35 Facts About Ronald Defeo Jr

Early Life and Family Background

Ronald DeFeo Jr., often called "Butch," was born into a seemingly normal family in Brooklyn, New York. However, his early years were far from idyllic.

1. Ronald DeFeo Jr. was born on September 26, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York.
2. He was the oldest of five children born to Ronald DeFeo Sr. and Louise DeFeo.
3. The DeFeo family enjoyed an upper-middle-class lifestyle thanks to Ronald Sr.'s job at his father-in-law's Brooklyn Buick dealership.

Troubled Childhood

Butch's childhood was marked by emotional turmoil and abuse, which set the stage for future tragedies.

4. Ronald Sr. was known for being hot-tempered and domineering.
5. Butch was frequently the target of his father's abuse and was also bullied at school.
6. By the age of 17, Butch had started using LSD and heroin, leading to violent outbursts and expulsion from school.

Work and Financial Issues

Despite his troubled past, Butch managed to secure a job, but financial dissatisfaction soon followed.

7. At 18, Butch received a position at his grandfather's car dealership.
8. He felt underpaid and unsatisfied with his job, leading him to stage a fake robbery to steal $20,000.
9. The plan fell apart when police arrived to question him, resulting in Butch threatening to kill his father.

The Murders

The tragic events of November 13, 1974, shocked the nation and left an indelible mark on American history.

10. On November 13, 1974, Butch killed his entire family while they slept.
11. The victims included his parents, Ronald DeFeo Sr. and Louise DeFeo, and his four siblings: Dawn, Allison, Marc, and John.
12. Butch used a .35-caliber Marlin lever action rifle to commit the murders.

Investigation and Confession

The investigation quickly unraveled Butch's initial claims of innocence, leading to his confession.

13. The next morning, Butch reported the crime to the police, claiming he had found the bodies.
14. Inconsistencies in his story led to a police interrogation, where he eventually confessed to the murders.
15. Butch admitted to discarding crucial evidence, including blood-stained clothes and the murder weapon.

Trial and Conviction

Butch's trial was a media sensation, with his defense team attempting an insanity plea.

16. Butch's trial began on October 14, 1975.
17. His defense lawyer, William Weber, claimed Butch had no memory of killing his family.
18. The prosecution argued that Butch was sane at the time of the crime, despite his substance abuse issues.
19. On November 21, 1975, Butch was found guilty on six counts of second-degree murder.

Life in Prison

Butch spent the rest of his life in prison, making multiple unsuccessful appeals and parole requests.

20. On December 4, 1975, Judge Thomas Stark sentenced Butch to six concurrent 25-year-to-life sentences.
21. He was held at the Sullivan Correctional Facility in Fallsburg, New York.
22. Butch made multiple appeals and parole requests, all of which were denied.
23. In 1992, he attempted to get a retrial by claiming his sister Dawn had killed most of the family, but this was unsuccessful.

Death and Legacy

Butch's death in 2021 marked the end of a life filled with tragedy and infamy.

24. Ronald DeFeo Jr. died in prison custody on March 12, 2021, at Albany Medical Center.
25. The cause of his death has never been publicly disclosed.
26. The brutal slayings inspired the book and film versions of 'The Amityville Horror.'

The Amityville Horror

The DeFeo murders became the basis for one of the most famous haunted house stories in American culture.

27. A year after the murders, George and Kathy Lutz purchased the DeFeos' old home but left in less than a month, claiming it was haunted.
28. Their story inspired Jay Anson’s 1977 book 'The Amityville Horror,' which was later adapted into a film.
29. The Lutz family reported experiencing strange occurrences such as moving furniture, green slime, and ghostly apparitions.

Psychological and Family Dynamics

Understanding Butch's psychological profile and family dynamics provides insight into the tragic events.

30. Butch claimed to have heard voices telling him to kill his family, but this was largely dismissed by the prosecution.
31. The prosecution's psychiatrist, Dr. Harold Zolan, maintained that Butch had anti-social personality disorder and was aware of his actions.
32. Despite their outward appearance, the DeFeos were plagued by internal conflicts, particularly due to Ronald Sr.'s hot-tempered nature.

Cultural Impact

The DeFeo case has left a lasting impact on popular culture and continues to fascinate audiences.

33. The case received extensive media coverage, with many outlets focusing on the paranormal claims made by the Lutz family.
34. The story has inspired numerous adaptations and interpretations, cementing its place in popular culture.
35. The case serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of addressing underlying psychological issues before they escalate into catastrophic events.

The Legacy of Ronald DeFeo Jr.

Ronald DeFeo Jr.'s story is a chilling reminder of how untreated mental health issues and family dynamics can lead to tragedy. Born into a seemingly normal family, Butch's life was marred by abuse, substance use, and deep-seated anger. His actions on November 13, 1974, shocked the nation and left a lasting impact on popular culture. The brutal slayings inspired the book and film versions of 'The Amityville Horror,' turning the DeFeo family home into a symbol of horror.

Despite multiple appeals and claims of remorse, Butch spent the rest of his life in prison, passing away in 2021. His case serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of addressing psychological issues before they escalate. While the paranormal claims surrounding the Amityville house continue to fascinate, it's crucial to remember the real human lives lost and the complex factors that led to this tragic event.