If you’ve ever dipped your toes into the world of true crime or paranormal investigations, chances are the name “Amityville Horror House” sends a chill down your spine. Nestled in the quiet, suburban village of Amityville on Long Island, New York, this unassuming Dutch Colonial turned iconic haunted house has earned a notorious place in American folklore. With a chilling backstory that combines tragedy, mystery, and supernatural encounters, the Amityville Horror House is more than just an address—it’s a cornerstone in ghost-hunting lore. Whether you’re a seasoned paranormal investigator or simply fascinated by eerie locations that toe the line between the living and the dead, this infamous house offers a case worth exploring… if you dare.
The History
The Location: 112 Ocean Avenue
The Amityville Horror House is located at 112 Ocean Avenue, in the peaceful suburb of Amityville, Suffolk County, Long Island. The area itself is picturesque and serene, with tree-lined streets and views of the South Oyster Bay. This five-bedroom Dutch Colonial originally built in the 1920s doesn’t look like the stuff of nightmares—until you consider what happened there in 1974.
The Defeo Family Murders
On the night of November 13, 1974, horror visited the DeFeo family. Ronald “Butch” DeFeo Jr., the eldest son, brutally murdered his parents and four siblings as they slept. Using a .35-caliber Marlin rifle, he executed six family members—two parents and four children—sparking an investigation and media frenzy. Remarkably, none of the neighbors heard the shots, despite no silencer being used, and all six family members were found lying face down in their beds—a detail that stumped investigators. Ronald DeFeo Jr. was arrested the next day, later claiming demonic voices compelled him to kill.
DeFeo was ultimately convicted on six counts of second-degree murder in 1975 and sentenced to six consecutive life sentences. But for many, the story was far from over. What happened afterward would turn this house from a crime scene into a legendary source of supernatural intrigue.
The Lutz Family and the Birth of the “Amityville Horror”
In December 1975, George and Kathy Lutz purchased the now-vacant house for what seemed like a steal—$80,000. Only 28 days later, they fled the home, claiming it was haunted by a dark, malevolent force linked to the DeFeo murders. Their stories included unexplained cold spots, levitating beds, slime oozing from walls, and eye-glowing entities staring in from outside windows. Perhaps the most chilling report was George waking up at 3:15 a.m. every night—the exact time of the DeFeo killings.
The Lutz family’s experiences were later chronicled in Jay Anson’s 1977 book, “The Amityville Horror,” which became a best-seller and spawned a franchise of films, documentaries, and paranormal investigations. Despite skepticism and lawsuits challenging the authenticity of their story, the Lutzes never retracted their claims. The legend was cemented.
Fact, Fiction, or Something More?
Over the years, critics and investigators have tried to debunk the claims made by the Lutz family, with many calling it a hoax, cleverly orchestrated to make money. Even William Weber, DeFeo’s defense lawyer, claimed he helped the Lutzes develop the story over several bottles of wine. Still, some details defy simple explanation—including the consistent 3:15 a.m. paranormal activity, the photographic evidence from independent investigations, and the accounts from subsequent owners who noted strange occurrences too eerie to be coincidence.
The Haunt
Paranormal Activity Inside the House
Since that fateful month in 1975, the Amityville Horror House has been subject to numerous paranormal investigations. Here’s a rundown of some of the most spine-tingling phenomena reported over the years:
- Cold Spots and Unexplained Odors: Witnesses often describe sudden temperature drops and sulfurous smells—commonly associated with demonic presences.
- Unseen Forces: George Lutz claimed he was physically levitated, while Kathy said she was touched and scratched by an invisible presence.
- Red Room: A small hidden room in the basement, painted red, reportedly causes pets to panic and investigators to feel overwhelming dread.
- Phantom Noises: Voices, footsteps, laughter, and screams have all been audibly reported—despite the house being empty at the time.
- The Pig-Eyed Demon: The Lutzes described seeing a creature with red, pig-like eyes staring at them through windows and appearing in hallways.
Perhaps the most famous piece of evidence comes from a 1976 investigation by Ed and Lorraine Warren—legendary paranormal investigators who would later inspire the “Conjuring” movie universe. During their investigation, a photographer captured a chilling image of what appears to be a ghostly boy peering out of a bedroom doorway. No children were in the house at the time.
After the Lutzes – Ongoing Paranormal Reports
Though the house has had several owners since the Lutz family fled, most have kept quiet about any odd happenings. Many claim the current state is peaceful, while others—especially neighbors—report strange lights, shadows, and that the aura around the house feels “off.” Interestingly, most owners post-Lutzes have changed the address and altered the home’s iconic eye-like windows to dissuade tourists and ghost hunters.
Despite these changes, the magnetic force of the story draws dozens of visitors to Ocean Avenue each year, and paranormal enthusiasts continue to claim that the energies that sparked the original “Amityville Horror” are still very much alive and active.
The Warrens’ Final Word
Ed and Lorraine Warren categorized the house as a classic case of demonic infestation—where a negative entity slowly overwhelms the environment and its inhabitants. They believed that the DeFeo murders may have unleashed or awakened something already residing in the home. According to Lorraine, she felt an “overwhelming sadness and oppression” inside the Amityville Horror House unlike anything she’d experienced before.
Conclusion: Should You Visit the Amityville Horror House?
The Amityville Horror House remains one of the most widely debated and investigated paranormal sites in the United States. Whether it’s a tragic hoax or a genuine haunting encased in history, there’s no denying the mystique and magnetic pull of 112 Ocean Avenue.
For paranormal investigators, it’s a complex nexus of true crime, urban legend, and supernatural lore. While the house is not open for tours and is currently a private residence, you can still explore the area, get a feel for the neighborhood, and perhaps even make contact with residual energies lingering nearby.
Ghost hunters: bring your EMF meters, EVP recorders, and an open mind. Even if you don’t walk away with proof, you’ll leave with a story. Because once you’ve stood outside the infamous Amityville Horror House, you’ll understand—this place is more than just a legend. It’s a chilling chapter of America’s paranormal history that continues to echo, long after the doors have closed.