What was meant to be a fun Halloween prank has turned into a devastating legal battle — and a cautionary tale about how far is too far when it comes to scares. A homeowner is now facing a $3 million lawsuit after his Halloween decoration allegedly startled a couple so badly that it led to their deaths.
The shocking incident occurred in a quiet suburban neighborhood where residents are known for their over-the-top Halloween displays. The homeowner, identified only as Mark, had taken his decorations to a new level this year, creating a life-sized scarecrow that would suddenly move and scream when someone reached for candy.
According to police reports, a couple in their mid-40s were out trick-or-treating with friends when they stopped at Mark’s home. Ring camera footage shows them laughing as they approached the porch — until the motion-activated decoration came to life. The scarecrow let out a chilling scream, and the couple visibly jumped back in shock. Seconds later, both collapsed.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, but tragically, neither could be revived. Authorities later confirmed that both victims suffered cardiac arrest caused by the sudden fright.
Mark was devastated when he learned what had happened. “It was never meant to hurt anyone,” he told investigators. “It was just a prank. I feel horrible.”
However, the victims’ families have filed a civil lawsuit against him, claiming negligence and emotional distress, alleging that Mark’s setup was “recklessly designed to cause extreme fear and potential harm.” The suit demands $3 million in damages.
Neighbors say Mark had built the decoration using a mix of sound sensors, air pressure triggers, and strobe lights — a combination that made the scare extremely realistic. “It would jump and scream right in your face,” said one local. “It scared me, and I’m an adult who loves Halloween.”
The tragedy has reignited debate online about how far people should go with Halloween pranks. While many users expressed sympathy for both sides, others pointed out that there should be limits to jump-scare decorations. “There’s a difference between spooky and dangerous,” one commenter wrote. “You never know who might have a heart condition.”
Legal experts say that while cases like this are rare, homeowners can still be held liable if their decorations are found to create a foreseeable risk. “Even if there was no intent to harm, the question becomes whether a reasonable person would have expected such a reaction,” said attorney Carla Morrison.
Since the incident, local authorities have issued safety reminders for future Halloween displays, urging residents to avoid excessively startling setups — especially those using loud sounds or sudden movements near entryways.
Mark has since dismantled all of his decorations and released a statement expressing his grief. “I would give anything to undo this,” he said. “Halloween will never be the same for me.”
The tragic story has become a sobering reminder that even the scariest night of the year should always put safety before shock value.
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