St. Paul Pioneer Press, USA
June 17, 2005
www.twincities.com

---

ReligionNewsBlog.com • Item 11459 • Posted: Friday June 17, 2005  

---

A man who claimed a demon told him a woman “was bogus” for trying to break up with one of his friends faces trial on charges of killing her and setting fire to her home.

Circuit Judge Dale Pasell decided there was enough evidence to try Matthew Balzrina, 21, of La Crosse on charges of first-degree intentional homicide and arson in the death of Sara Dobbs, 23, at her home. He’s also charged with operating a vehicle without the owner’s consent.

A state investigator testified at Wednesday’s preliminary hearing that Balzrina admitted beating, stabbing and strangling the victim before starting the fire May 24.

Special agent Paul Sogala said Balzrina believed he was possessed by a demon and wanted a priest present when he was interrogated. Balzrina also wanted to talk to the priest about an exorcism, he said.

Authorities quoted Balzrina as saying he was told by a demon that the woman “was bogus” for wanting the break up with a friend of Balzrina. Then he allegedly said he suddenly felt as if he had no control over himself. The defense contended Balzrina may not be competent to stand trial.

---

What You Can Do From Here

---

Read More Articles On These Topics Categories: Matthew Balzrina Share, Blog, or Email This Article Subscribe Religion News Blog RSS feed [What is this?] RSS by topic: Matthew Balzrina Read Another Article Previous entry: Five witchcraft inquiries Next entry: What’s Behind Hollywood’s Fascination with Kabbalah? RNB Homepage with latest headlines Find Related Information Use our custom search engines to find additional research resources on religions and cults Find Related Books Matthew Balzrina Most Popular Today Decision expected this week on whether parents will face trial in faith healing death Church tries Goth Liturgy Ganas commune co-founder sues current and former members Los Angeles pastor used church credit cards for personal expenses Judge allows reckless homocide charges in faith healing death of Madeline Neumann Japan: Security agency calls for extension of surveillance of Aum cult Mormon church publishes journal of founder Joseph Smith Exclusive Brethren an evil, corrupt cult, court told Author believes Tom Cruise pressured Amazon to stop selling book critical of Scientology

---

Share This Article

---

To share this page simply copy and paste one of these URL's:

• Post a link on your blog or website:
  
• Send in an email or IM:
  
• Post on a forum:
  

Search for information about (religious) cults, cult-like organizations, -- as well as paranormal-, New Age, and pseudoscientific claims -- across 260+ websites, blogs and forums dedicated to cult research, spiritual abuse, ex-cult counseling & support.

Note: results are listed on another domain -- CounterCultSearch.com -- from which you can easily return here.

Search for apologetics articles, books, videos, and other research resources across 135 Christian apologetics websites and blogs.

Note: results are listed on another domain -- ApologeticsSearch.com -- from which you can easily return here.