The Amityville Horror

The Amityville Horror refers to the alleged supernatural experiences of the Lutz family, who fled their Long Island home in 1975 after 28 days, claiming demonic haunting following a 1974 mass murder there. It spawned a famous 1977 book, a 1979 film, and a 2005 remake, becoming a staple of American horror culture despite widespread skepticism and claims that the story was fabricated.

The Real-Life Events (1974–1975)

• The Crime: On November 13, 1974, Ronald DeFeo Jr. shot and killed six family members at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, NY.

• The Haunting Claims: In December 1975, George and Kathy Lutz moved in but left 28 days later, claiming terrifying paranormal activity, including cold spots, strange odors, green slime, and demonic visions.

• Skepticism: Many investigators and locals, including subsequent homeowners, have disputed the claims, often attributing them to a hoax concocted for financial gain.

• The House: The Dutch Colonial house remains a private residence and has had multiple owners since the Lutz family left, with no further reports of hauntings.

Film and Media Adaptations

• The Amityville Horror (1979): Directed by Stuart Rosenberg and starring James Brolin and Margot Kidder, this film was a major box office success.

• The Amityville Horror (2005): A remake starring Ryan Reynolds and Melissa George, produced by Michael Bay, which grossed $64.3M in the US.

• Franchise: Numerous sequels, documentaries, and low-budget films have used the "Amityville" name, often with no direct connection to the original story.

Key Figures

• George and Kathy Lutz: The couple who reported the hauntings.

• Ronald DeFeo Jr.: The convicted killer who died in prison in 2021.

• Ed and Lorraine Warren: Paranormal investigators who researched the home.

The story continues to be a popular topic in horror, with the 1979 film regarded as a classic of the genre.