Only three families have officially resided in the infamous Amityville Horror house at 112 Ocean Avenue since the horrific murders occurred in 1974. These were the DeFeo family (prior to the murders), the Lutz family, and subsequent owners who lived there after the Lutz family vacated in early 1976.
A History Shrouded in Mystery
The Amityville house, forever etched in the public consciousness as the site of unspeakable tragedy and alleged paranormal activity, has a history far more complex than its sensationalized portrayal suggests. Understanding the number of families who truly lived within its walls is crucial to separating fact from fiction.
The DeFeo Family: A Tragic Beginning
Before the legend, there was a family. The DeFeo family, comprised of Ronald DeFeo Sr., his wife Louise, and their five children, Dawn, Ronald Jr. (“Butch”), Allison, Marc, and John Matthew, were the first residents of 112 Ocean Avenue. They lived there for approximately nine years before the night of November 13, 1974, when Ronald DeFeo Jr. murdered his entire family. This horrific event instantly transformed the house from a suburban residence into a symbol of unimaginable horror. This is the pivotal point that defines the house’s dark notoriety.
The Lutz Family: 28 Days of Terror?
Thirteen months after the murders, George and Kathy Lutz, along with Kathy’s three children, Daniel, Christopher, and Melissa, moved into the house. Their stay, lasting only 28 days, became the basis for the book The Amityville Horror and the subsequent films. The Lutzes claimed to have experienced a series of disturbing paranormal phenomena, including cold spots, foul odors, moving objects, and menacing voices. These experiences, whether genuine or fabricated, cemented the house’s reputation as haunted. Whether their story is truth or fiction continues to fuel debate.
Subsequent Owners: Silence and Renovation
After the Lutz family fled, the house remained vacant for a period. Eventually, it was purchased by another family who, understandably, sought privacy and normalcy. To escape the persistent media attention and morbid curiosity, they lived a relatively quiet life, making substantial renovations to the house’s interior and exterior. This included changing the iconic Dutch Colonial windows to a more conventional rectangular shape in an effort to dissuade gawkers and reduce its notoriety. Several other families followed, each seeking to distance themselves from the house’s haunted past. These families have generally reported no unusual or paranormal activity. The current owners of the property have also reported no unusual experiences.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Amityville Saga
To further clarify the timeline and dispel some common misconceptions, here are some frequently asked questions about the families who lived in the Amityville Horror house:
FAQ 1: Did the DeFeo family own the house, or were they renting?
The DeFeo family owned the house at 112 Ocean Avenue. Ronald DeFeo Sr. purchased it several years before the murders.
FAQ 2: What exactly did the Lutzes claim happened to them in the house?
The Lutz family claimed to experience a range of paranormal phenomena, including cold spots, strange smells, green slime oozing from the walls, moving furniture, slamming doors, and even seeing a demonic pig-like creature. George Lutz also claimed to feel a strong demonic presence and experience personality changes.
FAQ 3: Was the Lutz family’s story proven to be true?
The Lutz family’s claims remain highly controversial. Skeptics have pointed to inconsistencies in their story, the lack of corroborating evidence, and the potential for financial motivation. Many believe their story was embellished or fabricated to sell the book. While the book was marketed as a true story, its veracity has been widely questioned.
FAQ 4: How long did the house remain vacant after the Lutz family moved out?
The house remained vacant for approximately a year after the Lutz family left in January 1976. It was difficult to sell due to its reputation.
FAQ 5: Did any other paranormal investigators examine the Amityville house?
Yes, several paranormal investigators visited the house after the Lutz family. Most notably, Ed and Lorraine Warren, well-known paranormal investigators, conducted a seance in the house. Their findings, like those of the Lutzes, are also subject to debate and skepticism.
FAQ 6: What happened to the subsequent owners of the Amityville house?
Subsequent owners of the Amityville house have generally reported no significant paranormal activity. They have lived relatively normal lives, often making an effort to downplay or ignore the house’s infamous history. The families who followed sought anonymity and a peaceful existence.
FAQ 7: Is the house still standing today, and is it still at 112 Ocean Avenue?
Yes, the house is still standing, but the address has been changed to deter trespassers and gawkers. The specific address change is known to local residents but generally kept private to protect the current owners.
FAQ 8: What renovations have been done to the house since the Lutz family lived there?
Significant renovations have been undertaken, including changing the iconic Dutch Colonial windows, remodeling the interior, and landscaping the property. These changes were made to modernize the house and to remove some of the features that made it so recognizable.
FAQ 9: How much did the Lutz family pay for the house in 1975?
The Lutz family purchased the house for $80,000 in 1975, a significantly low price due to the house’s history.
FAQ 10: Has there ever been any concrete evidence of paranormal activity in the Amityville house?
To date, there is no scientifically verifiable evidence of paranormal activity in the Amityville house. All claims remain anecdotal and open to interpretation. No credible scientific study has confirmed any paranormal phenomenon.
FAQ 11: What is the current market value of the Amityville house?
The market value of the house is subject to fluctuations in the real estate market and has undoubtedly been affected by its notoriety. Public records and real estate listings can provide an estimated value, but it’s likely higher than comparable homes in the area due to its infamous status.
FAQ 12: Besides the book and movies, what other media has covered the Amityville Horror?
The Amityville Horror has been the subject of numerous documentaries, television shows, and podcasts. It remains a popular topic in paranormal investigation and true crime circles. The enduring fascination with the story ensures its continued presence in popular culture.
In conclusion, while the Amityville Horror continues to captivate and terrify, understanding the factual history of the house, including the number of families who lived there and their experiences, is essential for discerning fact from fiction. Only three families truly resided at 112 Ocean Avenue, each leaving their own indelible mark on the house’s infamous legacy. The rest is left to speculation, exaggeration, and the enduring power of a good ghost story.