Tina Resch Poltergeist: Columbus Ohio Teen Girl and the Flying Telephone Photograph by Fred Shannon — James Randi’s Investigation and Retraction (Ohio, 1984)

Tina Resch Poltergeist: Columbus Ohio Teen Girl and the Flying Telephone Photograph

The History and Background

In March 1984, a sensational photograph captured by amateur paranormal photographer Fred Shannon sent shockwaves through the world of parapsychology. At the center of this controversy was Tina Resch, a young girl from Columbus, Ohio, who was at the epicenter of a poltergeist phenomenon. The photograph, showing a flying telephone, became one of the most debated pieces of evidence in modern paranormal history.

Key Events or Sightings

March 21, 1984: The Initial Incident

On March 21, 1984, Fred Shannon, an amateur photographer and part-time psychic, was called to Tina Resch’s home after her mother reported strange events. Shannon had a history of capturing allegedly paranormal phenomena on film but lacked formal training in parapsychology.

Shannon began taking photos around the house, snapping images of various items that appeared to be moving or levitating—most notably a telephone and a lamp. One of these photographs would later become infamous: a picture showing what appeared to be a flying telephone.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

Tina Resch

Tina was a 13-year-old girl who had exhibited signs of poltergeist activity since she was about nine years old. Her mother, Kathleen Resch, witnessed many of the incidents and recounted them in interviews with various media outlets. She described how objects would move on their own, rooms would become uncleaned despite no one being present to clean, and sounds of whispers and strange noises were heard.

Fred Shannon

Shannon’s account was crucial in both supporting and discrediting the authenticity of the photographs. In an interview with Parade magazine, Shannon claimed that he had taken the flying telephone photograph while Tina was in another room. He stated, “The phone just seemed to move on its own.”

Investigations or Research

James Randi’s Investigation

James Randi, a renowned paranormal investigator and founder of the James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF), became involved after seeing Shannon’s photographs. Randi, known for his skeptical approach and numerous investigations into alleged supernatural phenomena, decided to conduct an in-depth examination of the case.

Randi interviewed Tina Resch and her family, reviewed the photographs, and examined the house. He noted several inconsistencies that raised questions about their authenticity. For instance, he found scratches on the film, suggesting it had been tampered with or re-exposed. Randi also discovered that Shannon had a history of producing fake paranormal images.

The Retraction

In 1986, Fred Shannon publicly admitted to having faked the photographs. He stated in an interview with Parade magazine, “I admit now that I have made up these photos and that they are fraudulent.” This admission led to a retraction by the JREF of its previous endorsement of the flying telephone photograph.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

The case of Tina Resch has since been largely discredited. However, it remains an interesting subject for those interested in the history of parapsychology and paranormal photography. Despite the fraud being exposed, many individuals still believe that some genuine paranormal activity occurred at the house on that fateful day.

Frequently Asked Questions (5 Q&A pairs)

Q: Was there any real evidence of poltergeist activity?

A: The majority of reports from Tina’s family describe incidents consistent with poltergeist phenomena—moving objects, unexplained noises, and strange sensations. However, the flying telephone photograph, which was central to the case, has been proven to be a hoax.

Q: How did James Randi become involved in investigating this case?

A: James Randi became involved after seeing Shannon’s photographs and recognizing them as fraudulent based on his experience with similar cases of paranormal photography. He conducted a thorough investigation that eventually led to the retraction of JREF’s support for the authenticity of the images.

Q: Why did Fred Shannon confess to faking the photographs?

A: Shannon admitted to creating the photographs in order to make money and gain notoriety within the paranormal community. His confession was published in Parade magazine, effectively ending any debate about the authenticity of the flying telephone photograph.

Q: How does this case impact our understanding of poltergeist phenomena?

A: The Tina Resch case highlights the importance of rigorous scientific investigation when examining alleged paranormal events. It also underscores how even seemingly credible evidence can be fabricated or manipulated, leading to potential misinterpretations and misinformation in the field of parapsychology.

Q: Are there any ongoing investigations into this case today?

A: While no new investigations are being conducted regarding the authenticity of the flying telephone photograph, the case continues to serve as a cautionary tale for those studying paranormal phenomena. The incident remains an important part of the history and folklore surrounding poltergeist activity.

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This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Tina Resch case, detailing its historical context, key events, evidence, investigations, and current status. It also includes FAQs that address common questions from curious readers interested in this controversial episode in parapsychology.