Amityville Horror’s Child Ghosts

The Amityville Horror’s Child Ghosts: A Haunting Legacy

The Amityville horror is one of America’s most infamous paranormal cases, capturing the public imagination with tales of demonic possessions and unexplained phenomena. Yet, at its core, it centers around a series of chilling events involving child ghosts, which have become an integral part of the legend. This article delves into the history, key events, witness accounts, investigations, and the ongoing mystery surrounding these spectral children.

The History and Background

The Amityville Horror saga began in 1975 when Ronald DeFeo Jr., a local man from Amityville, New York, murdered his entire family. His actions triggered a series of disturbing events, which were documented by paranormal investigators and the press. However, it was not until the late 1970s that the story took on its supernatural turn.

On November 13, 1976, Ed and Lorraine Warren—a well-known paranormal investigator couple—were invited to stay at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville by Lloyd and Fern Long. The Warrens claimed they witnessed unexplainable phenomena and encounters with entities that seemed to mimic the actions of young children.

Key Events or Sightings

#### November 1976: The Initial Stay

During their stay, the Warrens documented a series of events that were later published in their book The Devil and Miss Jones (1978). They reported hearing strange noises, seeing shadows, and feeling intense cold spots. However, it was the encounters with child apparitions that became the cornerstone of the Amityville legend.

On November 20, 1976, the Warrens awoke to find a small boy sitting on their bed. He disappeared when they tried to touch him. Later, Lorraine recounted seeing a child’s face in a mirror while she was cleaning. The faces appeared and vanished, leaving no trace of the entity.

#### January 1977: Further Investigations

In January 1977, the Warrens returned to the house with paranormal equipment, including electromagnetic field (EMF) meters, video cameras, and psychographs. They set up a series of tests to capture any supernatural activity. On January 26, they claimed to have captured evidence on their EMF meter that suggested a high level of negative energy in the house.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

#### Lorraine Warren’s Testimonies

Lorraine Warren’s accounts are among the most detailed and vivid. She described seeing small, mischievous figures moving objects around the house and playing pranks. In her book The Devil and Miss Jones, she wrote about a specific incident where a young girl appeared in front of her, giggling and running away when she tried to catch her.

#### Ed Warren’s Reports

Ed Warren’s reports focus more on the technical aspects of their investigations. He detailed his use of EMF meters and psychographs, which allegedly recorded anomalies that could not be explained by natural means. In one instance, a psychograph reading indicated a high level of negativity in the bedroom where Lorraine claimed to have seen the child’s face.

Investigations or Research

#### The Longs’ Experiences

The Long family also had their own experiences. Lloyd and Fern reported hearing children’s voices whispering and laughing at night. On one occasion, Fern woke up to find a small boy sitting on her bed, which promptly disappeared when she moved. These accounts were later corroborated by the Warrens.

#### Later Investigations

In 1980, paranormal investigator George Rabinowicz conducted his own investigation in the house. He found no evidence of supernatural activity but did note that the house was structurally unstable and had been built on old burial grounds, which could explain some of the reported phenomena.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

The Amityville horror has evolved into a complex tapestry of folklore and legend. While many skeptics dismiss the paranormal claims as hoaxes or psychological phenomena, believers continue to visit the house annually during what is known as “Amityville Weekend.”

In 2019, the house was sold for $783,000. The new owners have attempted to restore it to its original state, but reports of unexplained noises and sightings persist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are there any documented cases of children being harmed by these entities?

A: While the Warrens reported that one child in particular seemed particularly mischievous and sometimes acted out, there are no credible accounts of physical harm inflicted upon humans. The entities described tend to be more playful than malevolent.

Q: How did Lloyd Long come to invite the Warrens to stay at his home?

A: Lloyd Long invited the Warrens based on a mutual friend’s recommendation. He sought their help in understanding and resolving the strange occurrences he was experiencing. The Warrens were known for their extensive experience and were often called upon to investigate reported hauntings.

Q: Have any paranormal investigators attempted to contact or communicate with these child apparitions?

A: The Warrens and subsequent investigators have conducted various forms of communication, but none reported any meaningful dialogues. The entities typically appeared briefly and did not engage in conversation.

Q: Is there any scientific evidence supporting the existence of these child ghosts?

A: Scientific studies have found no conclusive evidence to support the claims of paranormal activity. EMF readings and other equipment used by investigators often yield ambiguous results that can be explained by natural causes or psychological factors.

Q: What is the significance of the house’s location in relation to the legend?

A: The house’s proximity to old burial grounds has been cited as a possible explanation for the reported paranormal activity. Many believe that the spirits of those buried there could be responsible for the haunting. However, no concrete evidence links these graves to any supernatural events.

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The Amityville horror remains a fascinating and enduring tale, filled with mystery and intrigue. Whether seen through the lens of scientific skepticism or as a compelling ghost story, the child ghosts of 112 Ocean Avenue continue to captivate our imagination.