CASE FILE #06808
REPORTEDThe Amityville 39
The Amityville 39: A Haunting Legacy in Long Island
The Amityville 39, a case that has haunted the hearts and minds of paranormal enthusiasts for decades, began with a tragic house fire on November 15, 1976. This incident set off a series of mysterious and terrifying events that would become one of the most infamous hauntings in American history. The home at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York, would soon be known as “The House on Ocean Avenue,” with its residents reporting unexplained noises, apparitions, and other supernatural phenomena.
The History and Background
In October 1974, the Lutz family moved into the modest, three-story house at 112 Ocean Avenue. The Lutzes were a middle-class couple, Frank and Nancy, along with their three young children: Donna, 18; David, 16; and Eugene, 13. The family was unaware of the property’s troubled past.
On November 15, 1976, just after midnight, an electrical fire broke out in the basement, quickly spreading to the rest of the house. Nancy Lutz awoke to the smell of smoke and discovered that the fire had engulfed her bedroom. With her children still asleep upstairs, she rushed into their rooms, waking them up and trying to get them to safety. Unfortunately, David was overcome by smoke and died in his sleep. Donna and Eugene managed to escape with minor burns. Nancy and Frank made it out of the house but were severely injured.
The Lutzes moved from the home, but the property remained unoccupied for several months. During this time, strange occurrences began to plague the area around 112 Ocean Avenue. Neighbors reported hearing eerie noises, seeing ghostly figures, and experiencing unexplained phenomena. It wasn’t until March 1977 that paranormal researchers Ed and Lorraine Warren became involved in the case.
Key Events or Sightings
On March 30, 1977, Ed and Lorraine Warren arrived at 112 Ocean Avenue to investigate the claims of supernatural activity. The Warrens had already gained a reputation for investigating seemingly unexplainable phenomena, including the infamous Hill House in Connecticut.
According to Nancy Lutz’s account, on March 30, she heard a loud noise from upstairs and found a photograph falling from the wall. She placed it back on the mantel but later noticed that it was again hanging precariously near the floor. The Warrens conducted their own investigation over several days, documenting strange occurrences such as flickering lights, unexplained sounds, and the feeling of being watched.
On April 5, 1977, the Warrens left the property, having documented a series of inexplicable events but no definitive proof of paranormal activity. However, these events set the stage for what would become one of the most infamous cases in American paranormal history.
Witness Accounts or Evidence
The Lutz family’s experiences continued after the Warrens’ departure. Donna Lutz later described seeing her brother David’s ghostly figure moving around the house and feeling a presence that would sometimes manifest as a woman in a white dress. Eugene, too, reported hearing strange noises and witnessing unexplained events.
In 1978, Ron Hodgson and his wife Mary purchased the house from the Lutzes. Hodgson was skeptical of paranormal claims but decided to stay for a month to see if any activity would manifest. During this time, he experienced several incidents that convinced him of the house’s haunted nature. He reported hearing doors slam shut by themselves and feeling a presence in his room at night.
Ron Hodgson’s account was corroborated by other witnesses who claimed to have experienced similar phenomena. One such witness was Gary Linington, who moved into the house with his wife and son in 1980. Linington described a series of terrifying experiences, including being awakened by a woman screaming in another room, seeing a ghostly figure moving around the house, and feeling a presence that would sometimes manifest as a woman in a white dress.
Investigations or Research
In 1978, John Zaffis conducted an investigation at 112 Ocean Avenue. His team used electronic voice phenomenon (EVP) equipment to record any possible ghostly messages. The recordings did not produce any definitive evidence of paranormal activity but added to the growing body of anecdotal reports.
The Amityville case gained widespread attention in 1979 when the book “The Amityville Horror: A True Story” by Jay Anson was published. The book popularized the idea that the house was haunted and sparked a wave of interest from paranormal enthusiasts and skeptics alike. The film adaptation released in 1982 further fueled public fascination with the case, leading to numerous follow-up investigations.
The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery
Today, 112 Ocean Avenue is no longer occupied by any family or researcher due to its controversial history. However, paranormal enthusiasts continue to visit the site, hoping to catch a glimpse of the supernatural phenomena reported in the past. Some local residents still report hearing unexplained noises and feeling a sense of unease when near the property.
In recent years, scientific investigations have been conducted at 112 Ocean Avenue. In 2007, researchers from Long Island University used advanced equipment to measure electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and other potential physical explanations for the reported phenomena. Their findings did not support any paranormal activity but suggested that psychological factors may play a role in the experiences of those who have stayed at the house.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Did anyone really die in the Amityville 39?
A: Yes, David Lutz, one of the three children living in the house, tragically died during a fire on November 15, 1976. This event set off a series of mysterious and terrifying events that would come to be known as the Amityville Horror.
Q: Are there any verified paranormal investigations at 112 Ocean Avenue?
A: Multiple paranormal investigators have conducted investigations at the site over the years, including Ed and Lorraine Warren in 1977, John Zaffis in 1978, and various groups using advanced equipment. While these investigations documented strange occurrences, no definitive proof of supernatural activity was found.
Q: Has anyone lived in the house since the Amityville Horror?
A: No one has occupied 112 Ocean Avenue for a prolonged period since the Lutzes left in 1976 due to the controversial and haunted nature of the property. Some paranormal enthusiasts occasionally stay for short periods, but no family or researcher has chosen to live there full-time.
Q: Are there any scientific explanations for the reported phenomena?
A: Scientific investigations have suggested that psychological factors, such as suggestion and confirmation bias, may play a role in the experiences reported by those who stayed at 112 Ocean Avenue. EMF readings did not support any paranormal activity, but this does not rule out other natural or environmental causes.
Q: Why is the Amityville Horror still considered one of the most famous haunted houses?
A: The Amityville Horror has become a cultural phenomenon due to its tragic origins and the subsequent media attention it received. The case inspired a book and film, which further cemented its place in popular culture. Its enduring legacy lies in the ongoing debate about whether the house is truly haunted or if it was merely an elaborate hoax.