Random noises and unordinary movements. Ghost or coincidence? That’s what Debra Smith had asked herself before having Research Investigation Paranormal Activity (RIPA) investigate. She was not afraid of the potential of her house being haunted, but she wanted to settle any uncertainty. That’s when RIPA’s investigators Dennis and Evelyn McConnell were contacted.

Dennis McConnell said he’s always been interested. “When I was 9 or 10-years-old, I had my own experience with a spirit,” he said. “I pulled a string to turn a light on, but something pulled it again and it turned off.” That was what started his whole interest in investigating paranormal activity.

Although Dennis McConnell’s experience happened at a very young age, it wasn’t until later in life when Evelyn, Dennis’ wife, had her first paranormal experience. “I didn’t actually have my first paranormal experience until I went on an investigation with Dennis and I guess it just started from there,” said Evelyn.
Not everyone knows what happens when someone does a paranormal investigation. I, however, had the opportunity to experience the investigation that took place at the Smith household. The RIPA team asked a bunch of questions. “We like to show [the entities] respect,” said Evelyn McConnell. After watching the McConnells, it was very noticeable that the two just want to find out what happens after the person dies.

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NPHS Bulldogger

Infrared camera used to detect any unusual movements

Smith’s house was built in 1914, and it was owned by a mortician M.J. Forbes. The reason behind Debra having her house investigated was because when her then 10-year-old daughter Rachel Smith (’15) experienced paranormal activity. “I saw lights flick on and heard footsteps,” said Rachel Smith. “I was really freaked out. But after living there so long, I don’t feel threatened.”

Most people are afraid that whatever spirit is there will become more angry or threatening over time, but it won’t. The McConnells say there are three different types of entities: intelligent, residual, and demon. The abilities of intelligent ghosts include touching machines, talking, and answering questions. Residual ghosts, the most common of the three, are trapped in certain places, regardless of if anyone else is there or not. The least common spirit is a demon. Demons only make up about .5 percent of all ghosts. “Most people are afraid that whatever is in the house will become more ‘stirred-up,’ but it really won’t,” said Evelyn McConnell. “They are attached to that house by something which keeps them there.”

Walking around the dark rooms with paranormal meters and listening equipment, the entities were asked about their relationship with the live Fifth Street owners. “Does our dog bother or upset you?” asked Debra Smith. “How many people are in the room with us?” asked Evelyn McConnell. The entities answered through special electric-currency equipment that there were seven people in the room–which was correct. RIPA said that means that they were intelligent entities. These entities also answered that they didn’t mind the dog. Both McConnells agree that there are intelligent and residual entities in the Smith house. Dennis McConnell was pleased with the investigation. “When Deb and Evelyn were touched…really surprised me,” he said.

After the investigation and experiencing things with the multiple entities in the household, our group came to the conclusion that there were spirits living there. “People should not be scared to live in a ‘haunted’ house,” said Debra Smith. “There’s nothing scary about it.” Dennis agreed and said, “ At one point they were humans; we shouldn’t be the slightest bit afraid.”

You can hear actual paranormal recordings from some local schools and the Smith house on RIPA’s Facebook page.