The Amityville Horror allegedly occurred at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York, a Dutch Colonial house that became infamous following the DeFeo murders and the subsequent claims of paranormal activity experienced by the Lutz family. While the events described are shrouded in controversy and debate, the location itself is undeniably the starting point of this enduring legend.
The House: A Dutch Colonial Steeped in History
112 Ocean Avenue: More Than Just an Address
The house at 112 Ocean Avenue (later renumbered to 108 Ocean Avenue) in Amityville, Long Island, stands as a physical testament to a chilling narrative that has captivated and terrified audiences for decades. Built in 1927, the house is a classic example of Dutch Colonial architecture, characterized by its distinctive gambrel roof and prominent eye-like windows on the third floor. These windows have become synonymous with the “Amityville Horror,” fueling speculation about demonic presence and malevolent spirits.
From Family Home to Infamy
Before the Lutz family moved in, the house was the residence of the DeFeo family. In 1974, Ronald DeFeo Jr. murdered his parents and four siblings inside the home. This horrific crime set the stage for the paranormal claims that would soon follow, forever associating the house with death, darkness, and unexplained phenomena. The Lutz family, seeking a fresh start, purchased the property in December 1975 but fled after only 28 days, claiming to have experienced terrifying supernatural occurrences.
The Impact on Amityville
The notoriety surrounding 112 Ocean Avenue significantly impacted the small village of Amityville. While some residents embraced the tourist attention and financial opportunities that came with the house’s fame, others resented the association and the constant media scrutiny. The village became synonymous with horror and the supernatural, a label that continues to linger even today.
The Controversy: Fact, Fiction, or Fraud?
Dissecting the Claims
The Lutz family’s account of their experiences at 112 Ocean Avenue, documented in the book “The Amityville Horror,” details a litany of disturbing events, including moving furniture, strange odors, cold spots, levitation, and demonic apparitions. These claims have been widely debated, with skeptics arguing that they were fabricated or exaggerated for financial gain. Conversely, proponents believe the Lutz family experienced genuine paranormal activity, citing supporting evidence such as witness testimonies and alleged physical anomalies.
Psychological Factors: Understanding the Power of Suggestion
Psychological factors undoubtedly played a role in the Amityville Horror narrative. The trauma of living in a house where a mass murder had occurred could have heightened suggestibility and contributed to the perception of paranormal phenomena. The power of suggestion, combined with pre-existing beliefs about the supernatural, could have amplified everyday occurrences into terrifying experiences.
The Role of Media and Popular Culture
The success of the book and subsequent films cemented the Amityville Horror into popular culture. The media’s sensationalized coverage amplified the story, further blurring the line between fact and fiction. The enduring fascination with the Amityville Horror speaks to our collective fascination with the unknown and our enduring desire to believe in the possibility of the supernatural.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Where is the house located today?
The house, now renumbered as 108 Ocean Avenue, is still located in Amityville, New York. It remains a private residence and is not open to the public.
FAQ 2: Who lives in the Amityville Horror house now?
The current owners of 108 Ocean Avenue are unknown, and their privacy is respected. The house has been sold several times since the Lutz family’s departure.
FAQ 3: Has anyone else reported paranormal activity in the house?
Reports of paranormal activity have varied among subsequent residents. Some have claimed to experience unsettling events, while others have reported nothing unusual. This ambiguity fuels the ongoing debate surrounding the house’s purported haunting.
FAQ 4: What happened to George and Kathy Lutz?
George and Kathy Lutz eventually divorced. George Lutz passed away in 2006, and Kathy Lutz passed away in 2004.
FAQ 5: Was Ronald DeFeo Jr. involved in a conspiracy?
Some theories suggest that Ronald DeFeo Jr. did not act alone in the murders. However, DeFeo maintained his sole responsibility for the crimes until his death in prison in 2021. No conclusive evidence has ever surfaced to support the conspiracy theories.
FAQ 6: Are the “eye-like” windows really evil?
The “eye-like” windows are an architectural feature common in Dutch Colonial homes and have no inherent connection to evil. However, their association with the Amityville Horror has made them a powerful symbol of the house’s alleged haunting.
FAQ 7: Has the Amityville Horror house been investigated by paranormal experts?
Numerous paranormal investigators have visited 108 Ocean Avenue, yielding mixed results. Some have claimed to detect paranormal activity, while others have found no conclusive evidence of a haunting.
FAQ 8: How much did the Lutz family pay for the house?
The Lutz family purchased the house for approximately $80,000 in 1975. The price was significantly lower than market value due to the house’s history.
FAQ 9: Has the house been renovated since the Lutz family lived there?
Yes, the house has undergone several renovations since the Lutz family’s departure, including changes to the interior layout and exterior appearance. The distinctive exterior color was changed to further distance it from its notorious past.
FAQ 10: What is the significance of the red room?
The “red room” was a small closet in the basement that the Lutz family claimed emanated a disturbing presence. They described it as a source of immense cold and fear. Its existence and nature remain disputed.
FAQ 11: Are there any other houses associated with the Amityville Horror?
While 108 Ocean Avenue is the primary location associated with the Amityville Horror, other properties, such as the funeral home where the DeFeo bodies were taken, have also been linked to the narrative.
FAQ 12: Is the Amityville Horror a true story?
The veracity of the Amityville Horror remains a subject of intense debate. While the DeFeo murders undeniably occurred, the paranormal claims made by the Lutz family are contested. Whether the events described are rooted in reality, psychological factors, or outright fabrication is a matter of personal interpretation. The lack of definitive proof makes a conclusive answer impossible, leaving the Amityville Horror as a potent and enduring mystery.