Amityville Horror Case
The Lutz family fled their home after 28 days, claiming demonic activity including swarms of flies, green slime, and a pig-like creature. Their story became a bestselling book and multiple films.
On December 18, 1975, the Lutz family moved into 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York – a house where Ronald DeFeo Jr. had murdered his entire family just 13 months earlier. Twenty-eight days later, the Lutzes fled, claiming they had experienced a terrifying haunting. Their story became one of the most famous – and controversial – paranormal cases in history.
The DeFeo Murders
On November 13, 1974, Ronald DeFeo Jr. committed a horrific act, murdering six family members as they slept with a rifle. He claimed to have been influenced by demonic voices during the event.
The Lutz Family
George Lutz, Kathy Lutz, and their three children were the new owners of the house. They were newlyweds who had become aware of the house’s history prior to the purchase and had moved in despite the unsettling circumstances.
The House
The property at 112 Ocean Avenue was a Dutch Colonial style home, notable for its distinctive windows, often referred to as “eyes,” which were purchased at a discount. The house was partially furnished and, tragically, served as the scene of the DeFeo murders.
Moving In
On December 18, 1975, a priest blessed the house, but almost immediately afterward, the family began to experience troubling events. They were advised to “get out” of the house, but, unaware of the full extent of the danger, the family proceeded to move in anyway.
The Claims
The Lutzes reported a multitude of unsettling phenomena, including green slime appearing on the walls, swarms of flies during the winter months, sightings of a demonic pig-like creature, extreme fluctuations in temperature, and the persistent presence of foul smells throughout the house.
Personality Changes
George Lutz became increasingly obsessed with the fireplace in the house, frequently waking at 3:15 AM – the same time as the murders – and experiencing a noticeable alteration in his personality, marked by aggressive behavior.
Kathy’s Experiences
Kathy Lutz reportedly experienced several terrifying events, including levitating from her bed, being scratched by an unseen force, observing red eyes peering out from the darkness outside, suffering from constant nightmares, and feeling an overwhelming sense of terror.
The Children
The Lutzes’ three children also experienced disturbing phenomena, including the appearance of an imaginary friend named “Jodie,” encounters with a pig-like creature, and noticeable behavioral changes, as well as frequent nightmares and a heightened sense of being watched.
The Departure
On January 14, 1976, after twenty-eight days of living in the house, the Lutz family fled, leaving behind their belongings and never returning. They were profoundly traumatized by their experience.
The Investigation
Ed and Lorraine Warren, renowned paranormal investigators, investigated the house, took a photograph purportedly showing a demonic presence, and confirmed that a haunting was indeed taking place. Their high-profile involvement significantly added credibility to the case, at least for some observers.
The Book
“The Amityville Horror” was written by Jay Anson and published in 1977. It quickly became a bestseller, presented as a “true story” and establishing itself as a significant cultural phenomenon.
The Films
Multiple adaptations of the story have been produced, including the 1979 original film, a 2005 remake, and various sequels, establishing a long-running franchise and cementing the house’s iconic status in horror cinema.
Skeptical Investigation
Despite the widespread belief in the haunting, critics found numerous inconsistencies in the timeline, contradictions in weather records, evidence of legal involvement, and potential motives for financial gain, leading some to suggest the case was a hoax.
William Weber
DeFeo’s lawyer, William Weber, met with the Lutzes to discuss a possible book deal. Later, he controversially claimed that he had “made it up over wine,” fueling speculation about his role in the story.
The Lutzes’ Position
The Lutz family maintained that the events they experienced were genuine and not fabricated, insisting that they were deeply traumatized by their ordeal. George Lutz died in 2006 and Kathy Lutz in 2004.
Subsequent Owners
Later residents of the house reported no paranormal phenomena and lived normally, though some expressed annoyance at the enduring legend surrounding the property. The house still stands at its address, which has since been changed.
Significance
Amityville is significant for its cultural impact, the ongoing debate regarding the truth of the claims, its role as a case study in the nature of perceived paranormal experiences, its prominence as a media phenomenon, and its status as the archetype of the haunted house story.
Legacy
Whether true or fabricated, the Amityville Horror has become the definitive American haunted house story. It has influenced countless horror films, sparked endless debate, and remains a touchstone of paranormal pop culture.
Sources
- Wikipedia search: “Amityville Horror Case”
- Society for Psychical Research — SPR proceedings, peer-reviewed psychical research since 1882
- Library of Congress — American Folklife Center — American folklore archive