wrong, and the murder of his wife, Christine.
⚠️ Trigger warning!!!
A Newfound Faith
In 1974, in the town of Ossett, West Yorkshire, lived a mild-mannered butcher named Michael Taylor with his wife Christine and their five children. Suffering from chronic back pain and depression, Michael and his family were struggling with the financial hardships of the time. At the suggestion of a neighbor, they began attending a local prayer group at St. Thomas's Anglican Church.
They were immediately converted, but the wyrdo's note that Michael seemed to have ulterior motives. He quickly became infatuated with the group's charismatic 22-year-old leader, Marie Robinson. He would spend all-night private sessions with her, much to the concern of his wife and other church members.
The Path to Possession
The church group, with no official expertise in exorcism, made a series of bad decisions. At one meeting, after Michael was rejected by Marie, his entire demeanor changed. He lashed out at her physically and began screaming in tongues, leading Marie and others to believe he was possessed. A rumor even surfaced that Marie was a Satanist who had infiltrated the church and caused Michael's possession.
His behavior grew more erratic over the coming weeks. He began lashing out at his family, shouting in the streets, and smashing plates at the vicar's house, all of which led the church to make a grave decision.
An Unorthodox Exorcism
On the evening of October 5, 1974, Michael was taken to St. Thomas's church. With no medical professionals present, the vicar, Reverend Peter Vincent, and another clergyman performed an eight-hour-long exorcism. Michael was tied down, soaked in holy water, and had a crucifix jammed in his mouth.
During the horrific ordeal, it was claimed that 48 demons were removed, but three were left behind: murder, violence, and insanity. Exhausted, the priests took Michael home and told him to prepare for the second part of the exorcism later that day.
The Tragic Aftermath
Less than two hours later, police were called to a naked man—Michael Taylor—roaming the streets, covered in what they initially thought was red paint but was actually the blood of his wife, Christine.
Michael told the arresting officer, "I loved her. I destroyed the evil that was within her." In the house, officers discovered a horrific scene. Michael had murdered his wife, ripping out her tongue, gouging out her eyes, and tearing the flesh from her face. He had also brutally killed the family's poodle.
The Trial and Legacy
At trial, Michael was found not guilty by reason of insanity and was sent for psychiatric care. Incredibly, no one from the church faced any charges in Christine's death, and the lead exorcist, Reverend Peter Vincent, received a promotion the following year.
Craig and Andy mention that Michael was released four years later, though he would eventually return to the courts and prison for other crimes. The case is still remembered today and was even mentioned in the film The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It.
This episode is a stark reminder of how a person's faith can be manipulated with devastating consequences. Craig and Andy will be back to their usual weirdness soon, with a promised "light relief" episode on the fairies.
Stay Wyrd!