Yes, the house made infamous by The Amityville Horror still exists, although significantly altered to deter curiosity and prevent future associations with the alleged paranormal events. While the physical structure remains, the “horror” it allegedly contained is largely attributed to embellishment and outright fabrication.
The House’s Transformation: Beyond the Dark Windows
The original Amityville house, located at 112 Ocean Avenue, became notorious after the DeFeo murders in 1974 and the subsequent short, but deeply disturbing, occupation by the Lutz family. They claimed to have experienced terrifying paranormal activity, which became the basis for the bestselling book and subsequent movie franchise.
To answer the initial question definitively, the house stands today, but it is not the same house that conjures up images of sinister windows and malevolent spirits. Significant alterations have been made over the years to distance the property from its dark past. Most notably, the distinctive quarter-moon windows, often depicted as demonic eyes, have been removed. The address was also changed to further discourage gawkers and potential trespassers.
Who Owns the Amityville Horror House Now?
The current owners understandably value their privacy. Public records indicate the property has changed hands multiple times since the Lutz family vacated it in 1976. Details about the current occupants are deliberately obscured to protect them from unwanted attention.
Why Were the Changes Made to the House?
The alterations were implemented primarily to discourage trespassing, souvenir hunting, and general disruption caused by the property’s notoriety. The constant attention made the lives of the residents extremely difficult and uncomfortable.
Debunking the Myth: Separating Fact from Fiction
The Amityville Horror narrative is a complex tapestry woven with threads of genuine tragedy, alleged paranormal experiences, and significant embellishment. While the DeFeo family massacre is a horrific and undeniable fact, the subsequent claims of demonic activity are heavily disputed.
Several investigations have cast serious doubt on the Lutz family’s story. Skeptics point to inconsistencies in their accounts and the lack of corroborating evidence from other sources, including priests and paranormal investigators who examined the house. Some argue that the story was largely fabricated for financial gain.
What Actually Happened at the Amityville House?
On November 13, 1974, Ronald DeFeo Jr. murdered his parents and four siblings with a rifle. He was convicted of six counts of second-degree murder and remains incarcerated. This horrific crime is the foundation upon which the “horror” story is built.
How Did the Lutz Family Contribute to the Legend?
The Lutz family’s brief 28-day residence and their subsequent retelling of alleged paranormal events ignited the Amityville Horror phenomenon. Their account, detailed in the book and movies, introduced elements of demonic possession, strange occurrences, and overwhelming fear.
The Enduring Appeal of the Amityville Horror
Despite the debunking efforts and the house’s physical alterations, the Amityville Horror continues to captivate the public imagination. The story taps into primal fears surrounding the supernatural, the vulnerability of family, and the unsettling notion that evil can reside within ordinary places.
The enduring appeal is also fueled by the power of storytelling. The book and movies, though fictionalized, presented a compelling and terrifying narrative that resonated with a wide audience. The ambiguity surrounding the truth further adds to the mystique.
What is the Psychological Impact of the Amityville Horror?
The story can trigger anxiety and fear, particularly among individuals prone to supernatural beliefs. It also raises questions about the reliability of memory, the power of suggestion, and the potential for psychological manipulation.
Why is the Amityville Horror Still Relevant Today?
The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of sensationalism, the power of suggestion, and the importance of critical thinking. It also highlights the enduring human fascination with the unexplained and the macabre.
FAQs About the Amityville Horror House
Here are some frequently asked questions that provide further clarity and context:
FAQ 1: Can You Visit the Amityville Horror House?
No. The house is a private residence, and trespassing is illegal. Respect the privacy of the current owners.
FAQ 2: Were Any Priests Harmed at the Amityville House?
The Lutz family claimed that a priest who blessed the house experienced strange and frightening occurrences. However, the details and veracity of these claims are heavily debated.
FAQ 3: Are There Any Documented Paranormal Investigations That Confirm the Haunting?
No credible and independent paranormal investigations have confirmed the haunting. Many investigations have yielded inconclusive or negative results.
FAQ 4: How Much Did the Lutz Family Profit From the Amityville Horror?
The Lutz family reportedly earned a substantial amount from the book, movie rights, and related merchandise. This financial incentive has fueled skepticism about their claims.
FAQ 5: Has Anyone Else Reported Paranormal Activity in the House After the Lutz Family?
There are unsubstantiated claims of paranormal activity from subsequent residents, but none have been as widely publicized or as detailed as the Lutz family’s account.
FAQ 6: Is the Amityville Horror a True Story?
The consensus among researchers, skeptics, and investigators is that the Amityville Horror story is largely fictionalized. While the DeFeo murders are undeniably true, the subsequent paranormal claims lack credible evidence.
FAQ 7: Did Ronald DeFeo Jr. Claim Demonic Influence?
Initially, Ronald DeFeo Jr. did not claim demonic influence. Later, in some accounts, he attributed his actions to hearing voices, but this was often seen as an attempt to mitigate his culpability.
FAQ 8: What is the Exact Location of the Amityville Horror House?
While the exact address is widely known (though it has been changed), publicly disclosing it reinforces the unwanted attention the current residents seek to avoid. It is generally accepted to refer to it as being in Amityville, New York.
FAQ 9: Are There Any Other Houses With Similar Horror Stories?
Yes, many houses are associated with alleged hauntings and paranormal activity. The Amityville Horror story is unique due to its widespread media attention and the commercial success it generated.
FAQ 10: Has There Been a Real Estate Curse Related to the House?
While the property has changed hands several times, there’s no credible evidence to suggest a real estate curse. The frequent ownership changes are likely due to the unwanted attention and the stigma associated with the house.
FAQ 11: What is the Best Way to Learn More About the Amityville Horror?
Approach the subject with a critical eye. Read multiple accounts, including skeptical analyses and investigative reports. Be wary of sensationalized stories and unsubstantiated claims.
FAQ 12: Is the Amityville Horror House a Symbol of Something Larger?
The Amityville Horror story represents the power of suggestion, the allure of the supernatural, and the enduring human fascination with darkness and the unexplained. It also serves as a reminder to approach extraordinary claims with healthy skepticism.