BURRILLVILLE, R.I. (WPRI) — Burrillville police over the weekend shut down "The Conjuring" house and cited it for operating without a license after customers continued to show up for tours, Target 12 has learned.
Police Col. Stephen Lynch said officers responded to the house — made famous by the 2013 thriller "The Conjuring" — after seeing customers on the property Friday evening.
The homeowner, Jacqueline Nunez, had been running a business offering tours, ghost-hunting experiences and even overnight stays for paranormal enthusiasts from all over the world.
But the town last month voted not to renew her business license, citing concerns with the property, along with Nunez herself, who has had a fraught relationship with the town, neighbors and several former employees.
In an exclusive interview last month with Target 12, Nunez vowed to defy the town's decision at least through December, saying she was unwilling to cancel on people who'd already booked tours.
"I will continue to to fight for my rights," Nunez said at the time.
Lynch said Nunez wasn't at the property Friday night, so they cited general manager Paige Thibodeau for operating without a license.
Lynch said staff subsequently turned away customers on Saturday, and there was no activity at the house on Sunday.
Thibodeau is expected to appear in municipal court this week and town officials have warned they're willing to take Nunez to court if she doesn't comply with their decision.
"I don't know what my business is doing that's causing any problems," Nunez said last month.
Sarah Guernelli (sguernelli@wpri.com) is the consumer investigative reporter for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook.
Eli Sherman (esherman@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter for 12 News. Connect with him on Twitter and on Facebook.