Episode 179, The Signs of Demon Possession with Jesse Romero

A retired law enforcement officer in the Los Angeles area, Jesse Romero has become a powerful Catholic apologist and evangelist. He is the author of "The Devil in the City of Los Angeles," available through JesseRomero.com and Amazon.

In this podcast episode, we will hear his remarkable story—how his career in law enforcement ultimately led him to defend and proclaim the Gospel.

Satanic Encounters

Many people in our time deny the existence of God or live in doubt about Heaven and hell. Yet we know that confusion is one of Satan’s primary tools. To resist the devil and his works, Jesse suggests that we must remain close to the Lord, entrust ourselves to Our Lady, and frequent the sacraments.

In his book, Jesse recounts his first extraordinary experience in 1983 at the Los Angeles County Jail. He recalls speaking with an inmate, a self-proclaimed Satanist. Jesse offered him an extra ration of food if he would simply say, “Jesus is Lord.” The man was unable to speak those three words. Each time he tried, his face contorted, and it seemed as though an invisible force prevented him from uttering Jesus’ name.

Jesse also had an encounter with Richard Ramirez, the infamous “Night Stalker,” a convicted mass murderer. Ramirez, he explains, was in a state of “perfect possession” by Satan—so hardened in evil that he would read nothing but his satanic bible and pornography, having deliberately made a pact with the devil.

Spiritual Warfare

Another chilling incident involved a young man in a violent disturbance. It required four officers to restrain him. The young man shook uncontrollably, bit and scratched at those around him, and his eyes appeared completely white—without pupil or iris. He spoke in an unknown tongue. 

His devout grandmother began praying the rosary. Rather than calling for more reinforcements, Jesse instructed his fellow officers to pray as well. After forty agonizing minutes, the young man suddenly ceased his thrashing, ran to his grandmother, and cried out: “The monster is gone—he has left me!”

Signs of Demonic Possession

From these and other encounters, Jesse emphasizes the Church’s traditional teaching on the four signs of demonic possession:

1. The sudden ability to speak or understand unknown languages.
2. Abnormal physical strength disproportionate to one’s condition.
3. Knowledge of hidden events or realities that could not be known naturally.
4. A vehement hatred or aversion toward God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the cross, and the saints.

Jesse is a powerful and dynamic speaker for parish missions, retreats, or conferences. He is admired for his fervor and zeal for the Catholic faith. His riveting presentations leave a lasting impression on all who hear him.