The current owner of the infamous Amityville Horror house, located at 112 Ocean Avenue, Amityville, New York, remains private, having purchased the property through a limited liability company (LLC) in 2017. While the owner’s identity is shielded by this legal structure, the house has seen several occupants since the Lutz family fled in 1975, each residing there without reported paranormal disturbances matching the intensity of the original claims.
A History of Ownership: Beyond the Lutz Family
The history of the Amityville house is inextricably linked to the DeFeo murders in November 1974. Ronald DeFeo Jr. shot and killed his parents and four siblings within the house, forever staining its legacy. After the murders, the house remained vacant for a period before being purchased by George and Kathy Lutz in December 1975. Their brief and highly publicized 28-day stay led to their claims of paranormal activity, which became the basis for the book and subsequent films that propelled the house into global notoriety.
The Lutz family’s departure marked the beginning of a series of subsequent owners. James and Barbara Cromarty bought the house in 1977 and lived there for over a decade, publicly denying any paranormal experiences. After the Cromartys, the house changed hands several more times, each owner attempting to normalize the property and distance it from its horrific past. Each of these transitions was marked by media attention, as curiosity about the Amityville house persisted.
The Current Ownership and Privacy
The current owner, operating through an LLC, acquired the property in 2017. This tactic is common for those seeking privacy, allowing them to invest in real estate without revealing their personal information on public records. This makes tracking down the individual or group behind the LLC challenging. The motivations behind this purchase remain unclear, ranging from a simple desire to own a piece of infamous history to a shrewd real estate investment.
The house underwent renovations in 2016, prior to the current ownership, which included altering the iconic quarter-moon windows that were so prominently featured in the film. These changes were likely intended to further dissociate the house from its Hollywood image and perhaps deter unwanted attention from curious onlookers.
FAQs: Unraveling the Mystery and Reality
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Amityville Horror house, shedding light on its history, ownership, and the enduring myths surrounding it:
H3: What is the exact address of the Amityville Horror house?
The Amityville Horror house is located at 112 Ocean Avenue, Amityville, New York. While the address remains unchanged, it’s important to remember that the physical appearance of the house has been modified over the years.
H3: Why did the Lutz family leave the house so quickly?
The Lutz family claimed to have experienced intense paranormal activity during their 28-day stay, including moving objects, cold spots, foul odors, and terrifying visions. These experiences were documented in the book “The Amityville Horror,” which was later adapted into a series of films. However, the accuracy of their claims has been heavily debated and widely disputed.
H3: Have subsequent owners reported similar experiences?
No. None of the owners after the Lutz family have reported experiencing similar paranormal activity. Many have publicly denied any such occurrences, attributing the Lutz’s claims to fabrication or exaggeration.
H3: How much did the Lutz family pay for the house?
The Lutz family purchased the house for $80,000 in 1975. This was considered a good price at the time, likely due to the stigma associated with the DeFeo murders.
H3: How much is the Amityville Horror house worth today?
Estimates of the house’s value vary, but it’s likely worth significantly more than the price the Lutz family paid. Real estate values in Amityville have increased substantially since 1975. While the house’s notoriety might slightly impact its desirability, it’s primarily valued based on its location, size, and overall condition. It was last sold in 2017 for $605,000.
H3: Did the DeFeo murders actually happen in the house?
Yes. Ronald DeFeo Jr. murdered his parents and four siblings in the house on November 13, 1974. He was convicted of six counts of second-degree murder and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. He died in prison in 2021.
H3: Has the house been significantly altered since the Lutz family lived there?
Yes. Several changes have been made to the house over the years. Most notably, the quarter-moon windows were removed, and the exterior was modified. These alterations were likely intended to distance the house from its infamous image and deter curious onlookers.
H3: Is it legal to visit the Amityville Horror house?
No. The house is privately owned and occupied. Trespassing on the property is illegal and could result in legal consequences. While driving by the house is permissible, respecting the privacy of the current residents is crucial.
H3: What is the controversy surrounding the Amityville Horror story?
The controversy centers around the veracity of the Lutz family’s claims. Many critics, including paranormal investigators and skeptics, have argued that their story was fabricated or heavily embellished for financial gain. Others believe that the Lutz family genuinely believed they were experiencing paranormal activity.
H3: Has a professional paranormal investigation been conducted at the house?
Yes, numerous paranormal investigations have been conducted at the house over the years, with varying results. Some investigators have reported evidence of paranormal activity, while others have found no conclusive proof. However, the subjective nature of paranormal investigations makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. A notable investigation was conducted by Ed and Lorraine Warren, although their findings are considered controversial by many.
H3: Are there any other “Amityville Horror” properties?
Yes. After moving out of 112 Ocean Avenue, the Lutz family moved to California. Another house they lived in became the focus of similar claims. There have also been several other houses associated (loosely) with the narrative through movie filming locations.
H3: What is the enduring appeal of the Amityville Horror story?
The Amityville Horror story continues to captivate audiences due to its combination of true crime, paranormal claims, and family drama. The story taps into our primal fears of the unknown and the potential for evil to exist in seemingly ordinary places. The widespread media coverage and numerous adaptations have also contributed to its enduring legacy. Furthermore, the lingering questions surrounding the truthfulness of the Lutz’s claims continue to fuel speculation and debate.
The Legacy: Fact, Fiction, and Enduring Fear
The Amityville Horror house remains a potent symbol of fear and fascination. While the truth behind the events that transpired within its walls may never be fully known, the story continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. The current owner, shielded by an LLC, has sought to maintain their privacy, while the house itself has undergone changes aimed at distancing it from its infamous past. Regardless of one’s belief in the paranormal, the Amityville Horror story serves as a cautionary tale about the power of suggestion, the allure of the unknown, and the enduring human fascination with the macabre.