35 Facts About Amityville Horror House

The Infamous Amityville Horror House

The Amityville Horror House has intrigued and terrified people for decades. This house, located in Amityville, New York, has a dark history that has inspired books, movies, and endless speculation. Let's dive into some chilling facts about this notorious residence.

The Murders That Started It All

The story of the Amityville Horror House begins with a gruesome crime.

1. In 1974, Ronald DeFeo Jr. murdered his entire family—his parents and four siblings—while they slept.
2. DeFeo claimed he heard voices urging him to commit the murders.
3. The DeFeo family had lived in the house for about nine years before the tragedy.
4. Ronald DeFeo Jr. was convicted of six counts of second-degree murder and sentenced to six consecutive life sentences.

The Lutz Family's Haunting Experience

A year after the DeFeo murders, the Lutz family moved into the house, only to flee 28 days later, claiming it was haunted.

5. George and Kathy Lutz bought the house for $80,000, a bargain price due to its dark history.
6. The Lutz family reported strange occurrences, including cold spots, foul odors, and green slime oozing from the walls.
7. George Lutz claimed he woke up at 3:15 AM every night, the same time the DeFeo murders occurred.
8. The family also reported seeing a demonic pig-like creature with glowing red eyes.
9. The Lutzes left all their belongings behind when they fled the house.

The Media Frenzy and Book

The Lutz family's story quickly caught the public's attention, leading to widespread media coverage and a best-selling book.

10. Jay Anson's book, "The Amityville Horror," was published in 1977 and became a massive hit.
11. The book claimed to be a "true story," adding to the house's mystique.
12. The Lutzes took a lie detector test to prove their story, which they passed.
13. Critics and skeptics have questioned the authenticity of the Lutz family's claims.
14. Despite skepticism, the story has remained popular and continues to captivate audiences.

The Movie Adaptations

The Amityville Horror story has been adapted into numerous films, each adding its own twist to the tale.

15. The first movie adaptation, "The Amityville Horror," was released in 1979.
16. The film starred James Brolin and Margot Kidder as George and Kathy Lutz.
17. The 1979 movie was a box office success, grossing over $86 million.
18. A 2005 remake starred Ryan Reynolds and Melissa George.
19. The 2005 film also performed well, grossing over $108 million worldwide.
20. Numerous sequels and spin-offs have been made, each exploring different aspects of the haunting.

Paranormal Investigations

The Amityville Horror House has been the subject of many paranormal investigations over the years.

21. Ed and Lorraine Warren, famous paranormal investigators, visited the house in 1976.
22. The Warrens claimed the house was infested with malevolent spirits.
23. Lorraine Warren reported feeling a powerful, evil presence in the house.
24. Other paranormal investigators have reported similar experiences.
25. Despite numerous investigations, no conclusive evidence of paranormal activity has been found.

The House Today

The Amityville Horror House still stands, but its appearance and ownership have changed over the years.

26. The house's address was changed from 112 Ocean Avenue to 108 Ocean Avenue to deter curiosity seekers.
27. The iconic "eye" windows were replaced to make the house less recognizable.
28. The house has been sold multiple times since the Lutz family fled.
29. Current owners have reported no paranormal activity.
30. The house remains a popular tourist attraction, despite efforts to keep its location private.

The Legacy of the Amityville Horror

The Amityville Horror House has left a lasting impact on popular culture and continues to fascinate people worldwide.

31. The story has inspired countless books, movies, and documentaries.
32. The Amityville Horror has become a cultural phenomenon, influencing other horror stories and films.
33. The house is often cited as one of the most haunted places in America.
34. The debate over the authenticity of the haunting continues to this day.
35. Whether you believe in the paranormal or not, the Amityville Horror House remains a chilling and captivating tale.

The Haunting Legacy

The Amityville Horror House continues to captivate imaginations. Its blend of paranormal activity, true crime, and Hollywood dramatization keeps it a topic of fascination. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the story has left a lasting mark on pop culture.

From the Lutz family's terrifying experiences to the DeFeo murders, the house at 112 Ocean Avenue remains a symbol of mystery. Books, movies, and documentaries have all tried to capture its essence, but the true story may never be fully known.

If you ever find yourself in Amityville, New York, take a moment to think about the legends surrounding this infamous house. It’s a reminder that some stories, whether fact or fiction, have the power to endure through generations.