Comedian Matt Rife has made a surprising move into the world of the paranormal, announcing his purchase of the former home and Occult Museum of renowned paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Rife, along with YouTuber Elton Castee, now holds the title of "legal guardian" of the Warrens' extensive collection of haunted artifacts, including the infamous Annabelle doll, for at least the next five years.
The news, shared by Rife on Instagram and TikTok on Friday, August 1, 2025, has generated considerable buzz and a mix of excitement and concern among his followers. Rife, a self-proclaimed paranormal enthusiast, expressed his enthusiasm for acquiring what he considers "the most important and prominent piece of paranormal history in the world". He noted the Warrens' significant role in popularizing demonology and paranormal investigation, highlighting their connection to famous haunted stories like "The Conjuring House" and "Amityville Horror".
The Warrens, who gained prominence through their investigations of alleged hauntings and demonic activity, inspired the popular "Conjuring" film franchise. Their Occult Museum in Monroe, Connecticut, houses a collection of objects believed to be haunted or possessed. The most well-known artifact is the Annabelle doll, a Raggedy Ann doll that the Warrens claimed was inhabited by an inhuman demonic spirit. The doll's alleged history includes strange behavior and unsettling incidents, leading the Warrens to lock it away in a glass case within the museum.
Rife clarified that while he and Castee now oversee the Warrens' property and its contents, they do not legally own the items outright. Instead, they are the "legal guardians and caretakers" of the collection for a minimum of five years. This guardianship includes the responsibility for the 750 haunted artifacts within the museum.
Rife's acquisition of the Warren property follows the recent death of Dan Rivera, a paranormal investigator for the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), who was showcasing the Annabelle doll on a nationwide tour called "Devils on the Run". Rivera's sudden passing while on tour with the doll sparked concern among some, with fans questioning the potential risks associated with handling such artifacts. However, authorities found nothing suspicious at the scene, and the doll was not present at the time of his death.
Looking ahead, Rife and Castee plan to open the Warren house for overnight stays and museum tours, allowing the public to experience the haunted history firsthand. The museum has been closed to the public since 2014 due to zoning regulations. Rife's plans could offer a unique opportunity for paranormal enthusiasts to explore the infamous location and its collection of eerie objects.
Rife's net worth is reportedly around $50 million, accumulated through stand-up comedy, acting roles, and real estate investments.
