Moundsville Penitentiary Shadow Man

Paranormal Photos – Fact or Fiction

First of all it should be noted that this photo is believed by many to have been debunked, that it is not a capture of paranormal phenomena, and that it is just a shadow. However, not everyone agrees with this, including many researchers and/or investigators, hence the reason it is being presented to you to make up your own minds.

This photo was taken by Polly Gear in 2004. Polly was investigating the non operational West Virginia State Penitentiary in Moundsville, West Virginia. The penitentiary is reportedly haunted with a number of shadow figures having been witnessed by those visiting. Asides from the 94 men executed there (85 via hanging, one being decapitated by the noose and 9 meeting their fates sitting on "Old Sparky" the electric chair), there were also 36 homicides – inmates murdering other inmates.

The Penitentiary went out of commission in 1995, and nine years later this quite eerie photo was taken after Polly encountered the figure while walking down a hallway to the cafeteria. She described it as being like black static and was shaped like a man. As she shone her torch at it the light went through it and the figure seemed to notice what she had done. However she had her wits about her enough to take the photograph as she backed away. After that the figure was gone.

The photo was out in the public, and as is the case, debunking attempts were made. Television show Ghost Hunters claimed to have successfully debunked it (an IR camera light shining behind Polly or another person as the photo was taken, creating the shadow) but not everyone was convinced, and a debunking of the debunk was put forward (GH claimed Polly must have been standing 10-40 feet away to take the picture. She was actually 110 feet away, and therefore her shadow would have been much larger).

What do you think?
Was the Moundsville Penitentiary Shadow Man captured in this photo?
Or is it a shadow cast by another or possibly Polly herself?
Or do you think it is a set up, a complete fake?
Fact or Fiction, you decide!