One of the most shocking true ghost stories is the Bell Witch Haunting. The Bell family in Tennessee was terrorized by a malevolent entity. It would make strange noises, move objects, and even physically attack family members. There were also reports of it whispering threats and prophecies. Another is the story of the Amityville Horror. The Lutz family claimed to experience all sorts of paranormal activity in their new home, from cold spots to seeing apparitions.
You can start by checking out some classic ghost story collections like 'The Complete Ghost Stories of M.R. James'. He was a master at writing based on real - life - inspired spooky tales. There are also some websites dedicated to sharing true ghost stories, such as 'Your Ghost Stories'. It has a large collection of stories submitted by people who claim to have had real encounters with the supernatural.
The unexpected appearance of apparitions. For example, when people are just going about their normal daily routines, like sleeping in their new homes, and suddenly see a strange figure. It's shocking because it disrupts their sense of safety.
The unpredictability of their actions is quite shocking too. You can't really predict when a psychopath will strike. They might seem calm one moment and then suddenly act out in a violent and unpredictable way. And they don't follow the normal moral or ethical rules that most of us abide by, which makes their actions so hard to fathom.
Another is '12 Years a Slave'. Based on the memoir of Solomon Northup, it shows the harsh reality of slavery in the United States. The protagonist was kidnapped and sold into slavery, and the movie depicts in detail the inhumane treatment slaves endured, from physical abuse to mental degradation. It's a very hard - hitting film that makes you realize the horror of that era.
The Zodiac Killer's story is also quite shocking. He taunted the police with cryptic messages while murdering people in Northern California. He was never caught, leaving the case a mystery to this day. And then there's the case of Aileen Wuornos, a female serial killer who targeted men. Her story is shocking as it challenges the stereotype of female criminals.
The most shocking element is often the level of control cult leaders have over their followers. For example, in the case of the People's Temple, Jim Jones was able to convince people to give up all their possessions and move to a remote area. He also had such a hold on them that they were willing to take their own lives at his command.
Michael Jackson had his own legal troubles. He was accused of child molestation. These accusations were extremely controversial. While he was acquitted in court, the whole situation had a huge impact on his reputation. His once - squeaky - clean image was severely tarnished, and it led to a great deal of public debate about his innocence or guilt.
One of the most shocking is the case of Ted Bundy. He was a charming yet extremely cruel serial killer who targeted young women. His modus operandi involved luring victims with his good looks and then brutally murdering them. Another is the JonBenét Ramsey case. The murder of the young beauty pageant queen remains unsolved and is full of mystery and disturbing details. The Manson Family murders are also very shocking. Charles Manson led his followers to commit brutal killings in a spree that horrified the nation.
The story of Jeffrey Dahmer is also very disturbing. He was a serial killer and cannibal. His crimes were so grotesque that when he received the death penalty, it was seen as a just end, but his case left a lasting mark on the public's perception of extreme criminality.