The Amityville house, located at 108 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York, has become an enduring symbol of horror and paranormal intrigue. This seemingly ordinary suburban residence gained notoriety due to a series of chilling events that allegedly occurred within its walls in the 1970s. The story of the Amityville house is a tale of murder, haunting, and controversy that has left an indelible mark on the realms of both true crime and the supernatural.

At the heart of the Amityville legend is a gruesome and tragic event that transpired on November 13, 1974. Ronald DeFeo Jr., a 23-year-old resident of the house, brutally murdered six members of his family while they slept. This horrifying act of violence set the stage for the haunting claims that would follow, as subsequent occupants of the house reported a barrage of unexplainable and terrifying occurrences. These reports would go on to captivate the public’s imagination and fuel a decades-long debate about the existence of malevolent forces within the Amityville property.

The Amityville house story does not end with the DeFeo murders; rather, it spirals into the paranormal with the arrival of the Lutz family in December 1975. What they claimed to experience within its walls would lead to a bestselling book, a blockbuster movie, and a complex web of scepticism, belief, and intrigue that continues to captivate audiences today. In this exploration, we will delve into the historical background, investigations, scepticism, the involvement of the Catholic Church, and the status of the house today, shedding light on the enduring mystery that is the Amityville house.

History of the Amityville Horror House

Early History (1927-1974):
The Amityville house, also known as the Amityville Horror house, situated at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York, was built in 1927. For several decades, it was a typical suburban residence, attracting little attention. The house itself had a distinctive Dutch Colonial architectural style, characterized by its gambrel roof and a pair of iconic quarter-moon windows. The property stood alongside other homes in the peaceful Long Island neighborhood. It gained notoriety due to a series of events that allegedly occurred there in the 1970s, including claims of paranormal activity and a gruesome murder.

1. The DeFeo Murders (1974):

The tranquil history of the Amityville house took a dark and tragic turn on November 13, 1974. On that fateful night, Ronald DeFeo Jr. murdered six members of his own family while they slept in their beds.

The Night of the Murders (November 13, 1974): On the night of November 13, 1974, a gruesome and tragic event unfolded at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York. Ronald DeFeo Jr., a 23-year-old who lived in the house with his parents and four siblings, carried out a brutal mass murder. Armed with a .35 caliber rifle, DeFeo methodically shot and killed all six members of his family while they were asleep in their beds. The victims included his parents, Ronald Sr. and Louise, and his siblings, Dawn, Allison, Marc, and John Matthew.

The Police Report and DeFeo’s Confession: Following the murders, DeFeo went to a local bar and claimed that his family had been shot. The police were called to the scene, and they found the bodies of the six victims in their respective bedrooms. The authorities noted that all victims had been shot multiple times, but none had shown signs of a struggle. The murder weapons were not found at the scene, leading to suspicions that the killer had left the house.

Initially, DeFeo told the police that a mob hitman had committed the murders, but his inconsistent statements soon aroused suspicion. Under intense questioning, DeFeo eventually confessed to the murders, claiming that he had killed his family in self-defense because he believed they were planning to murder him. He later recanted this self-defense claim, but his confession remained largely consistent.

Scepticism and Controversy: While Ronald DeFeo Jr. was convicted of the murders and is currently serving a life sentence, controversy and scepticism surround the case. Some skeptics have raised questions about the events of that night, suggesting that there may have been more to the story than DeFeo’s confession. They point to inconsistencies in his accounts and the fact that none of the victims appeared to have awakened during the shootings.

Additionally, there have been conspiracy theories and claims of a possible accomplice, but no concrete evidence supporting these theories has ever been produced. Despite the scepticism, the legal system found DeFeo guilty, and he was sentenced to six concurrent life sentences. The DeFeo murders serve as the grim foundation upon which the legend of the Amityville Horror would later be built, and they continue to be a subject of fascination and debate.

2. The Lutz Family and the Haunting (1975):

Less than a year after the DeFeo murders, George and Kathy Lutz purchased the house at a significantly reduced price due to its infamous history.

The Lutz Family’s Move-In (December 1975): In December 1975, George and Kathy Lutz, along with Kathy’s three children from a previous marriage, moved into 112 Ocean Avenue, the house where the DeFeo murders had taken place just a year earlier. The Lutz family claimed that they were initially aware of the house’s dark history but decided to purchase it at a reduced price. Soon after moving in, they began to experience a series of bizarre and terrifying events that they believed were of a paranormal nature.

Alleged Paranormal Activity: The Lutz family’s accounts of the haunting included a wide range of disturbing phenomena. They claimed to have heard unexplained noises, including disembodied voices, strange music, and banging on the walls. Foul odors permeated the house, often described as the stench of rotting flesh. The family reported encountering an overwhelming sense of dread and being physically assaulted by unseen forces. Cold spots were said to manifest throughout the house, and furniture would move on its own. Perhaps most famously, they claimed to have seen demonic apparitions, including a pig-like creature with red eyes, and experienced levitating objects.

The Lutz Family’s Departure: The Lutz family’s ordeal culminated in their abrupt departure from the Amityville house in February 1976, just 28 days after moving in. They left most of their belongings behind, as they believed the house was too dangerous to remain in. George and Kathy Lutz subsequently contacted paranormal investigators and the media to share their experiences, leading to widespread attention and speculation about the alleged haunting.

Scepticism and Controversy: Scepticism has shrouded the Lutz family’s claims from the beginning. Critics argue that the entire story may have been fabricated to exploit the infamy of the DeFeo murders and turn a profit. Some have suggested that the Lutz family exaggerated or even completely invented the supernatural events. Others believe that psychological stress or other factors may have contributed to their experiences.

One key point of contention is the lack of concrete evidence to support the Lutz family’s claims. Despite numerous investigations and media attention, no scientific proof of paranormal activity at the Amityville house has ever been presented. Skeptics argue that the absence of reliable evidence casts doubt on the validity of the haunting claims.

The story of the Lutz family and their alleged experiences in the Amityville house has continued to captivate the public’s imagination and has been the subject of books, documentaries, and films. However, it remains a highly controversial and debated chapter in the history of paranormal phenomena, with believers and skeptics firmly entrenched in their positions.

3. Investigations and Scepticism:

Investigations and scepticism surrounding the Amityville house have been ongoing for decades. Various individuals and groups have conducted inquiries into the alleged paranormal activity and haunting claims associated with the property.

Here, I’ll detail some of the key investigations and the corresponding scepticism:

1. Hans Holzer’s Investigation (1977): Parapsychologist Hans Holzer conducted one of the earliest investigations into the Amityville house in 1977. He conducted interviews with the Lutz family and visited the property. Holzer, known for his work in paranormal research, believed that the house was indeed haunted. However, his investigation relied heavily on anecdotal evidence, which left room for scepticism.

2. Stephen Kaplan’s Investigation (1976-1977): Stephen Kaplan, a self-proclaimed paranormal investigator, examined the Amityville case extensively. He formed the Paranormal Investigation and Research Organization (PIRO) and concluded that there were no supernatural occurrences at the house. Kaplan suggested that the Lutz family had fabricated their claims for financial gain, and he even sued them for fraud.

3. The Warrens’ Involvement (1976): The Warrens visited the Amityville house in 1976, and during their investigation, they claimed to have encountered a variety of paranormal phenomena, including temperature drops, mysterious odors, and strange sounds. Lorraine Warren, who was a self-proclaimed psychic, stated that she sensed malevolent entities in the house. They also took several photographs during their visit, some of which they believed showed evidence of supernatural activity, such as glowing eyes in the darkness.

Ed and Lorraine Warren concluded that the Amityville house was indeed haunted by powerful and malevolent spirits. They believed that the negative energy in the house was so intense that it had a detrimental effect on the DeFeo family, contributing to Ronald DeFeo Jr.’s murderous rampage and the subsequent haunting experienced by the Lutz family. The Warrens’ involvement in the case helped perpetuate the belief in the paranormal nature of the house.

4. Paranormal Researchers (Various Times): Numerous other paranormal researchers and enthusiasts have visited the Amityville house over the years, often conducting their investigations independently. These investigations have yielded mixed results, with some investigators claiming to have experienced paranormal activity, while others found no evidence to support the haunting claims.

5. Scepticism and Debunking: Skeptics have raised several points of contention regarding the alleged haunting. They argue that many of the events described by the Lutz family and other witnesses could have natural explanations, such as drafts causing cold spots or the power of suggestion playing a role in their experiences. Additionally, the absence of concrete scientific evidence, such as video recordings or objective documentation, has been a major point of scepticism.

In summary, investigations into the Amityville house have produced varying conclusions. Some researchers and paranormal enthusiasts have supported the claims of supernatural activity, while others have remained highly skeptical, often attributing the experiences to psychological factors, natural occurrences, or deliberate fabrication. The controversy and debate surrounding the Amityville case continue to this day, making it one of the most famous and contested paranormal stories in history.

4. Subsequent Owners and Alterations:

The involvement of the Catholic Church is another intriguing aspect of the Amityville Horror story. The church played a role in the events surrounding the Amityville house, primarily in response to the Lutz family’s claims of demonic activity. Here’s an overview of the church’s involvement:

1. Father Pecoraro and the Blessing (January 1976): During their alleged haunting experiences in the Amityville house, the Lutz family claimed that they had been terrorized by malevolent spirits and demonic entities. Fearing for their safety, they sought help from the Catholic Church. Father Ralph J. Pecoraro, a local priest, was asked to bless the house and perform a religious cleansing to rid it of the supposed evil presence. Father Pecoraro conducted the blessing in January 1976.

2. Father Mancuso and the Church’s Investigation (1976): Father Frank Mancuso, another priest from the local parish, was also involved in the Amityville case. He conducted his own investigation into the alleged paranormal occurrences at the request of the church. Father Mancuso reportedly experienced strange phenomena during his visit to the house, including hearing a voice commanding him to “Get out!” Despite these experiences, he did not find concrete evidence of demonic activity.

3. The Church’s Official Stance: The Catholic Church has been cautious about officially endorsing or confirming claims of demonic possession or hauntings. In the case of the Amityville house, the church did not make any official statements confirming the presence of evil spirits or validating the Lutz family’s claims. Instead, they approached the matter cautiously and pastorally, offering support to the family but not explicitly acknowledging supernatural occurrences.

4. Publicity and Controversy: The involvement of the Catholic Church in the Amityville case added to the story’s intrigue and controversy. While some saw the church’s involvement as evidence of the supernatural, others viewed it as an attempt to capitalize on the sensationalism surrounding the house.

In summary, the Catholic Church did become involved in the Amityville case in response to the Lutz family’s claims of demonic activity. However, the church’s role was more pastoral than investigative, and they did not officially endorse or confirm the supernatural claims associated with the house. The Amityville story remains a complex mix of paranormal allegations, scepticism, and public fascination.

5. Subsequent Owners and Alterations:

Over the years, the house has changed hands multiple times, and several owners have made alterations to its appearance to deter curiosity seekers. The house’s iconic quarter-moon windows, featured in the book and films, were replaced with rectangular ones.

After the Lutz family’s departure from the Amityville house, it went through several subsequent owners, each making alterations to the property in an attempt to distance it from its dark and infamous past. Here’s a glimpse into the history of the house’s ownership and changes made over the years:

1. The Cromarty Family: The first owners after the Lutz family were the Cromarty family, who purchased the house in March 1977. They changed the iconic quarter-moon windows featured in “The Amityville Horror” book and films to rectangular windows. The change was part of their effort to make the house look less distinctive and prevent curious onlookers from recognizing it.

2. James and Barbara Cromarty: The Cromarty family sold the house in 1987 to James and Barbara Cromarty. They continued the practice of altering the appearance of the house. They also removed the infamous address number, changing it from 112 Ocean Avenue to 108 Ocean Avenue, further distancing the property from its association with the Amityville Horror story.

3. Ownership Changes and Alterations: Over the years, the house changed hands multiple times, with each subsequent owner making alterations to the property’s exterior. These changes included different styles of windows, paint colors, and landscaping to downplay the house’s connection to the Amityville Horror legend.

Reports from Other Owners: While there have been reports of unusual occurrences and strange experiences from subsequent owners, these accounts have not reached the level of notoriety or intensity associated with the Lutz family’s claims. Many of these stories can be attributed to the house’s reputation, which has attracted attention and curiosity seekers over the years.

It’s important to note that these reports have not been widely documented or investigated in the same manner as the Lutz family’s claims. Additionally, some owners have intentionally shied away from publicity, preferring to keep their experiences private.

In summary, the Amityville house has changed hands multiple times since the Lutz family’s departure, with subsequent owners making alterations to its appearance to distance it from its infamous history. While there have been reports of strange occurrences from some subsequent owners, they have not gained the same level of attention or notoriety as the Lutz family’s claims, and many details remain limited or anecdotal in nature.

6. Status Today

The Amityville house remains a private residence. Owners have continued to make changes to the property to make it less recognizable. However, trespassing on the property is illegal and strongly discouraged.

The Amityville house remains a private residence, and it is not open to the public. It is owned by individuals who, like many previous owners, have sought to maintain their privacy and distance themselves from the property’s notorious history.

Over the years, various owners have made changes to the house’s exterior to make it less recognizable. These alterations have included modifications to the windows and changes in paint color. The iconic quarter-moon windows featured in the original Amityville Horror book and films were replaced with rectangular windows by earlier owners.

Despite being a private residence, the Amityville house continues to attract curiosity seekers, fans of the Amityville Horror story, and paranormal enthusiasts. The house’s fame has led to occasional incidents of trespassing, vandalism, and disturbances by individuals attempting to get a closer look at the property.

The Amityville house remains a significant part of paranormal folklore and popular culture. It is often referenced in books, documentaries, and movies, and its story has left an enduring mark on the collective imagination. While the events and claims associated with the house are widely debated and often considered to be the result of hoaxes or exaggerations, the legend of the Amityville Horror persists.

Summary

The story of the Amityville house is a captivating blend of tragedy, horror, and controversy that has left an indelible mark on popular culture. It all began with the gruesome DeFeo murders of 1974, where Ronald DeFeo Jr. killed six members of his family in their sleep. This brutal crime set the stage for the paranormal saga that would unfold in the years to come.

The arrival of the Lutz family in 1975 marked the transition from a true crime story to a paranormal one. Their claims of supernatural activity, including mysterious noises, levitating objects, and encounters with demonic entities, were chronicled in the best-selling book “The Amityville Horror” and later adapted into a blockbuster movie. However, the veracity of their accounts has been hotly debated, with skeptics suggesting that their claims were fabricated for profit.

The involvement of the Catholic Church, various paranormal investigators, and a series of alterations to the house’s appearance by subsequent owners have only added layers to the Amityville story. Despite the scepticism surrounding the events, the Amityville house remains an iconic and enduring symbol of the supernatural, continuing to intrigue and terrify those who dare to delve into its dark history.