In a stunning twist for fans of the paranormal and all things haunted, who owns the Annabelle doll now is no longer a matter of myth or rumor. As of August 2025, the infamous doll—central to countless ghost stories and blockbuster horror films—has a new legal guardian: comedian Matt Rife. Annabelle’s dramatic change in stewardship has quickly become one of the year’s most talked-about developments in the world of supernatural collectibles.
Annabelle, a raggedy cloth doll said to be possessed by a demonic presence, was for decades the centerpiece of the Occult Museum operated by renowned paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. The museum, located in Monroe, Connecticut, drew thousands who hoped to glimpse the doll locked behind glass and coated with religious warnings.
But everything changed in August 2025 when Matt Rife and his friend Elton Castee purchased the Warren family’s home and the now-legendary Occult Museum. Rife announced through social media posts and an exuberant TikTok video that he and Castee are now the official “legal guardians” of the Annabelle doll—along with more than 750 other haunted artifacts making up the Warrens’ formidable collection.
What Does This “Ownership” Mean?
Rife’s team clarified that they do not have permanent legal ownership, but rather serve as appointed guardians and caretakers of Annabelle and the entire museum collection for at least the next five years. This agreement, facilitated with the Warren estate and the New England Society for Psychic Research, means Rife and Castee are responsible for Annabelle’s security, display, and the overall preservation of the collection. Their role is more like that of stewards, ensuring the legacy and, perhaps, the containment of these infamous items.
Why Is This News So Timely?
The handover of the Annabelle doll comes amid heightened online interest following the sudden death of paranormal investigator Dan Rivera in July 2025. Rivera, who had been touring the country with Annabelle as part of the “Devils on the Run” paranormal tour, died unexpectedly in his hotel room after an event in Gettysburg. Authorities found no foul play, but news of his death reignited speculation around Annabelle’s alleged supernatural powers. Following this tragic event, the tour continued in Rivera’s honor, but concerns over the doll’s safety and security prompted the latest transition of responsibility.
Read also-Annabelle Doll Location Sparks Curiosity in 2025 Tour
What’s Next for Annabelle?
Matt Rife has shared his intentions to bring a unique blend of entertainment and mystery to the Warren museum. Plans are underway to reopen the property for guided tours, overnight stays, and interactive paranormal experiences—a first since the museum closed its doors in 2019 due to zoning issues. Rife promises to combine a reverence for the museum’s chilling history with an openness to modern paranormal tourism.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| New Guardian | Matt Rife (comedian), with Elton Castee |
| Location | Monroe, Connecticut (Warren Occult Museum) |
| Legal Arrangements | 5-year guardianship, not permanent ownership |
| Previous Curators | Ed & Lorraine Warren family; Tony Spera |
| Collection Includes | Annabelle doll, 750+ haunted artifacts |
| Recent Headlines | Death of tour guide Dan Rivera in July 2025 |
| Museum Plans | Tours, overnight stays, live paranormal events |
Annabelle’s Enduring Mystique
Annabelle’s story is more than a movie plot—it’s a mix of first-hand accounts, urban legend, and fervent debate between skeptics and believers. Even now, experts warn that the doll should remain under strict security and spiritual observation, arguing that any disruption to her environment could have unpredictable consequences.
But Rife, known for his irreverent humor and fascination with the supernatural, remains undaunted. His approach promises a new chapter for one of the world’s most notorious paranormal objects—one that fans and skeptics alike will be watching closely.
Are you fascinated—or unsettled—by Matt Rife’s guardianship of the Annabelle doll? Would you visit the museum if it opens? Share your thoughts and keep the conversation alive below!