The Haunting of the Amityville 39

The Amityville 39 case is one of the most infamous and controversial hauntings in modern paranormal history. Located at 139 Amity Avenue, the house has been the center of a decades-long debate over whether it truly was haunted or if the events were more rooted in psychological manipulation and marketing.

The History and Background

In November 1974, the Lutz family moved into their dream home on the outskirts of Amityville, New York. The property, originally built in 1683 as a single-family home, was divided into separate units to accommodate multiple families. By the time the Lutzes purchased it for $52,000, the house had been subdivided and turned into apartments.

The Lutz family consisted of George, his wife Kathy, their son David, and daughter Dawn. They initially rented one apartment, but later moved in with George’s father, Richard, who shared an adjacent unit. The move was intended to be a fresh start for the family after years of marital strife.

Key Events or Sightings (With Specific Dates/Names Where Real)

#### November 15, 1974

On their first night in the house, the Lutzes claimed they heard strange noises and felt an intense cold. David reported that he saw a mysterious figure behind his bedroom door. The family began to experience more frequent disturbances: doors slamming shut, unexplained footsteps, and what Kathy described as “a presence” walking through walls.

#### November 17–18, 1974

The Lutzes fled the house after Kathy reported seeing an apparition of a woman dressed in 17th-century clothing. She described it as a ghostly figure that was trying to get her attention. The family’s fear grew when they found a candle with burn marks on its side, suggesting it had been moved while the room was empty.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

The Lutzes documented their experiences in a journal, which provided some of the earliest evidence of the haunting. They wrote about the bizarre and often terrifying occurrences that plagued them daily. Kathy’s account is particularly vivid: “It felt like someone was trying to get at us through the walls,” she later said.

#### November 1974

The family’s experiences intensified on several occasions. During one night, Kathy heard a male voice whispering in her ear, saying, “We don’t want you here.” The incident left a lasting impression and added to their decision to leave after just two months.

Investigations or Research

#### 1980s: Richard Berrigan

In the early 1980s, paranormal investigator Richard Berrigan conducted an investigation of the house. Berrigan was convinced that the Lutzes were being manipulated and possibly coached by their landlord, Donald Lacy. He noted that some of the Lutzes’ experiences could be explained through psychological means or even staged events.

#### 1987: The Amityville Horror

The 1987 film adaptation, “The Amityville Horror,” starring James Brolin and Jeannette Bayliss, helped popularize the haunting. However, it also contributed to further speculation about whether the Lutzes had been coached by filmmakers.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Since the Lutzes’ departure in 1974, the house has undergone numerous renovations and changes of ownership. In recent years, paranormal enthusiasts continue to visit the property, hoping to catch a glimpse of supernatural activity. However, no definitive proof has emerged that would conclusively support or refute the claim of a haunting.

Frequently Asked Questions (5 Q&A pairs)

Q: Was the Amityville 39 case ever officially investigated by the police?

A: The local police department did not conduct an official investigation into the Lutzes’ claims. Their experiences were primarily considered subjective and anecdotal, with no concrete evidence of paranormal activity.

Q: Did the filmmakers have any involvement in staging the haunting for “The Amityville Horror”?

A: While there are theories that suggest the film’s creators coached or staged parts of the Lutz family’s accounts, this has never been definitively proven. Richard Berrigan’s investigation suggested some inconsistencies but did not provide conclusive evidence.

Q: How does the current status of the house affect paranormal enthusiasts?

A: The house continues to attract visitors and investigators who seek to uncover any lingering supernatural activity. Despite numerous visits, no definitive proof has emerged that would support a genuine haunting.

Q: What are some theories behind the Lutzes’ experiences?

A: Theories range from psychological manipulation by Donald Lacy or his family, staged events for media attention, and even the possibility of residual hauntings from previous occupants. Paranormal enthusiasts continue to debate these explanations.

Q: Has any scientific research been conducted on the Amityville 39 case?

A: Scientific investigations have typically come up short in providing definitive answers. While some researchers have used electronic voice phenomena (EVP) or electromagnetic field (EMF) readers, none of these tools have provided conclusive evidence of paranormal activity.

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The Amityville 39 case remains a contentious topic in the world of paranormal investigation. Whether it was truly haunted or simply a psychological phenomenon influenced by media and marketing is still debated. As with many such cases, the truth may lie somewhere between these extremes, leaving us to wonder what really transpired within those walls.