The infamous house that spawned the “Amityville Horror” phenomenon is currently located at 108 Ocean Avenue, Amityville, New York, 11701. However, it’s crucial to understand that the house has undergone significant alterations and a change of address to distance itself from its horrific past.
The Original and the Modified Address
While the address of 112 Ocean Avenue is deeply etched into the public consciousness as the address of the “Amityville Horror” house, this is no longer accurate. Following the immense publicity surrounding the DeFeo murders and the subsequent Lutz family’s brief and terrifying experience, the house was sold and the address was officially changed to 108 Ocean Avenue.
This change wasn’t merely a cosmetic one. The owners who followed the Lutz family understood the power of association and the relentless intrusion that came with the original address. They opted to make structural changes to the house, most notably removing the distinctive quarter-round windows on the third floor that resembled eyes, further distancing the property from its notoriety.
The decision to alter both the address and appearance was a deliberate attempt to reclaim the house from its haunted past and allow its occupants to live peacefully. The enduring fascination with the “Amityville Horror,” however, means the original address, 112 Ocean Avenue, remains inextricably linked to the legend.
Exploring the Legacy and Lore
The “Amityville Horror” is more than just an address; it’s a cultural phenomenon. It encompasses the brutal murders of the DeFeo family in 1974, the brief and allegedly terrifying experience of the Lutz family in 1975, and the subsequent book and film adaptations that popularized the legend.
The story, as presented in Jay Anson’s book and the subsequent films, revolves around a malevolent presence within the house that terrorized the Lutz family, ultimately forcing them to flee after only 28 days. This narrative, though contested and debated, has captivated audiences for decades and cemented the house’s place in paranormal lore.
Whether you believe the “Amityville Horror” to be a genuine account of supernatural events or a fabrication for profit, the enduring impact of the story and the address associated with it cannot be denied.
FAQs: Unraveling the Amityville Mystery
Here are some frequently asked questions that further explore the history, location, and enduring legacy of the Amityville Horror house:
H3: Is the Amityville Horror house still standing?
Yes, the house is still standing. It remains at 108 Ocean Avenue, Amityville, New York, 11701, though it has been renovated and the address changed. It has been privately owned since the Lutz family left.
H3: Who lived in the house before the Lutz family?
The DeFeo family lived in the house before the Lutz family. Ronald “Butch” DeFeo Jr. murdered his parents and four siblings in the house in November 1974. These murders are the foundation upon which the “Amityville Horror” narrative is built.
H3: When did the DeFeo murders take place?
The DeFeo murders took place on November 13, 1974.
H3: How long did the Lutz family live in the Amityville house?
The Lutz family claimed to have lived in the house for only 28 days before fleeing due to alleged paranormal activity.
H3: Did the Lutz family profit from the Amityville story?
Yes, the Lutz family profited significantly from their story. They collaborated with author Jay Anson on the book “The Amityville Horror,” which became a bestseller and spawned numerous films and documentaries. The accuracy of their account, however, has been widely debated.
H3: What changes were made to the house after the Lutz family left?
Aside from the address change from 112 to 108 Ocean Avenue, the most notable structural change was the removal of the distinctive quarter-round windows on the third floor. The interior was also renovated by subsequent owners.
H3: Is the Amityville house considered haunted?
Whether the house is actually haunted remains a matter of speculation and belief. While the Lutz family claimed to experience paranormal activity, skeptics argue that their claims were exaggerated or fabricated for financial gain. No subsequent owners have reported similar experiences with the same intensity or consistency.
H3: Can I visit the Amityville Horror house?
No. The house is a private residence, and trespassing is illegal. While driving by the street is permissible, approaching the property or attempting to view it closely is discouraged and disrespectful to the current owners.
H3: Have any other movies been made about the Amityville Horror?
Yes, numerous films, sequels, and documentaries have been made based on the “Amityville Horror” story, ranging from direct adaptations of the book to loosely inspired horror movies. The franchise continues to generate new content, although the quality varies significantly.
H3: Was Ronald DeFeo Jr. found guilty of the murders?
Yes, Ronald “Butch” DeFeo Jr. was found guilty of six counts of second-degree murder for the deaths of his family members. He was sentenced to 25 years to life for each count.
H3: What happened to Ronald DeFeo Jr.?
Ronald DeFeo Jr. died in prison on March 12, 2021, while serving his sentence. He never definitively explained his motives for the murders and his story often shifted over the years.
H3: What is the current value of the Amityville Horror house?
Due to privacy concerns and frequent fluctuations in the real estate market, the exact current value of the house at 108 Ocean Avenue is difficult to ascertain without specific knowledge of recent sales data. However, considering its location and size, it is likely a valuable property. The stigma associated with the house may influence its market value, either positively for those interested in its history or negatively due to its grim past.
The Enduring Appeal of the Amityville Horror
Despite the controversies and skepticism surrounding the “Amityville Horror,” its enduring appeal is undeniable. The story touches on primal fears, including fear of the unknown, fear of the supernatural, and the vulnerability of family.
The combination of a real-life mass murder and alleged paranormal activity created a powerful narrative that has resonated with audiences for decades. Whether one believes the story to be true or not, the “Amityville Horror” serves as a potent reminder of the darkness that can reside both within individuals and, perhaps, within the walls of a house at 108 (formerly 112) Ocean Avenue.