Amityville House: Still Haunted?

The Lutz Family's Paranormal Claims

The Lutz family's saga at 112 Ocean Avenue is one that continues to intrigue. After moving in, their suburban dream quickly turned into a nerve-wracking ordeal. Strange noises filled the air, beyond the usual creaks of an old house. These included:

  • Whispers echoing through corridors
  • Footsteps resounding at night

George Lutz reported waking up at exactly 3:15 AM, the same time when the DeFeo tragedy occurred. The family claimed to witness shocking apparitions, including:

  • Blood-red eyes staring from shadows
  • A demonic pig-like creature

They described green slime oozing from walls and inexplicable foul smells pervading rooms. Cold spots isolated in the house and their daughter reported an invisible friend. The Lutzes even claimed physical assaults by unseen forces, including levitation off the bed.

These unsettling experiences prompted their hasty exit, turning their tale into a sensation across America. As their story spread, it sparked book deals and movie rights, leaving a lingering mystery that continues to captivate audiences.

Dramatized scene of the Lutz family hastily leaving the Amityville house at night

Skepticism and Debunking

Skepticism surrounded the Lutz family's supernatural accounts, prompting intense scrutiny from researchers and critics. One investigation uncovered dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide within the home, suggesting that the eerie experiences might be products of gas-induced hallucinations rather than ethereal entities.

Inconsistencies in the Lutz family's tale emerged when architectural blueprints didn't match their descriptions. Legal battles added intrigue, with the family's lawsuit for mental distress met by a counterclaim for fraud. In a startling twist, a lawyer once confessed to having concocted the horror tale over wine-filled evenings.

"I know this book is a hoax. We created this horror story over many bottles of wine." – William Weber, lawyer

The media frenzy surrounding the case shaped public perception, with books and films dramatizing the events. This characterization of the Amityville hauntings took on a life of its own, fueled by skepticism and theatrical flair. The idea that the story was engineered remains alluring to some and disturbing to the Lutzes' defenders, leaving a tale that continues to stir imaginations.

Skeptical investigators examining the Amityville house interior with scientific equipment

The Warrens' Investigation

Famed paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren arrived at the Amityville Horror House a year after the Lutz family fled. Their involvement added layers of intrigue and skepticism to the already complex narrative.

The Warrens reported encounters with supernatural phenomena, including:

  • Paralysis
  • The sensation of unseen chains
  • Mysterious green slime seeping from walls

They concluded that a potent and sinister presence lurked within the home, suggesting demonic possession that had influenced both the Lutzes' experiences and Ronald DeFeo Jr.'s actions.

However, skeptics questioned the veracity of the Warrens' claims. Critics suggested their findings were exaggerated, nurturing a theatrical story that pushed the boundaries of believability. Some accused them of exploiting the situation for fame and financial gain.

The Warrens' investigation transformed the Amityville Horror House into a battleground of belief and skepticism. Their blend of startling claims has both captivated audiences and provoked criticism, sustaining the mystery and allure of the Amityville chapter in paranormal lore.

Ed and Lorraine Warren conducting a paranormal investigation in the Amityville house

Current Status of the Amityville House

Today, the Amityville Horror House sits in suburban normalcy, its exterior disguising its infamous legacy. It's now a private residence, protected from curious onlookers and thrill-seekers. The iconic quarter-moon windows have been replaced to discourage unwanted attention.

Subsequent owners have reported no supernatural disturbances, leading some to dismiss past hauntings as sensationalized lore. Despite this, public fascination with the home persists, drawing both believers and skeptics into ongoing debates.

The house remains under the stewardship of private owners who value their privacy. While it may no longer produce eerie tales, its legacy endures in supernatural folkloreโ€”a mystery that persists not in current specters but in the corridors of memory and myth.

The Amityville Horror House as it appears today, with modified exterior to discourage tourists

The Amityville Horror House remains a captivating enigma, standing as a testament to the enduring power of folklore and the human fascination with the supernatural. Its story, whether rooted in reality or fiction, continues to stir imaginations and provoke debate, ensuring its place in the annals of paranormal lore.

  1. Anson J. The Amityville Horror. Prentice Hall; 1977.
  2. Nickell J. Entities: Angels, Spirits, Demons, and Other Alien Beings. Prometheus Books; 1995.
  3. Moran R, Jordan P. The Amityville Horror Conspiracy. Katco Media; 1978.