Editor’s Note: The following report is pulled from the Fresh Thrills Horror archives. While investigators continue sorting through decades of VHS-era carnage, some victims deserve another look. Names have not been changed. Survival odds remain unchanged.
PITTSBURGH, PA — Police continue to examine the mysterious death of biomedical researcher Geoffrey Fisher, whose body was discovered inside the Allan Mann residence following a violent series of unexplained events linked to a capuchin monkey known only as Ella.
Investigators believe Fisher arrived at the home hoping to confront whatever had gone wrong with a confidential research project. Neighbors reported hearing shouting moments before the residence erupted into chaos, but no human suspect has been taken into custody.
“No human suspect has been identified, though investigators admit the evidence recovered from the scene defies conventional explanation.”
Authorities recovered laboratory equipment and several medical syringes from the scene, though exactly how Fisher sustained his fatal injuries remains under investigation.
Witness accounts differ wildly. Some insist the attack was carried out by a trained laboratory animal. Others dismiss those claims as panic fueled by the bizarre circumstances surrounding the case. Officials have declined to comment, citing the unusual nature of the evidence.
Readers interested in the strange events surrounding the Allan Mann investigation can revisit our VHS Vault: Monkey Shines (1988) review. Those looking for more forgotten late-’80s nightmares may also enjoy 5 Underrated Slasher Movies.
Case File
Case Number: RHN-88-071
Victim: Geoffrey Fisher
Last Known Location: Allan Mann Residence, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Primary Person of Interest: “Ella” — Female Capuchin Monkey
Evidence Recovered: Laboratory syringes, medical research equipment, signs of a violent struggle.
Official Cause of Death: Fatal poisoning by syringe.
Case Status: CLOSED
Final Status
Although the official file leaves several questions unanswered, investigators ultimately concluded that Geoffrey Fisher died from a poisoned syringe during the final confrontation inside the residence.
The investigation may be closed, but the tape is still spinning. Explore more cold cases in the Reel Horror News archives or revisit the complete VHS Vault: Monkey Shines (1988) review.