35 Facts About Amityville Murders

The Tragic Night of the Amityville Murders

The Amityville murders shocked the nation on November 13, 1974. Ronald DeFeo Jr. committed a horrific act that would forever change the small town of Amityville, New York.

1. Ronald DeFeo Jr., then 23 years old, killed his entire family.
2. The victims included his parents, Ronald DeFeo Sr. and Louise DeFeo, and his four siblings: Dawn, 18; Allison, 13; Marc, 12; and John, 9.
3. DeFeo used a .35-caliber Marlin rifle to execute his family while they slept.
4. Each family member was found lying face down in bed with fatal bullet wounds.
5. There were no signs of struggle or disturbance in the house, adding to the chilling nature of the crime.

The Aftermath and Investigation

After the bodies were discovered, the investigation quickly unraveled DeFeo's initial story and led to his confession.

6. DeFeo initially claimed the murders were a mob hit.
7. Detectives noticed inconsistencies in his story, leading to further questioning.
8. DeFeo eventually confessed to the crime, detailing how he shot his family members one by one.
9. His trial began in October 1975, with his defense attorney arguing insanity due to hearing voices.
10. The prosecution presented evidence that DeFeo was sane at the time of the murders, leading to his conviction.

The Sentencing and Legal Battles

DeFeo faced severe punishment for his actions, reflecting the gravity of his crimes.

11. On November 21, 1975, DeFeo was sentenced to six concurrent 25-year-to-life sentences.
12. DeFeo spent decades in prison, making multiple attempts to appeal his conviction.
13. He died in custody in March 2021 at the age of 69.

The Lutz Family and Paranormal Claims

The house at 112 Ocean Avenue became infamous for alleged paranormal activity after the Lutz family moved in.

14. The Lutz family purchased the house just 13 months after the murders.
15. They claimed to have experienced supernatural phenomena such as strange odors, green slime oozing from walls, and cold spots.
16. George and Kathy Lutz moved into the house in December 1975, hoping to start a new life.
17. Their stay was short-lived due to a series of terrifying events, including hearing voices and seeing apparitions.
18. These claims were documented in Jay Anson’s best-selling novel The Amityville Horror.

The Role of Paranormal Investigators

The Lutz family's claims attracted the attention of well-known paranormal investigators.

19. A priest who visited the house allegedly heard a voice scream "Get out!" and advised the Lutzes to avoid a particular room.
20. Ed and Lorraine Warren, famous demonologists, conducted a séance in the house.
21. They captured a photograph of a "demonic boy" that looked remarkably similar to one of their photographer’s own children.

Skepticism and Legal Issues

Skeptics questioned the validity of the Lutz family's paranormal claims, citing potential motives for fabrication.

22. George and Kathy Lutz faced legal and financial issues, which some believed motivated their story.
23. Despite skepticism, the Lutzes took a lie detector test to prove their innocence, which they passed.
24. William Weber, DeFeo’s lawyer, was involved in a scheme to create a demonic haunting plot at the house.
25. This plan fell apart due to financial disputes and other issues.

The Impact on Pop Culture

The Amityville murders and subsequent paranormal claims have had a profound impact on pop culture.

26. The story has inspired numerous books, documentaries, and films, cementing its place in horror folklore.
27. The Amityville house, now known as 108 Ocean Avenue, still stands as a testament to the tragic events.
28. The house has been sold multiple times, with its address changed to 108 Ocean Avenue.
29. It was sold again in February 2017 for $605,000, $200,000 less than the original asking price.

Ongoing Questions and Investigations

Despite the passage of time, questions and investigations into the Amityville murders continue.

30. Ric Osuna’s book The Night the DeFeos Died: Reinvestigating the Amityville Murders highlights irregularities in the trial.
31. Osuna advocates for reopening the case to establish the true extent of DeFeo’s involvement.
32. Geraldine DeFeo, Butch’s wife at the time, provided additional insights into Butch’s character and his treatment of others.
33. Daniel Lutz, the son of George and Kathy, claims that the experience in the Amityville house ruined his life.
34. He continues to live a quiet life in Queens, New York, but still has nightmares about the house.

The Legacy of the Amityville Murders

The Amityville murders remain one of the most infamous cases in American true crime history.

35. The story continues to fascinate audiences with its blend of tragedy and paranormal mystery.

The Enduring Legacy of Amityville

The Amityville murders remain a haunting chapter in American history. Ronald DeFeo Jr.'s brutal act of killing his family on November 13, 1974, shocked the nation. His conviction and life sentence highlighted the severity of his crimes. The subsequent paranormal claims by the Lutz family added another layer of intrigue, turning the house at 112 Ocean Avenue into a legendary haunted location. Despite skepticism and legal disputes, the story has captivated audiences for decades, inspiring books, films, and documentaries. The involvement of paranormal investigators like Ed and Lorraine Warren further fueled the house's eerie reputation. Today, the Amityville house stands as a symbol of both tragedy and mystery, continuing to fascinate those interested in true crime and the supernatural. The legacy of the Amityville murders endures, a chilling reminder of the dark side of human nature and the enduring allure of the unknown.