The Amityville Horror is a book byAmerican author Jay Anson, published in September 1977. It is alsothe basis of a series of films released from 1979 onward. The book isclaimed to be based on the paranormal experiences of the Lutz family,but has led to controversy and lawsuits over its truthfulness.
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Historical basis
On November 13, 1974, Ronald DeFeo Jr.shot and killed six members of his family at 112 Ocean Avenue, alarge Dutch Colonial house situated in a suburban neighborhood inAmityville, on the south shore of Long Island, New York. He wasconvicted of second-degree murder in November 1975.
In December 1975, George and Kathy Lutzand their three children moved into the house. After 28 days, theLutzes left the house, claiming to have been terrorized by paranormalphenomena while living there.
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Plot
The book, purportedly based on a truestory, describes the house at 112 Ocean Avenue as remaining empty for13 months after the DeFeo murders. In December 1975, George andKathleen Lutz bought the house for what was considered to be abargain price of $80,000. The five-bedroom house was built in DutchColonial style, and had a distinctive gambrel roof. It also had aswimming pool and a boathouse, as it was located on a canal. Georgeand Kathy married in July 1975, and each had their own homes, butthey wanted to start fresh with a new property. Kathy had threechildren from a previous marriage: Daniel, 9, Christopher, 7, andMelissa (Missy), 5. They also owned a crossbreed Malamute/Labradordog named Harry. During their first inspection of the house, the realestate broker told them about the DeFeo murders and asked if thiswould affect their decision. After discussing the matter, theydecided that it was not a problem.
The Lutz family moved in December 19,1975. Much of the DeFeo family's furniture was still in the house,because it was included for $400 as part of the deal. A friend ofGeorge Lutz learned about the history of the house and insisted onhaving it blessed. At the time, George was a non-practicing Methodistand had no experience of what this would entail. Kathy was anon-practicing Catholic and explained the process. George knew aCatholic priest named Father Ray who agreed to carry out the houseblessing (in Anson's book, real-life priest Father Ralph J. Pecorarois referred to as Father Mancuso for privacy reasons).
