Making History Come Alive Newsletter Offers The Amityville murders refer to a tragic event that occurred on November 13, 1974, in the small town of Amityville, located in Suffolk County, New York

This event involved the brutal killing of the DeFeo family, a case that later became widely known due to its connection with the purportedly haunted house at 112 Ocean Avenue, which inspired numerous books and films.

Details of the Crime:
- Victims: The DeFeo family consisted of Ronald DeFeo Sr., his wife Louise, and their five children: Dawn, Allison, Marc, John, and Ronald Jr. (who was also the perpetrator).
- Perpetrator: Ronald DeFeo Jr., the eldest son, was 23 years old at the time of the murders. In the early hours, he systematically shot and killed his parents and his four siblings while they were asleep.
- Weapon: Ronald Jr. used a .35 caliber Marlin rifle, and all the victims were found lying face down in their beds.

Investigation and Trial:
- Confession: Initially, Ronald Jr. attempted to blame the killings on a mob hitman. However, his story quickly fell apart, and he eventually confessed to the murders.
- Motive: The exact motive remains unclear, but it is believed that Ronald Jr. had a troubled history, including substance abuse, and there were reports of tension and dysfunction within the family.
- Trial: During the trial, DeFeo's defense attorney mounted an insanity defense, claiming that DeFeo heard voices that led him to commit the murders. However, the prosecution argued that DeFeo's actions were premeditated. On November 21, 1975, Ronald DeFeo Jr. was convicted on six counts of second-degree murder and sentenced to 25 years to life for each count.

Cultural Impact:
- The Amityville Horror: The house at 112 Ocean Avenue gained notoriety after the Lutz family moved in a year later. They claimed to experience paranormal phenomena, which led to the publication of "The Amityville Horror" book in 1977 by Jay Anson. The book was followed by a successful film adaptation in 1979 and several sequels and remakes thereafter.
- Skepticism: While the Lutz family's story captivated the public, many skeptics and investigators have questioned the validity of their claims, suggesting that the haunting was a hoax