THE AMITYVILLE HORROR

Ah, the classic American ghost story that’s part haunted house legend, part true crime tragedy, and part Hollywood gold mine. Whether you believe the supernatural claims or think it was all a clever hoax, the story of 112 Ocean Avenue is undeniably gripping.

Here is the breakdown of the reality vs. the "horror."

1. The Tragic Reality (1974)

Before the ghosts, there was a very real and grisly crime. On November 13, 1974, Ronald DeFeo Jr. shot and killed six members of his family (his parents and four siblings) while they slept in their beds.

• The Motive: DeFeo’s claims changed over the years, ranging from "voices" in the house to a mob hit, but he was ultimately convicted of six counts of second-degree murder.
• The Mystery: Neighbors never heard the shots, and all the victims were found face-down in their beds without signs of a struggle, despite no sedatives being found in their systems.

2. The Supernatural Claims (1975)

A year later, George and Kathy Lutz moved in with their three children. They lasted only 28 days. Their accounts formed the basis for Jay Anson’s 1977 book and the subsequent film franchise. They reported:

• Cold spots and strange odors (perfume and rotting meat).
• Green slime oozing from walls and keyholes.
• Levitation and physical attacks by unseen forces.
• Jodie the Pig: A demonic, red-eyed creature that "befriended" the youngest daughter.

3. The Skeptic’s Corner

While the Lutzes passed a lie detector test, many investigators (including the famous Warrens) and journalists have poked holes in the story.

• The Lawyer's Admission: William Weber, DeFeo’s defense attorney, later claimed he and the Lutzes "created this horror story over many bottles of wine" to help with DeFeo's appeal and the Lutzes' financial troubles.
• The House Today: Subsequent owners of the house have reported zero paranormal activity. In fact, they changed the address and the iconic "eye" windows to discourage tourists from trespassing.

Fun Fact: The 1979 film was a massive success, but it was actually filmed in Toms River, New Jersey, because the town of Amityville refused to grant filming permits.

EVIDENCE PROVIDED BY ED AND LORRAINE WARREN

When the Lutzes fled the house in 1976, they called in the most famous paranormal investigators of the era: Ed and Lorraine Warren. While the Warrens remained steadfast believers in the haunting until their deaths, their "evidence" is often viewed as the most controversial part of the saga.

Here is what they brought to the table:

The "Infamous" Evidence

1. The "Ghost Boy" Photograph

Perhaps the most famous piece of evidence associated with the case is a black-and-white photo taken by the Warrens' team (specifically photographer Gene Campbell) during a 1976 investigation.

• The Image: It appears to show a young boy with glowing eyes peering out from a doorway.
• The Warrens' Take: They claimed it was the ghost of John DeFeo, the youngest brother murdered in the house.
• The Skeptical Take: Many researchers believe it was actually Paul Bartz, an investigator on the Warrens' team who happened to be wearing a plaid shirt and glasses that reflected the camera flash.

2. Lorraine’s Psychic Impressions

Lorraine Warren, a self-proclaimed medium, claimed the house was the most "evil" place she had ever entered.

• She reported feeling a "horrible sense of depression" and "overwhelming sadness" immediately upon entering.
• During a séance in the sewing room, she claimed to see the bodies of the DeFeo family covered in white sheets.
• She described a physical sensation of being pushed back by a "wall of hate."

3. Physical Reactions & Technical Failures

The Warrens and their team reported several physical and technical anomalies during their overnight stays:

• The Staircase: Ed claimed to have been physically pushed to the floor while using religious provocations in the basement.
• Equipment Malfunctions: The team reported that their cameras and recording equipment frequently failed inside the house but worked perfectly once they stepped outside.
• Heart Palpitations: Several investigators reported feeling intense chest pressure and "racing hearts" while in the master bedroom.

The "Demonic" Conclusion

The Warrens concluded that the house was not just haunted by the DeFeos, but occupied by a demonic entity. They theorized that the land had been used by a man named John Ketchum (a practicing black magician) or that it sat upon an ancient Shinnecock burial ground—claims that local historians and tribal leaders have since debunked.

The Conflict of Interest

It's worth noting that the Warrens were instrumental in promoting the story to publishers and film studios. Critics argue that their "evidence" was largely subjective and designed to bolster the marketability of the "True Story" brand.

Google Gemini AI

25 January 2026: 8.47 p.m