Yes, someone does currently live in the Amityville Horror house. Despite its terrifying history and enduring notoriety, the infamous property has been occupied by various families since the Lutz family fled in 1976, each seeking to live a normal life within its walls.
The Amityville Horror: Beyond the Legend
The story of the Amityville Horror is one shrouded in fear, speculation, and, perhaps, exaggeration. In 1974, Ronald DeFeo Jr. murdered his parents and four siblings at 112 Ocean Avenue, Amityville, New York. A year later, George and Kathy Lutz moved in with their three children, only to flee 28 days later, claiming paranormal activity had made the house uninhabitable. Their experiences, documented in the book and subsequent films, cemented the house’s place in popular culture as one of the most haunted locations in America.
But what about the reality behind the legend? Has the house truly remained vacant all these years? The answer is a resounding no. Several families have lived in the house since the Lutz’s brief and tumultuous occupancy, experiencing varying degrees of peace and normalcy.
The Post-Lutz Residents: Life After the Horror
After the Lutz family left, the house remained vacant for a significant period, feeding the legend. However, in 1977, James and Barbara Cromarty bought the house for $55,000. They lived there for ten years and reported no paranormal activity whatsoever. They dismissed the entire Lutz story as a fabrication, designed for profit and fame.
Following the Cromartys, another family, the Rosenbergs, purchased the house in 1987. They, too, reported no unusual occurrences and lived there until 2010. The fact that these families resided in the house for extended periods, without experiencing the terror described by the Lutz family, casts significant doubt on the veracity of the original claims.
The Current Occupants: A Modern Perspective
As of the latest information available, the Amityville Horror house is privately owned. While the identities of the current occupants are generally kept private to protect their privacy, it’s important to acknowledge their existence. They, like their predecessors, are simply trying to live their lives in a home that, despite its infamous past, is just a house.
The house has undergone renovations over the years, including changing the address to 108 Ocean Avenue to further distance it from its notorious history. The distinctive “evil eyes” windows, a key feature in the Amityville Horror imagery, have also been altered. These changes aim to demystify the property and allow its current residents to live without constant attention and scrutiny.
Debunking the Myths and Misconceptions
The Amityville Horror story has spawned countless documentaries, films, and books, perpetuating the myth of a constantly haunted house. However, a critical examination of the evidence reveals a narrative far more complex than simple supernatural occurrences.
The Role of Jay Anson and “The Amityville Horror” Book
Much of the Amityville Horror legend stems from Jay Anson’s book, “The Amityville Horror,” published in 1977. While the book claimed to be a true account of the Lutz family’s experiences, it has been widely criticized for its embellishments and inaccuracies. Skeptics and paranormal investigators alike have pointed out inconsistencies and contradictions within the Lutz’s own narrative. The financial incentive to exaggerate or even fabricate events is also a significant factor to consider.
Psychological Factors and Suggestibility
It’s also important to consider the psychological factors that might have influenced the Lutz family’s perceptions. The trauma of moving into a house where a brutal murder had taken place, coupled with pre-existing anxieties and anxieties about finances could have contributed to a heightened sense of unease and a susceptibility to suggestion. The power of suggestion should not be underestimated when considering the Amityville Horror phenomenon.
The Verdict: Separating Fact from Fiction
Ultimately, the Amityville Horror story is a blend of tragedy, embellishment, and sensationalism. While the DeFeo murders were undoubtedly a horrific event, the claims of paranormal activity have been largely debunked. The fact that multiple families have lived in the house since the Lutz’s brief stay, without experiencing similar events, strongly suggests that the “horror” was more a product of circumstance and imagination than genuine supernatural phenomena.
FAQs About the Amityville Horror House
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Amityville Horror house, addressing common misconceptions and providing factual information.
FAQ 1: Is the Amityville Horror house still standing?
Yes, the Amityville Horror house is still standing at 108 Ocean Avenue, Amityville, New York (formerly 112 Ocean Avenue).
FAQ 2: Can you visit the Amityville Horror house?
No, you cannot visit the Amityville Horror house. It is a private residence, and trespassing is illegal. Respect the privacy of the current residents.
FAQ 3: Did the Lutz family really experience paranormal activity?
The Lutz family claimed to have experienced paranormal activity, but their claims have been widely disputed. Multiple families have lived in the house since then and reported no unusual occurrences.
FAQ 4: Has anyone died in the Amityville Horror house besides the DeFeo family?
No, there have been no reported deaths in the Amityville Horror house since the DeFeo murders in 1974.
FAQ 5: What happened to George and Kathy Lutz after they left the house?
George and Kathy Lutz remained together for several years before divorcing. They both passed away; George in 2006 and Kathy in 2004. They continued to profit from the Amityville Horror story, though their claims remained controversial.
FAQ 6: Has the Amityville Horror house been exorcised?
While various religious figures have been associated with the house, there is no definitive record of a formal, universally recognized exorcism. The narrative surrounding the house is filled with hearsay and speculation.
FAQ 7: Are there any known hauntings reported by recent residents?
No, subsequent residents have consistently denied experiencing any paranormal activity comparable to the Lutz’s claims.
FAQ 8: What is the current value of the Amityville Horror house?
The value of the house is difficult to determine precisely due to its notoriety and private nature. Real estate values in Amityville fluctuate, and the house’s infamy likely has a complex impact on its market price.
FAQ 9: Has the exterior of the house been changed?
Yes, the exterior of the house has been altered. The address was changed, and the distinctive window shapes resembling “evil eyes” have been modified.
FAQ 10: What is the legal status of the Amityville Horror story? Are there any lawsuits?
Over the years, various lawsuits have been filed related to the Amityville Horror story, primarily concerning the rights to the story and allegations of fraud. These legal battles highlight the complexities and controversies surrounding the narrative.
FAQ 11: Are there any plans to demolish the Amityville Horror house?
There are currently no known plans to demolish the Amityville Horror house.
FAQ 12: What’s the takeaway from the Amityville Horror story?
The Amityville Horror story serves as a cautionary tale about the power of suggestion, the allure of sensationalism, and the importance of separating fact from fiction. It underscores the need for critical thinking when evaluating claims of paranormal activity and respecting the privacy of individuals living in historically significant locations.