The pervasive narrative of the Amityville Horror, a seemingly idyllic Long Island house plagued by demonic forces that drove the Lutz family to flee in terror, is largely considered a fabrication, bolstered by financial incentives and embellished over time. While the initial crime – the horrific DeFeo murders – undoubtedly occurred, the subsequent paranormal events attributed to the house remain highly contested and lack credible corroboration, leaving the reality of the “horror” firmly in the realm of literary license and outright deception.
The Foundation of Fear: The DeFeo Murders
Before delving into the Lutz family’s account, it’s crucial to acknowledge the grim reality that preceded it. On November 13, 1974, Ronald DeFeo Jr. murdered his parents and four siblings with a rifle inside the Amityville house. DeFeo confessed to the crimes, claiming he heard voices compelling him to kill. This tragedy forms the indisputable bedrock of the Amityville story, forever staining the house with a horrific past.
The Motive and The Confession
DeFeo’s motives remain shrouded in speculation, ranging from insurance money to long-standing family tensions. His initial confession, while admitting to the killings, also referenced hearing voices, a detail that would later be exploited in the broader Amityville narrative. The psychological implications of this confession, coupled with the undeniable horror of the crime itself, undoubtedly created an atmosphere ripe for paranormal interpretations.
The Lutz Family and Their 28 Days
Just over a year after the DeFeo murders, George and Kathy Lutz purchased the house at a significantly reduced price, purportedly aware of its history but undeterred. They moved in with their three children in December 1975. What followed, according to their account, was a terrifying ordeal filled with paranormal phenomena, culminating in their abandonment of the house after only 28 days.
The Reported Phenomena
The Lutz family recounted a litany of terrifying events, including:
- Cold spots and strange odors: Unexplained temperature drops and peculiar smells permeating the house.
- Moving objects and disembodied voices: Furniture shifting on its own and hearing voices without a visible source.
- Demonic apparitions: Visual encounters with demonic figures and entities.
- Kathy Lutz levitating: An alleged experience of Kathy Lutz floating above her bed.
- George Lutz’s behavioral changes: Claims of George becoming obsessed with the house’s history and exhibiting increasingly erratic behavior.
The Book and The Movie
The Lutz family’s experiences were chronicled in Jay Anson’s 1977 book, The Amityville Horror, which became a massive bestseller. The book was subsequently adapted into the 1979 film of the same name, further cementing the Amityville Horror into popular culture. These adaptations, while entertaining, undoubtedly amplified and sensationalized the original claims, blurring the line between reality and fiction.
Skepticism and Discrepancies
Despite the widespread popularity of the Amityville Horror narrative, numerous inconsistencies and skeptical analyses have emerged, casting serious doubt on the veracity of the Lutz family’s claims.
The Evidence Lacking
Crucially, no independent corroboration of the Lutz family’s paranormal claims exists. Law enforcement, paranormal investigators, and even subsequent residents of the house have failed to replicate or substantiate their experiences. This absence of verifiable evidence stands as a significant indictment of the story’s credibility.
The Role of Alcohol and Financial Incentive
Sources close to the Lutz family have suggested that alcohol abuse and financial desperation played a significant role in the creation and perpetuation of the Amityville Horror story. The lucrative prospect of a book deal and movie adaptation provided a strong incentive to embellish or fabricate events, potentially exploiting the existing fear and notoriety surrounding the house.
The Challenge to the Layout
Skeptics have also pointed out discrepancies in the reported layout of the house, particularly the location and existence of certain rooms and features mentioned in the book and film. These inconsistencies raise questions about the accuracy of the Lutz family’s overall account.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Amityville Mystery
Here are some frequently asked questions addressing key aspects of the Amityville Horror case:
1. Did the DeFeo murders actually happen in the Amityville house?
Yes, this is the undisputed fact. Ronald DeFeo Jr. brutally murdered his parents and four siblings in the house on November 13, 1974. This tragedy is a matter of public record and serves as the grim foundation upon which the Amityville Horror story is built.
2. What were the primary reasons the Lutz family claimed they left the house?
The Lutz family cited a litany of terrifying paranormal events, including cold spots, strange odors, moving objects, disembodied voices, demonic apparitions, and Kathy Lutz’s alleged levitation, as the primary reasons for their hasty departure. They felt the house was possessed by a malevolent force.
3. Did any paranormal investigators independently verify the Lutz family’s claims?
No. While some paranormal investigators visited the house, including Ed and Lorraine Warren, their findings remain controversial and lack objective, scientific validation. Their involvement has been criticized as adding to the sensationalism rather than providing credible evidence.
4. What is the “Red Room” and does it actually exist in the Amityville house?
The “Red Room” is a small, unfinished room in the basement, heavily featured in the book and film, where particularly terrifying events allegedly occurred. However, the actual existence and dimensions of this room, as depicted in the fictionalized accounts, are disputed, and some claim it was significantly altered for dramatic effect.
5. How much money did the Lutz family reportedly make from the Amityville Horror story?
The exact amount remains undisclosed, but it is widely believed that the Lutz family received a significant sum for the rights to their story, which was then adapted into the bestselling book and subsequent movies. This financial incentive is a central argument used by skeptics to explain the embellishment of their experiences.
6. What role did lawyer William Weber play in the Amityville Horror story?
William Weber was Ronald DeFeo Jr.’s defense attorney. He later became involved with the Lutz family and played a significant role in crafting and promoting the Amityville Horror story. Weber later admitted to fabricating parts of the story with the Lutzes, a confession that severely damaged the credibility of the narrative.
7. Have subsequent residents of the Amityville house reported any paranormal activity?
No. Subsequent residents of the house have consistently reported experiencing no paranormal activity whatsoever. This lack of corroborating evidence from those who lived in the house after the Lutz family further undermines the validity of their claims.
8. What are some of the most glaring inconsistencies in the Amityville Horror story?
Key inconsistencies include discrepancies in the house’s layout, the timing of certain events, and the lack of independent verification of the claimed paranormal phenomena. Furthermore, the motivations and backgrounds of the key players, including the Lutz family and William Weber, are often presented in a selective and biased manner.
9. How has the Amityville Horror impacted the paranormal investigation field?
The Amityville Horror has had a profound and often detrimental impact on the paranormal investigation field. It has become a cautionary tale about the dangers of sensationalism, fabrication, and the pursuit of financial gain over scientific rigor. It has also fueled skepticism towards paranormal claims in general.
10. What is the current value of the Amityville house?
The Amityville house has been sold several times since the DeFeo murders and the Lutz family’s brief residence. Its value fluctuates with the real estate market, but it’s generally considered to be a valuable property due to its location and size, despite its infamous history. It’s currently estimated to be worth over a million dollars.
11. Is the Amityville Horror still considered a popular story in modern media?
Yes. Despite the skepticism surrounding its veracity, the Amityville Horror continues to be a popular subject in books, films, television shows, and documentaries. Its enduring appeal lies in its exploration of themes of fear, the supernatural, and the dark side of the American dream.
12. What is the ultimate conclusion about the truth behind the Amityville Horror?
The preponderance of evidence suggests that the Amityville Horror, as presented by the Lutz family, is a highly embellished and likely fabricated account. While the DeFeo murders are a verifiable tragedy, the subsequent paranormal claims lack credible corroboration and are contradicted by subsequent residents and skeptical analyses. The story serves as a potent reminder of the power of suggestion, the lure of financial gain, and the enduring fascination with the supernatural.