Matt Rife becomes legal guardian of haunted Warren Museum, including Annabelle doll

Comedian Matt Rife shocked fans on Friday by announcing that he and YouTuber Elton Castee have purchased one of the most iconic properties in paranormal history — the former home and Occult Museum of renowned demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren. With this acquisition, Rife has become the legal guardian of some of the world’s most infamous haunted artifacts, including the notorious Annabelle doll.

Rife shared the news via Instagram, posting photos of the spooky property along with an emotional caption that revealed his lifelong fascination with the supernatural. “If you know me, you know I’m obsessed with the paranormal and all things haunted,” he wrote. “The Conjuring films are my favorite scary movies of all time. So I’m incredibly honored to have taken over one of the most prominent properties in paranormal history.”

Under the agreement, Rife will serve as the official guardian of the museum’s items for the next five years. These include not just Annabelle — the doll that inspired several horror films — but also eerie relics like an organ that allegedly plays music on its own, and parts from the ill-fated Eastern Airlines Flight 401.

“Ed and Lorraine Warren arguably put demonology and paranormal into the mainstream,” Rife said. “They’re at the heart of some of the most famous haunted stories of all time.” He and Castee now plan to open the house for overnight stays and museum tours, offering fans an immersive dive into the occult.

The exact amount paid for the haunted property remains undisclosed.

However, fan reactions to the announcement were mixed. Some expressed excitement, while others voiced concern. One fan wrote, “RIP buddy,” and another warned, “Please, for the love of God, don’t touch anything!” Others pleaded for the museum’s legacy to be respected: “Please honor them and don’t turn everything they’ve built into a joke.”

The Warren Occult Museum is infamous for housing the real-life Annabelle doll — a Raggedy Ann thought to have a dark presence. According to the Warrens, Annabelle once attempted to strangle someone in their sleep and moved mysteriously around a room, scaring her original owners. The doll was always sealed behind glass with a stern warning: “Positively Do Not Open.”

Annabelle recently featured in the “Devils on the Run Tour,” led by paranormal investigator Dan Rivera. Tragically, Rivera died unexpectedly in his hotel room on July 13 during the tour. The doll was not present in his room at the time. State police said there was “nothing unusual or suspicious” about his death, though the cause remains unknown.

As Rife prepares to open the Warren home to the public, fans of the paranormal world now wait to see whether his bold move will reignite new interest in one of America’s creepiest collections — or awaken something far darker.