Amityville Horror
A family fled their home after 28 days of terror—demonic voices, levitation, green slime, and swarms of flies. The case became famous through a bestselling book and movie, though many question its authenticity.
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 of whom were killed in their beds. He claimed voices told him to do it, and he was subsequently convicted and imprisoned for the horrific crime.
The Lutz Family
George and Kathy Lutz purchased the house knowing its history, and they moved in with three children. A priest, Father Ralph Pecoraro, blessed the house prior to their arrival, but trouble began immediately following their relocation.
The Blessing
Father Ralph Pecoraro allegedly experienced a series of unsettling events while present in the house. He was slapped by an invisible force, heard a voice say “Get out,” and warned the Lutzes to avoid one specific room. Shortly thereafter, he began to experience severe illness.
Reported Phenomena
The Lutzes reported a wide range of disturbing phenomena within the house. They described green slime oozing from the walls, swarms of flies appearing during the winter months, and the disconcerting appearance of demonic faces. Kathy Lutz claimed to have levitated above the bed, and they even reported the presence of a demonic pig named “Jodie,” as well as experiencing extreme temperature fluctuations and witnessing objects moving by themselves.
George’s Changes
George Lutz allegedly began waking at 3:15 AM—the time of the DeFeo murders—and he became increasingly obsessed with the fireplace, growing distant and angry in the process. His appearance began to resemble that of Ronald DeFeo Jr., adding to the family’s terror.
The Escape
After twenty-eight days of living in the house, the family fled in terror, leaving behind most of their possessions and never returning to the property. They then publicly recounted their terrifying experiences.
The Book
“The Amityville Horror” (1977), written by Jay Anson, was based on the Lutzes’ account and quickly became a massive bestseller, launching a widespread media phenomenon.
The Movie
“The Amityville Horror” (1979) became a box office hit and spawned numerous sequels, cementing the house’s place as a famous landmark worldwide and establishing the case firmly within popular culture.
The Controversy
Many individuals questioned the veracity of the Lutzes’ account. The priest’s involvement in the story was heavily disputed, and there were no documented police records of any of the reported incidents. Later owners of the property reported experiencing nothing unusual, and William Weber, DeFeo’s lawyer, claimed he had assisted in creating the narrative, alleging it occurred “over many bottles of wine.” The Lutzes vehemently denied these claims.
Weber’s Admission
Lawyer William Weber stated that he met with the Lutzes to discuss creating a story, and the process was conducted over many bottles of wine, though the Lutzes later denied this account.
The Warren Investigation
Ed and Lorraine Warren investigated the house and claimed it was genuinely haunted, conducting séances and ultimately supporting the Lutzes’ claims of paranormal activity.
Subsequent Owners
Later residents of the house reported a stark contrast to the Lutzes’ experiences, stating that they lived normally in the property, expressing frustration with the constant influx of tourists and curiosity seekers, and reporting no supernatural experiences whatsoever.
Significance
The Amityville Horror is significant for its massive cultural impact, which has manifested in numerous films and books, as well as its role in defining modern haunted house narratives. The case also continues to fuel an ongoing debate regarding its authenticity and represents a compelling 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 powerful cultural phenomena—and how challenging it can be to separate verifiable truth from profitable fiction.
Sources
- Wikipedia search: “Amityville Horror”
- Society for Psychical Research — SPR proceedings, peer-reviewed psychical research since 1882
- Library of Congress — American Folklife Center — American folklore archive