The Amityville Horror

In December 1975, the Lutz family moved into 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York—a house where Ronald DeFeo Jr. had murdered his family a year earlier. Twenty-eight days later, they fled, claiming demonic activity had terrorized them. The case became one of the most famous—and contested—hauntings in history.

The DeFeo Murders

On November 13, 1974:

• Ronald DeFeo Jr. shot six family members
• All were killed in their beds
• He claimed voices told him to do it
• He was convicted and imprisoned

The Lutz Family

George and Kathy Lutz:

• Purchased the house knowing its history
• Moved in with three children
• A priest blessed the house
• Trouble began immediately

The Blessing

Father Ralph Pecoraro allegedly:

• Was slapped by an invisible force
• Heard a voice say “Get out”
• Warned the Lutzes to avoid one room
• Later became ill

Reported Phenomena

The Lutzes claimed:

• Green slime oozing from walls
• Swarms of flies in winter
• Demonic faces appearing
• Kathy levitating above the bed
• A demonic pig named “Jodie”
• Temperature extremes
• Objects moving by themselves

George’s Changes

George Lutz allegedly:

• Began waking at 3:15 AM (murder time)
• Became obsessed with the fireplace
• Grew distant and angry
• Resembled Ronald DeFeo

The Escape

After 28 days:

• The family fled in terror
• They left most possessions behind
• They never returned
• They told their story publicly

The Book

“The Amityville Horror” (1977):

• Written by Jay Anson
• Based on the Lutzes’ account
• Became a massive bestseller
• Launched a media phenomenon

The Movie

“The Amityville Horror” (1979):

• Became a box office hit
• Spawned numerous sequels
• Made the house famous worldwide
• Established the case in popular culture

The Controversy

Many questioned the account:

• The priest’s involvement was disputed
• No police records of incidents
• Later owners reported nothing unusual
• William Weber (DeFeo’s lawyer) claimed he helped create the story

Weber’s Admission

Lawyer William Weber stated:

• He met with the Lutzes
• They discussed creating a story
• It was done “over many bottles of wine”
• The Lutzes denied this

The Warren Investigation

Ed and Lorraine Warren:

• Investigated the house
• Claimed it was genuinely haunted
• Conducted séances
• Supported the Lutzes’ claims

Subsequent Owners

Later residents reported:

• No unusual phenomena
• Living normally in the house
• Frustration with tourists and curiosity seekers
• No supernatural experiences

Significance

The Amityville Horror is significant for:

• Massive cultural impact
• Multiple films and books
• Defining modern haunted house narrative
• Ongoing authenticity debate
• Intersection of tragedy and alleged haunting

Legacy

Whether real or fabricated, the Amityville Horror defined haunted house stories for a generation. The case demonstrates how alleged paranormal events can become cultural phenomena—and how difficult it can be to separate truth from profitable fiction.