A house where six people were murdered. Then a new family moved in and ran out 28 days later.
That's the story of the Amityville Horror House.
In this blog, I'll walk you through the real murders, the haunting claims, and the big question everyone asks,was any of it actually true?
I've gone through the full story so you don't have to sort through the mess yourself.
By the end, you'll know exactly what happened at 112 Ocean Avenue and why the world still can't stop talking about it.
What Is the Amityville Horror House?
The Amityville Horror House sits at what was originally 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, Long Island, New York.
It's a Dutch Colonial home with a waterfront view. From the outside, it looks like any other nice house in the area.
But in 1974, six members of the DeFeo family were shot dead inside this home. A year later, the Lutz family moved in and soon reported paranormal activity.
Their claims made the house world-famous. Books and movies followed. Today, the address has been changed to keep away tourists, but the story has never gone away.
The DeFeo Family Murders in 1974
This is the real crime at the center of the Amityville story, and it's far darker than any movie.
What Happened on November 13, 1974
On November 13, 1974, Ronald DeFeo Jr. shot and killed six members of his own family. The victims were his parents and four siblings.
They were all found shot in their beds. No one in the house woke up or fought back.
A neighbor found out when DeFeo walked into a local bar and told people his family was dead.
Ronald DeFeo Jr.'s Trial and Conviction
Ronald DeFeo Jr. confessed to the murders during his trial. He later claimed he heard voices telling him to kill.
His defense tried an insanity plea, but the jury did not accept it.
He was found guilty of six counts of second-degree murder and sentenced to six consecutive life terms in prison.
The Lutz Family and the Haunting Claims
After the murders, a new family moved in, and what they claimed to experience changed the story forever.
Moving Into the House
In December 1975, George and Kathy Lutz bought the house at 112 Ocean Avenue. They knew about the murders.
The property was offered at a lower price because of its history. They moved in with Kathy's three children.
They had the house blessed by a priest before settling in. Within days, things began to feel very wrong.
Paranormal Experiences Reported by the Family
The Lutz family reported a long list of strange events. They heard knocking sounds with no clear source.
They found green slime coming from the walls. Cold spots appeared in rooms. There were swarms of flies in the middle of winter.
Kathy claimed to see a pig-like figure. George said he woke up at exactly 3:15 a.m. every single night.
Leaving the House After 28 Days
After just 28 days, the Lutz family left the house in a rush. They took very little with them and left most of their belongings behind.
They never went back. Their story spread fast. Newspapers picked it up.
People across the country began talking about what happened at 112 Ocean Avenue. The haunting claims became national news.
Was the Amityville Horror Story Real?
This is the question people have argued about for decades. The Lutz family stuck to their story for years.
Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren visited the house and said they felt a strong presence.
A polygraph test was reportedly conducted. But skeptics have a strong case too. William Weber, the lawyer for Ronald DeFeo Jr., later claimed he and the Lutz family made the story up over wine one night.
Later owners of the house reported no paranormal activity at all. The truth has never been fully proven on either side.
The Book and Movies Inspired by the Amityville Horror House
The Lutz family's claims quickly turned into one of the most well-known horror stories in American media.
Jay Anson's 1977 Book
In 1977, author Jay Anson published The Amityville Horror: A True Story. The book was based on interviews with the Lutz family.
It became a massive commercial hit. Millions of copies were sold around the world. Many readers believed it was a true account.
The book put the Amityville story on the global map and made it a household name.
The 1979 Horror Film and Later Adaptations
The book led to a major Hollywood film in 1979. The movie was a big box office success and scared audiences around the world.
Over the years, remakes and sequels followed. A 2005 remake brought the story to a new generation.
The Amityville name became a fixture in horror culture, showing up in dozens of films, TV specials, and documentaries.
Why the Amityville Horror House Still Fascinates People
The story works on two levels. First, the murders were real. Six people were killed in that house in 1974.
That alone is chilling. Second, the ghost story added a layer that no one could fully prove or disprove. That mix kept people talking.
The media covered it for years. Books and films kept the story alive. Even today, people drive past the house to see it.
True crime fans, horror lovers, and skeptics all find something in this story. That's why it hasn't faded. It sits in a space between fact and mystery that people just can't leave alone.
Conclusion
I'll be honest. When I first read about the Amityville Horror House, I wasn't sure what to think.
Real murders, then ghost stories, then claims it was all made up. It's a lot to take in. But that's exactly what makes it stick with you.
What do you think really happened inside that house? Was it paranormal or a well-told story?
Drop your take in the comments below. I'd love to hear it.
And if you found this post helpful, share it with someone who loves a good mystery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Amityville Horror House located?
The house is in Amityville, Long Island, New York, originally at 112 Ocean Avenue, though the address has since been changed.
Did the Lutz family make up the Amityville Horror story?
William Weber, DeFeo's lawyer, claimed the story was fabricated, but the Lutz family always insisted their account was true.
Is the Amityville Horror House still standing today?
Yes, the house still stands, but the address was changed to discourage visitors from showing up at the property.
Who were the victims in the 1974 Amityville murders?
Ronald DeFeo Jr. killed his parents and four siblings inside the home on the night of November 13, 1974.
How many Amityville Horror movies have been made?
There have been over 20 films connected to the Amityville story, including the 1979 original and a widely seen 2005 remake.
