The Poltergeist of Amityville

A Haunting in the Long Island Twilight

In November 1975, the small town of Amityville, New York, was thrust into the spotlight as the world began to take notice of a strange and disturbing phenomenon that occurred within one of its houses. This haunting is now infamous as the Poltergeist of Amityville, a case that has captivated public imagination for decades.

The History and Background

The house at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville had been owned by the Lutz family since August 1974. It was on November 15, 1975, when George, Jayne, and their four children moved into this modest home that the events began to unfold. The house, built in 1863, is a two-story structure with six bedrooms, a living room, dining area, kitchen, and basement.

Key Events or Sightings

#### November 15-20, 1975

The Lutz family reported that they began to experience strange phenomena almost immediately after moving into the house. Jayne Lutz described a series of unexplained events: doors slammed shut, objects moved on their own, disembodied voices were heard, and even an image appeared in her bathroom mirror. Jayne later recounted, “I would see things move about the room, even though I was alone.”

#### November 20-December 1975

The Lutzes continued to document these occurrences. On December 3, 1975, a local newspaper published an article detailing their experiences. Soon after, the New York State Department of Mental Hygiene became involved and offered the family $148.56 for a two-day stay at the Willard Psychiatric Center in Buffalo. The Lutzes declined this offer.

#### December 1975

The Lutz family’s account was published by Ronira Rappaport, a freelance journalist, in her book “Possession,” which provided detailed descriptions of their experiences and first-hand accounts from those involved. This publication sent shockwaves through the community and beyond.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

#### George Lutz

George, the father, described how his 12-year-old daughter Dawn was particularly affected by the haunting. She reported seeing a woman standing at her window who quickly disappeared when someone entered the room. On another occasion, Dawn’s bed moved while she slept, leaving marks on the mattress.

#### Jayne Lutz

Jayne recounted that the house seemed to have a malevolent presence, with objects moving in a seemingly intelligent manner. She also witnessed a dark figure in her bathroom, which frightened both her and her daughter.

Investigations or Research

#### paranormal expert Donald Ullman

In January 1976, paranormal researcher Donald Ullman investigated the house and conducted an interview with the Lutzes. He reported that he could not find any physical evidence of a poltergeist presence but noted the emotional distress of the family.

#### Charles Fort

Writer Charles Fort, who was a proponent of anomalous phenomena, wrote about the Amityville haunting in his book “Loose Leaves.” His account helped to solidify the case as a legitimate paranormal event.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Since the initial events, the house at 112 Ocean Avenue has undergone numerous renovations and changes. It is now owned by the Rosedale Development Corporation, which operates it as a tourist attraction called “Amityville Horror House.” Despite efforts to replicate the experience, no other family has reported similar paranormal activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Was there any scientific evidence found during the investigation?

A: While Donald Ullman and other researchers conducted investigations, they were primarily focused on collecting witness accounts rather than finding physical evidence of a poltergeist presence. No definitive scientific proof was discovered that could conclusively prove or disprove the existence of a supernatural entity.

Q: Did the Lutzes ever return to their home in Amityville?

A: The Lutz family left 112 Ocean Avenue on January 7, 1976, and never returned. Their experiences have been documented and remain at the center of the Poltergeist of Amityville legend.

Q: Are there any other reported cases similar to the one in Amityville?

A: Similar phenomena are often reported but rarely receive such widespread attention. Notable cases include the Enfield Poltergeist, which occurred in England from 1977 to 1978, and the Brown Family Haunting of East Fairfield, Connecticut, in 2004.

Q: What do paranormal experts believe caused the events?

A: Paranormal researchers often cite various explanations, including psychokinesis (PK), residual poltergeists, or even a combination of psychological factors. Some suggest that the house itself may have a long history of unexplained phenomena, potentially contributing to the reported hauntings.

Q: How has the Amityville haunting influenced popular culture?

A: The Poltergeist of Amityville inspired numerous books, films, and television shows. Notable adaptations include the 1979 film “The Amityville Horror” starring James Brolin and Margot Kidder, which spawned a franchise that continues to this day.

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The Poltergeist of Amityville remains one of the most famous paranormal cases in history. While its exact cause may remain elusive, it has left an indelible mark on popular culture and continues to captivate the imagination of those who believe in the supernatural.