Have you ever felt a chill run down your spine when walking past an old house? Imagine living in a home where six people were brutally murdered. That’s the reality of the Amityville Horror house at 112 Ocean Avenue. This infamous dwelling has captivated the world for decades, spawning books, movies, and endless speculation about what really happened within its walls.
But what’s the truth behind the legend? Let’s dive into the dark history of this notorious Long Island home and separate fact from fiction.
Amityville House at 112 Ocean Avenue
There’s something chilling about the infamous Amityville house at 112 Ocean Avenue. Whether you’re a fan of paranormal stories, or just curious about the true events that inspired a movie franchise, this house has captivated imaginations for decades. The gruesome history, mysterious hauntings, and sensational media coverage have kept it in the spotlight. But what really happened here? Let’s take a closer look at the real story behind the Amityville house and the family that lived through it.
The Tragic Murders at 112 Ocean Avenue
On a cold November night in 1974, terror struck the quiet neighborhood of Amityville, New York. The DeFeo family murders would forever change the fate of the house at 112 Ocean Avenue and spark one of the most enduring haunted house stories in American history.
Overview of the DeFeo family murders in 1974
Ronald DeFeo Sr., his wife Louise, and their four children lived in the large Dutch Colonial house. They seemed like a normal, affluent family. But appearances can be deceiving.
On November 13, 1974, Ronald DeFeo Jr. committed an unthinkable act. He systematically shot and killed his entire family as they slept in their beds. The victims were:
- Ronald DeFeo Sr. (43)
- Louise DeFeo (42)
- Dawn DeFeo (18)
- Allison DeFeo (13)
- Marc DeFeo (12)
- John Matthew DeFeo (9)
Ronald DeFeo Jr.’s confession and conviction
Initially, DeFeo Jr. claimed he discovered the bodies and sought help. But his story quickly unraveled under police questioning. Within 24 hours, he confessed to the murders.
During his trial, DeFeo Jr. claimed he heard voices telling him to kill his family. Despite this, he was found guilty on six counts of second-degree murder and sentenced to six consecutive terms of 25 years to life.
The gruesome details of that fateful night
The murders were methodical and chilling. DeFeo Jr. used a .35 caliber Marlin rifle to kill his family members one by one. Most were shot in their beds, likely while sleeping. Strangely, neighbors reported not hearing any gunshots, despite the lack of a silencer.
What drove a 23-year-old man to commit such a heinous act? Was it mental illness, drug abuse, or something more sinister?
How this tragedy set the stage for the paranormal narrative
The brutal nature of the crimes and the questions surrounding them created fertile ground for supernatural speculation. Why didn’t anyone hear the gunshots? How could DeFeo Jr. kill six people without anyone waking up?
These unanswered questions would soon fuel a new chapter in the house’s dark history.
The Lutz Family Hauntings: Fact or Fiction?
So, the Lutz family moved into the infamous Amityville house at 112 Ocean Avenue, and that’s when the whole “amityville horror” thing kicked off. They claimed all sorts of spooky stuff happened, but is it real or just a hoax? Remember, six members of his family were murdered there before.
Just over a year after the murders, a new family moved into 112 Ocean Avenue. Their experiences would launch the Amityville Horror into the realm of paranormal legend.
Introduction to the Lutz family and their brief stay
George and Kathy Lutz, along with their three children, purchased the house in December 1975. The price was a steal due to the property’s grim history. But their dream home quickly turned into a nightmare.
The Lutzes claimed they experienced intense paranormal activity from the moment they moved in. Their stay lasted only 28 days before they fled, leaving most of their possessions behind.
Claims of paranormal activity (strange smells, cold spots, voices)
The Lutz family haunting tales were terrifying and varied:
- Kathy Lutz reported levitating off the bed
- George Lutz claimed to wake up at 3:15 AM every night, the estimated time of the DeFeo murders
- Green slime supposedly oozed from the walls
- A hidden “Red Room” was discovered in the basement
- Their daughter reported seeing a demonic pig-like creature with glowing red eyes
These Amityville ghost stories captivated the public imagination. But were they true?
Skepticism and investigations into the Lutz family’s story
As the Lutzes’ claims gained attention, skeptics began to question their validity. Paranormal experts on Amityville were divided.
Ed and Lorraine Warren, famous paranormal investigators, supported the Lutzes’ claims. They conducted an Amityville paranormal investigation and declared the house genuinely haunted.
However, other researchers found inconsistencies in the Lutzes’ story. Some neighbors reported not witnessing any unusual activity during the family’s stay.
How the media and movies fueled the Amityville Horror legend
The Lutzes’ story exploded into popular culture with the 1977 book “The Amityville Horror” by Jay Anson. This was quickly followed by the 1979 film adaptation starring James Brolin and Margot Kidder.
The Amityville Horror movie became a massive hit, grossing over $86 million. It spawned numerous sequels and remakes, cementing the house’s place in horror history.
But as the legend grew, so did the questions. Was the Amityville haunting true story a genuine paranormal event, or an elaborate hoax?
The Amityville House in Pop Culture
The Amityville house at 112 Ocean Avenue has become a legend in pop culture, thanks to the infamous “Amityville Horror” story. On January 14, six members of the DeFeo family were found murdered, and Ronald DeFeo Jr. was convicted of second-degree murder.
The Lutz family moved into 112 Ocean Ave but fled the property after only one month, claiming they experienced paranormal activities. Later, Jim and Barbara Cromarty bought the house, but they too faced issues, with Jim developing a high fever and blisters.
Despite its dark history, the house was put back on the market with an asking price that attracted new buyers. John and Mary Riley purchased the home, and the Cromartys eventually moved back to their home at 108 Ocean Ave. They even added a sunroom to the back of the house!
The Amityville Horror franchise has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless books, movies, and TV shows.
The impact of “The Amityville Horror” book and film
The original Amityville Horror book sold over 10 million copies. It presented the Lutzes’ story as fact, though it was later revealed that many details were embellished or fabricated.
The 1979 film adaptation brought the story to an even wider audience. Its success launched a wave of Amityville Horror film adaptations that continues to this day.
Key adaptations and films inspired by the house
The Amityville story has spawned over 20 films, including:
- “Amityville II: The Possession” (1982)
- “Amityville 3-D” (1983)
- “The Amityville Horror” (2005 remake)
- “The Amityville Murders” (2018)
Each adaptation adds its own twist to the legend, often straying far from the original events.
How the house became a symbol of haunted locations in the U.S.
The Amityville house has become one of the most famous haunted houses in America. Its distinctive appearance – with its eye-like windows and Dutch Colonial architecture – is instantly recognizable.
The story has influenced countless other haunted house tales and paranormal investigations. It’s often cited alongside other infamous locations like the Winchester Mystery House and the Stanley Hotel.
The Truth Behind the Haunting Claims
You’ve probably heard about the Amityville Horror and the infamous Amityville house at 112 Ocean Avenue. This creepy tale kicked off following the gruesome 1974 slaying of his family by Ronald and Louise DeFeo. The house was built in the late 1970s and quickly gained a spooky reputation.
The story of the Amityville Horror really took off when the Lutzes returned the house just one year after the murders and claimed it was haunted. They put the house on the market, and it was sold in March 2017. The Amityville Historical Society keeps the eerie history of the house alive.
Since then, the address was changed, and new owners have lived in the house, but the legend continues. The property, including the boat house, had an asking price that drew a lot of attention. It inspired a 1977 book and a series of movies, keeping the spooky vibes going strong.
Despite its enduring popularity, many experts question the validity of the Amityville hauntings.
Expert investigations into the paranormal claims
Numerous paranormal investigators have examined the Amityville case. While some, like the Warrens, supported the haunting claims, others found no evidence of supernatural activity.
Joe Nickell, a prominent paranormal investigator, conducted a thorough examination of the case. He concluded that the haunting was likely a hoax, citing numerous inconsistencies in the Lutzes’ story.
The role of Ed and Lorraine Warren in the Amityville story
Ed and Lorraine Warren played a significant role in legitimizing the Amityville haunting claims. Their involvement lent credibility to the Lutzes’ story and helped propel it into the mainstream.
However, the Warrens’ methods and claims have been heavily criticized by skeptics. Some argue that their involvement was more about self-promotion than genuine investigation.
Discrepancies between the Lutz’s accounts and actual findings
Several key details of the Lutzes’ story have been debunked:
- The infamous “Red Room” was actually a known storage space, not a hidden chamber
- The house’s layout in the book and film doesn’t match the actual property
- Many of the supernatural events described would have been easily verifiable, yet no evidence was found
How neighbors and skeptics view the hauntings
Most neighbors reported no unusual activity during the Lutzes’ stay. Some have suggested that the family’s story was motivated by financial troubles and a desire for fame.
William Weber, Ronald DeFeo Jr.’s lawyer, later claimed that he and the Lutzes had concocted the haunting story over several bottles of wine.
What Happened to the Amityville House After?
So, you know that creepy house at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville? Well, after the whole “Amityville Horror” thing, Barbara Cromarty bought the house in 1977. I’ve been to the house on the South Shore of Long Island, and it still gives off those spooky vibes. The house today is a bit different, but the story of the Amityville house still exists.
Before Cromarty bought the house, it was owned by John and Catherine Moynahan, who sold the house after the whole horror tale spread terror across Long Island. The house in Amityville was built ages ago, and its eerie history keeps attracting curious folks. Seriously, if you ever get a chance, a visit to the house is a must!
The home on Ocean Avenue has seen a lot, and while the address changed to 108 Ocean Ave, the legend remains. When you walk inside the house, it’s hard not to think about its past. The house still stands as a reminder of the chilling events that once spread terror across Long Island’s Ocean Ave.
Despite its notoriety, life at 112 Ocean Avenue continued long after the Lutzes left.
Changes in ownership and the house’s real estate history
After the Lutzes, the house was purchased by Jim and Barbara Cromarty in 1977. They lived there for a decade without experiencing any paranormal activity.
Subsequent owners have also reported no issues, though they’ve had to deal with constant media attention and trespassing fans.
How the house was remodeled and its current appearance
The house has undergone significant Amityville house renovations over the years:
- The iconic eye-like windows were changed
- The address was officially changed to 108 Ocean Avenue to deter tourists
- The distinctive boathouse was removed
Despite these changes, the property remains instantly recognizable to horror fans.
Local reactions to the continued fascination with the house
The ongoing interest in the house has been a source of frustration for Amityville residents. The town has implemented strict rules to discourage haunted house tourism and protect the privacy of current homeowners.
The legal and community efforts to manage tourism and media attention
Local laws now prohibit tours of the house or neighborhood. Film crews and paranormal investigators must obtain special permits to work in the area.
Despite these efforts, the Amityville house continues to fascinate the public. Its story serves as a powerful reminder of how tragedy, myth, and media can intertwine to create an enduring legend.
The truth about what really happened at 112 Ocean Avenue may never be fully known. But one thing is certain: the Amityville Horror story will continue to chill and captivate audiences for generations to come.
Conclusion
The Amityville house at 112 Ocean Avenue remains one of the most iconic haunted houses in America. While the real story behind the house might never be fully uncovered, its impact on pop culture and paranormal enthusiasts is undeniable. Whether you believe in the paranormal or not, there’s no denying that the house has left an indelible mark on history. If you ever visit Amityville, remember—this house is more than just a tourist attraction; it’s a home with a deep, dark past. Share your thoughts or experiences about the Amityville house in the comments below!
