The Amityville Horror, a tale etched in pop culture consciousness, is largely considered a fictionalized account inspired by real-life tragedies and embellished for dramatic effect. While the DeFeo murders undeniably occurred, the supernatural events reported by the Lutz family are widely disputed and remain highly controversial.
A House Steeped in Tragedy: The DeFeo Murders
Before the alleged haunting, 112 Ocean Avenue was already stained with blood. On November 13, 1974, Ronald DeFeo Jr. murdered his parents and four siblings using a .35 caliber Marlin rifle. This horrific crime forms the undeniable foundation of the Amityville story. DeFeo, nicknamed “Butch,” claimed he heard voices instructing him to kill his family. He was later convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 25 years to life.
The Disturbing Reality of the DeFeo Crimes
The gruesome nature of the DeFeo murders cannot be overstated. The victims were found lying face down in their beds, suggesting a premeditated and calculated act. This tragedy captivated the nation and laid the groundwork for the subsequent narrative of the Amityville Horror. The house, now associated with unimaginable violence, became a focal point for morbid curiosity.
The Lutz Family: 28 Days of Terror?
Thirteen months after the DeFeo murders, George and Kathy Lutz, along with their three children, moved into the house at 112 Ocean Avenue. They purchased the property for a significantly reduced price, knowing its history. The Lutz family claimed they experienced a series of paranormal events during their 28-day stay, including:
- Unexplained cold spots and odors: The family reported sudden drops in temperature and strange smells, such as perfume and decaying flesh.
- Moving objects and apparitions: Furniture moved on its own, doors slammed shut, and the family claimed to have seen ghostly figures.
- Demonic presence: George Lutz stated he felt a powerful demonic presence in the house.
- George Lutz’s altered behavior: Kathy Lutz claimed her husband became increasingly irritable and obsessed with the house, resembling Ronald DeFeo Jr.
- Green slime oozing from the walls: A particularly bizarre claim involves green slime reportedly oozing from the walls.
Questioning the Lutz Account
The Lutz family’s account has been met with widespread skepticism. Many investigators and paranormal experts, including the late Joe Nickell, a renowned paranormal investigator and skeptic, have pointed out inconsistencies and potential exaggerations in their story. Critics argue that the Lutz family were motivated by financial gain, seeking to profit from the house’s notoriety. Furthermore, the timeline of events is often conflicting, raising further doubts about the veracity of their claims.
The Role of Jay Anson and “The Amityville Horror” Book
Jay Anson, a writer specializing in paranormal phenomena, co-authored “The Amityville Horror” book with the Lutz family. The book, presented as a true account, became a bestseller and fueled the Amityville legend. However, Anson’s embellishments and dramatizations contributed significantly to the sensationalized narrative, making it difficult to discern fact from fiction.
From Book to Film: Amplifying the Myth
The success of Anson’s book led to the 1979 film adaptation, further solidifying the Amityville Horror in the public imagination. The film, with its chilling visuals and dramatic score, amplified the already sensationalized story, creating a lasting legacy of fear and fascination. Subsequent sequels and remakes have continued to perpetuate the Amityville myth, often straying even further from the original account.
The Verdict: A Complex Web of Truth and Fabrication
While the DeFeo murders are an undeniable tragedy, the supernatural claims made by the Lutz family remain highly questionable. The Amityville Horror, as it is widely known, is likely a blend of genuine unease, psychological suggestibility, and deliberate fabrication. The lure of financial gain and the desire for notoriety may have played a significant role in shaping the narrative, ultimately creating a legend that continues to captivate and terrify audiences to this day. The Amityville Horror serves as a cautionary tale about the power of suggestion, the allure of the paranormal, and the enduring human fascination with the macabre.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about The Amityville Horror
Here are 12 frequently asked questions (FAQs) that delve deeper into the Amityville Horror case:
FAQ 1: What actually happened to the DeFeo family?
The DeFeo family, consisting of Ronald DeFeo Sr., Louise DeFeo, and their children Dawn, Allison, Marc, and John, were murdered by Ronald DeFeo Jr. on November 13, 1974. DeFeo Jr. shot each of them with a rifle while they slept in their beds at their home in Amityville, New York.
FAQ 2: Did Ronald DeFeo Jr. confess to the murders?
Yes, Ronald DeFeo Jr. confessed to the murders shortly after being apprehended by police. However, his initial accounts were inconsistent, and he later claimed he heard voices telling him to commit the crime.
FAQ 3: How long did the Lutz family live in the Amityville house?
The Lutz family lived in the Amityville house for only 28 days before abandoning it, claiming they were terrorized by paranormal activity.
FAQ 4: What were some of the specific paranormal events the Lutz family claimed to have experienced?
The Lutz family reported numerous paranormal occurrences, including cold spots, strange odors, moving objects, apparitions, demonic presence, green slime oozing from the walls, and George Lutz’s increasingly erratic behavior.
FAQ 5: Was there any independent verification of the Lutz family’s claims?
No credible independent verification of the Lutz family’s paranormal claims exists. Most investigations have revealed inconsistencies and potential exaggerations in their account.
FAQ 6: Did other residents of Amityville report similar paranormal experiences?
No. There’s no widely reported evidence of other residents of Amityville experiencing similar paranormal phenomena related to the house or the DeFeo murders. This lends further skepticism to the Lutz’s specific claims.
FAQ 7: Who was Father Pecoraro, and what role did he play in the Amityville story?
Father Ralph Pecoraro, often referred to as Father Mancuso in the book and film, was a Catholic priest who was allegedly contacted by the Lutz family for help. He claimed to have experienced his own frightening encounters while blessing the house, including hearing a voice telling him to “get out.” However, some sources dispute the extent and veracity of his claims.
FAQ 8: What is the “Amityville Horror Lawsuit” about?
Following the publication of the book, several lawsuits were filed regarding the Amityville Horror. These included lawsuits against the Lutz family and Jay Anson for fraud and breach of contract. These lawsuits further muddied the waters of the Amityville story.
FAQ 9: Has the Amityville house been investigated by paranormal experts?
Yes, numerous paranormal investigators and experts have examined the Amityville house. Many, but not all, have concluded that the claims of paranormal activity are unfounded. Skeptics often point to the lack of tangible evidence and the potential for psychological suggestibility.
FAQ 10: Where is the Amityville house located today, and is it still considered haunted?
The house, located at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York, still stands but has been remodeled and the address changed to deter unwanted attention. There’s no consensus on whether it’s actually haunted, but its history continues to draw curiosity.
FAQ 11: What is the most likely explanation for the Lutz family’s experience?
The most plausible explanation for the Lutz family’s experience is a combination of factors including: the psychological impact of living in a house with a history of violent murders, the potential for exaggerating or fabricating details for financial gain, and the power of suggestion and self-fulfilling prophecies.
FAQ 12: What lessons can be learned from the Amityville Horror story?
The Amityville Horror highlights the importance of critical thinking, skepticism, and responsible journalism when dealing with paranormal claims. It also underscores the enduring human fascination with the macabre and the power of storytelling to shape perceptions and beliefs.