The True Story Behind Netflix’s ‘The Deliverance’ and What Happened to Latoya Ammons.
If you enjoy horror movies like *The Exorcist*, you might want to watch *The Deliverance* on Netflix. What’s shocking is that this movie is based on real events that happened to a family more than ten years ago. Let's explore the true story behind *The Deliverance* and what really happened to Latoya Ammons and her family.
*The Deliverance* premiered on Netflix on August 30, 2024, and was directed by Lee Daniels, who is known for his work on *Precious*. This movie brings together a talented cast including Andra Day, Mo'Nique, Glenn Close, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Caleb McLaughlin.
Daniels first heard about Latoya Ammons’ story after he directed *Precious*. Initially, he was hesitant to make this movie because of the dark themes and the idea of working with spirits. He explained that the story stayed with him for a long time, and he felt a strong need to share it on screen, especially during these difficult times.
Is *The Deliverance* Based on a True Story?
Yes, *The Deliverance* is based on the true story of Latoya Ammons. In November 2011, Latoya, her mother, and her three children moved into a small rental house in Gary, Indiana. Soon after moving in, strange and terrifying things began happening in the house.
Latoya and her mother, Rosa Campbell, reported hearing footsteps on the stairs at night and the sound of a door creaking open. One night, Rosa saw a shadowy figure of a man walking in their living room. When she got up to check, she found large, wet boot prints on the floor.
But the strange occurrences didn’t stop there. Things got worse over the following months. Latoya said she saw her children floating above their beds, getting thrown across rooms, and speaking in deep, unnatural voices. These events scared the family so much that Rosa told her daughter they needed help.
The family reached out to local churches, but most didn’t take them seriously. One church official said the house had spirits and suggested they clean it with bleach and ammonia, and draw crosses on all the doors and windows with oil.
Latoya also followed advice from a clairvoyant (a person who claims to see spirits). She set up an altar in her basement with a white sheet, a candle, and statues of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. For three days, nothing happened, but then things took a frightening turn. Latoya and her children began showing signs of being possessed by demons. The children’s eyes would bulge, they would smile in a creepy way, and their voices would change during these episodes.
The Doctor's Visit and Hospital Events.
On April 19, 2012, the family went to see their doctor, Dr. Geoffrey Onyeukwu, to explain the terrifying events they were experiencing. The doctor found their situation bizarre and noted in his records that the family was experiencing “delusions” and “hallucinations.” During the visit, Latoya’s sons reportedly cursed the doctor in deep, demonic voices, and one of them was said to have been lifted and thrown against a wall without anyone touching him.
This strange behavior led someone at the doctor’s office to call 911, bringing police officers and ambulances to the scene. The children were then taken to the Methodist Hospital in Gary, where the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) was called to investigate possible child abuse or neglect.
Valerie Washington, a DCS case manager, was assigned to the case. While at the hospital, she witnessed one of Latoya’s sons growl with his teeth showing, his eyes rolling back in his head. He then tried to strangle his older brother, only letting go when the adults pried his hands open.
Later that evening, the younger boy reportedly said, “It’s time to die,” to his older brother and threatened to kill him. Washington's report also mentioned a shocking incident where the older boy walked backward up a wall to the ceiling and then flipped over his grandmother. This event was witnessed by a nurse who confirmed that the boy did indeed walk up the wall.
Because of these events, DCS took emergency custody of Latoya’s three children.
Was There Really an Exorcism?
On April 20, 2012, a hospital chaplain contacted Rev. Michael Maginot, a priest, to perform an exorcism on Latoya’s son. Rev. Maginot performed three exorcisms on Latoya at his church and also blessed her new home in Indianapolis.
Rev. Maginot was convinced that demons were tormenting the family and that the house was haunted. When Latoya and her mother returned to their home on Carolina Street with the police, strange things continued to happen. One police officer’s audio recorder malfunctioned, and another officer’s recording captured an unknown voice whispering, “Hey.” A photo taken in the house also showed a mysterious cloudy image that looked like a face.
What Happened to Latoya Ammons and Her Children?
Latoya eventually regained custody of her children in November 2012 after moving to a new house and completing the requirements set by DCS. The family stopped experiencing any paranormal activity after they moved, and they were able to move on with their lives. The house on Carolina Street was later sold for $35,000.
Where is Latoya Ammons Now?
It’s unclear what Latoya Ammons and her children are doing now. However, the director of *The Deliverance*, Lee Daniels, did speak with Latoya briefly while making the movie. He described her as a “lovely” person who seemed to be at peace.
Daniels made some changes to Latoya's story for the movie. For example, he changed her mother’s race to white to explore themes of race and identity. He also changed the gender of the person performing the exorcism from a man to a woman to highlight the role of women in such work.
If you want to see the story brought to life, you can watch *The Deliverance* on Netflix.
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