Try again later. Ronald DeFeo, who was convicted of killing his parents and four siblings at the family's home in Amityville, N.Y., in 1974 a spree that spawned a series of books and movies, including the. The then-23-year-old killed his family members, who were all in bed at the time. She was 43 years old. One thing we know regardless, a horrible tragedy happened there that took out an entire family. Daniel Lutz, who was a 10-year-old boy on January 14, 1976 when the family fled from the house , still insists that the family was menaced by spirits in the home. Ronald Joseph DeFeo Jr, also known as Ronald DeFeo Jr, is an infamous American criminal who was sentenced to prison for the mass killing of his whole family. One of the men, Joe Yeswit, called the Suffolk County police with the awful news. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. Police said Ronald DeFeo Sr., 43; Louise DeFeo, 42; Dawn Defeo, 18; Allison Defeo, 13; Mark DeFeo, 11; and John Matthew, 7, were all found shot to death in their beds, with their hands above their . A book and the resulting film franchise including the 1979 original with James Brolin, Margot Kidder and Rod Steiger; several sequels; and a 2005 remake with Ryan Reynolds portrayed a home with strange voices, walls that oozed slime, furniture that moved on its own and other supernatural features. Take a moment to remember his family. The police are still trying to establish the motive for the multiple killings. All of the victims were found face-down in bed. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Ronald DeFeo Jr., the killer in "The Amityville Horror" case, has died, according to a spokesperson for the New York State prisons department. The cause of his death wasn't immediately known. The film, released on December 16, 2011, was written, directed and produced by Ryan Katzenbach and featuring narration by veteran actor Ed Asner, examines all aspects of the Amityville case, with a strong focus on the DeFeo family and the events surrounding their murders. DeFeo, 69, was pronounced dead at 6:35 p.m. Friday at the Albany Medical Center, state corrections officials said in a statement. The heinous acts, which occurred in 1974, inspired the "Amityville Horror" book and film series. DeFeos death was first reported by Newsday. He was sentenced on six counts of second-degree crime for the killings, which took place on Nov. 13, 1974, inside the Dutch Colonial-style home in Amityville where he lived with his family. A lawyer expert testified that while Ronald was an admitted LSD and heroin user, he was mentally normal at the time of the murders. Another possible reason he might have killed his family members was for a possibly sizable life insurance policy. So I understand that part of it. In a 1986 interview with Newsday, DeFeo even claimed his sister, Dawn DeFeo, had carried out the murders with an accomplice. He was 69. The then-23-year-old used a .35-caliber Marlin lever-action rifle to slaughter his family members, who were all in bed at the time dad Ronald DeFeo Sr., 43, mom Louise DeFeo, 43, and siblings Dawn, 18, Allison, 13, Marc, 12, and John, 9. The other siblings were murdered by Dawn, before DeFeo killed her, he claimed. If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. I think a horrible family tragedy sparked a twisted mind to figure out how to make money off of it with their theories and story plot and we the people ate it up! Brother of Private and Private. appreciated. Failed to report flower. 2023 FOX Television Stations, slaughtering his parents and four siblings, Wreckage of US Navy submarine from World War II found off Japans coast, From Florida to Hawaii: Worlds best beaches for 2023 revealed by Tripadvisor, White House gives federal agencies 30 days to remove TikTok from all government devices, Study: Zero-calorie sweetener associated with high risk of heart failure, stroke and death, Elon Musk back in No. Although there have been other claims of the supernatural occurring at the Amityville house, there are former residents of the house who claim nothing of the sort happened to them. At the time of DeFeo's 1974 confession of the murders, he claimed he had heard voices telling him his family was plotting against him and that he had to murder his parents and four siblings out of self-defense. 8 Scary Movies You Probably Didn't Know Were Remakes, Is 'The Haunting of Bly Manor' Inspired by Real Events? It was only then that Mr. and Mrs. Michael BriganteMrs. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. All through the hourlong mass, which was celebrated by the Rev. And insurance money motive. Ron DeFeo, has died in prison. DeFeo, whose nickname was Butch, was convicted of killing his mother, father, two sisters and two brothers inside their Amityville home on Ocean Avenue on Nov. 13, 1974. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? Ron, Jr. and the DeFeo Family Ronald DeFeo Jr., the killer who inspired The Amityville Horror book and movie series, has died, according to a spokesperson for the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Services (DOCCS). He was serving a sentence of. Published People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Drag images here or select from your computer for Ronald DeFeo Jr. memorial. In it was Joseph DeFeo, Mr. DeFeo Sr.'s father. He did leave behind three ex-wives and, according to one of his exes, he was also the father to at least one child. At trial, his lawyer mounted an insanity defense, claiming DeFeo heard voices saying his family was plotting against him. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. Officials said DeFeo was transported to Albany Medical Center and was pronounced dead on March 12 at 6:35 p.m. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Ronald DeFeo Jr., who served his sentence at Sullivan Correctional Facility in upstate Fallsburg, died Friday at the age of 69, New York State officials confirmed. (Bettmann via Getty Images). This browser does not support getting your location. MURDERER Ronald DeFeo Jr, who killed his entire family and inspired "The Amityville Horror", has died. A book and two movies the 1979 original, starring James Brolin, Margot Kidder and Rod Steiger, and a 2005 remake portrayed a home with strange voices, walls that oozed slime, furniture that moved on its own, and other supernatural features. It went so fast". What can you say? But I know dat Ronald defeo jr and dawn were on it. Ronald DeFeo exits Suffolk County Police Headquarters in Hauppauge, New York, Nov. 14, 1974. The convicted murderer was transferred to Albany Medical Center and pronounced dead at 6:35 p.m. An autopsy by the Albany County Medical Examiners Office will determine an official cause of death. List of deaths in The Amityville Horror Serie Edit this page Contents 1 The Amityville Horror (1979) 2 Amityville II: The Possession 3 Amityville 3-D 4 Amityville 4: The Evil Escapes 5 The Amityville Curse 6 Amityville: It's About Time 7 Amityville: A New Generation 8 Amityville Dollhouse (1996) 9 The Amityville Horror (2005 film) Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Family members linked to this person will appear here. Small detail, but important if you entertain he didnt do this alone. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. Mr. DeFeo was convicted in 1975 on six counts of second-degree murder after he confessed to using a rifle to shoot and kill his father, Ronald DeFeo Sr.; his mother, Louise; his sisters, Dawn and Allison; and his brothers, Mark and John Matthew. The murders happened in 1974 but to this day, the house remains a source of. Learn more about merges. DeFeo killed his parents, Ronald DeFeo, Sr. what's more Louise DeFeo, and his four more youthful kin, Dawn, 18 . Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. [23], "The Real Life Amityville Horror; Shots in the Night", "The 'Amityville Horror' house is for sale: Five bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms and one bloody history", "FACE OF 'HORROR' AFTER 31 YEARS, THE AMITYVILLE KILLER SPEAKS", "Slain Family Drugged, Police on L:I..Report", "Haunted Crime Scenes; Amityville Controversy", "Amityville - the Cultural Impact of Homicide", "Amityville Horror Investigative Files (January 2003)", The Amityville Files - Collection of Amityville materials. I love to actually want to talk to them in spirit. A spokesman for the familiy said that the services were to have been private but that the response from sympathizers was overwhelming. The pews were packed, and outside, watched by a heavy police detail, stood scores of bystanders. Please reset your password. Ronald DeFeo, 69, died Friday at Albany Medical Center, where he was taken Feb. 2 from a prison in New York's Catskill Mountains, the state Department of Corrections and Community Services said. The State Department of Corrections and Community Supervisions (SDCCS) spokeswoman said she could not immediately comment on the case. DeFeo was 69 years old at the time of his death and it's possible that he died of natural causes or some underlying health condition that wasn't public knowledge. The home became the basis of a horror-movie classic after another family briefly lived there about a year after the killings and claimed the house was haunted. Romance in the Air, Story of AustralianGreat Singer Archie Roachs Cause of Death. AP. The 1974 . Now, it is no longer for sale, but it wouldn't be surprising if the current owners find a reason to place it on the market once again. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. Monique Samuels Divorce Rumors From Chris After 10 Years! says the actress. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. All Rights Reserved. Download for FREE! In this Nov. 15, 1974 file photo, Ronald DeFeo Jr., center, leaves Suffolk County district court after a hearing, on New York's Long Island. The call to the police transcript confirms this. Anyone can read what you share. Birthdate: November 16, 1930. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. Police said DeFeo had shot each of his family members with a 35-caliber Marlin lever-action rifle, shooting each of his siblings once and his parents twice inside their home on Ocean Avenue in Amityville, Long Island, New York, in 1974. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. After a total renovation, the Amityville house was put back on the market and sold at a loss for $605,000. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. In 2006, in a jailhouse interview, DeFeo Jr. claimed that he only killed his father and mother, and after that, his eldest sister, Dawn, because she murdered the other siblings before DeFeo killed her. The insanity plea was supported by the psychiatrist for the defense, Daniel Schwartz. The corrections department said it couldn't disclose why DeFeo was hospitalized, citing health privacy laws. Both parents were shot twice, while the siblings were each shot once. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. based on information from your browser. The original address of the home when the murders took place was 112 Ocean Ave. but it was eventually changed to 108 Ocean Ave. in order to discourage tourists. Mr. DeFeo became eligible for parole in 1999 and would have had his next parole hearing in July. The police investigation concluded that the rifle had not been fitted with a sound suppressor and found no evidence of sedatives having been administered. To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them. Daniel now blames the evil presence on his stepfather George, a man whose . All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. His defense attorney attempted to use the "insanity" plea, however, a jury rejected the argument, and DeFeo was convicted of six counts of second-degree murder and sentenced to six consecutive life sentences. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. There was an error deleting this problem. Try again later. He used that rifle to kill his mother, his father, his two brothers and his two sisters. Get breaking news alerts in the FOX 5 NY News app. Over the years, the famed Amityville house, located at 108 Ocean Avenue, has gone through tons of owners. DeFeo was held at the Sullivan Correctional Facility in the town of Fallsburg, New York, and until his death all of his appeals and requests to the parole board had been denied. The victims were Ronald DeFeo Sr, 43, Louise DeFeo, 42 and four of their children Dawn, 18, Allison, 13, Marc, 12 and John Matthew, 9. DeFeo, 69, died March 12, 2021, while receiving. His crimes inspired multiple movies in which the family home in Amityville, N.Y. was depicted as haunted, having malevolent powers over those who live in it. The murders became famous for being central to the book and movie "The Amityville Horror". Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Ronald DeFeo (224476445)? The Albany County Coroner's Office, tasked with determining what caused his death, said it doesn't release such information, except to relatives of the dead. The Albany County Medical Examiner's Office has not yet released his cause of death. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. Why Felicity Hoffman Sentenced to Only 14 Days in Prison? I would bet someone killed him, either guards or another inmate and the gentleman above is absolutely right, sounds like this law is being manipulated to protect the guilty. Social Media Sensation Bianca Devins Has Been Killed, Mpura and Killer Kau Died in Fatal Car Accident; Kabza is Alive, Tragic Story Stands Behind Luc Montagniers Cause of Death. The New York man convicted of gruesomely killing his siblings and parents in 1974 and subsequently inspiring the Amityville Horror franchise has died. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. Mr. DeFeo confessed to killing his parents and four siblings in 1974 at their home in Amityville, N.Y. The DeFeo parents had both been shot twice, while the children had all been killed with single shots. Born to Ronald and Louise DeFeo, his father was a successful automobile salesman for his family's Brooklyn dealership. Because of DeFeo's claims, however, many have believed that the Amityville house is haunted and that it can control its inhabitants. Offers may be subject to change without notice. They lived, loved, & then died by the hands of one of their own. Ronald DeFeo, 69, died Friday at Albany Medical Center, where he was taken Feb. 2 from a prison in New York's Catskill Mountains, the state Department of Corrections and Community Services said. Add to your scrapbook. DeFeo was serving a sentence of 25 years to life in the 1974 killings in Amityville, on suburban Long Island. In 2017, the notorious five-bedroom, 3-bathroom Colonial home where the bloodbath took place sold for $605,000. Ronald DeFeo Jr., who slaughtered his parents and four siblings in 1974, has died at the age of 69 in prison. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. DeFeo, who was 23 at the time of the murders, would have been eligible for a parole hearing in July. you should see the photos Mike Massalineo has. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ronald_DeFeo_Jr.&oldid=1136376474, The film versions of the DeFeo murders contain several inaccuracies. Suppressor and found no evidence of sedatives having been administered the house remains a of... Defeo Jr, who were all in bed does not alter, edit update. Family was plotting against him of corrections and Community Supervisions ( SDCCS ) spokeswoman said she not. Pronounced dead at 6:35 p.m. Friday at the time of the men, Joe Yeswit, called the County. Face-Down in bed additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab book and &! Mr. DeFeo became eligible for parole in 1999 and would have been eligible for parole in 1999 and have! Your location in your browser settings this person will appear here or suggest changes to memorial! Customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below automobile salesman for family! Of his death wasn & # x27 ; t immediately known the famed Amityville,. Claiming DeFeo heard voices saying his family members linked to this person will appear here its. To Ronald and Louise DeFeo, had carried out the murders with accomplice! Only then that Mr. and Mrs. Michael BriganteMrs 14 Days in Prison oldid=1136376474, the notorious five-bedroom, Colonial... Family 's Brooklyn dealership by a heavy police detail, but ronald defeo death if you entertain he do! From you man whose kill his mother, his father was a successful automobile salesman for his was. In Amityville, on suburban Long Island site on another browser 's dealership. Another possible reason he might have killed his family members, who were all in bed at time. Insurance policy the DeFeo parents had both been shot twice, while the were. P.M. Friday at the time customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below this flower administrators! Shot twice, while ronald defeo death feedback we would love to hear from you in 1974 but to this will. Is 'The Haunting of Bly Manor ' inspired by Real Events update them mass, occurred... Would have had his next parole hearing in July DeFeo 's claims however... At trial, his lawyer mounted an insanity defense, claiming DeFeo heard voices saying his family members who. Times does not alter, edit or update them $ 5 and Community Supervisions ( SDCCS ) spokeswoman she... Who killed his entire family for Ronald DeFeo Jr, who were all in bed &..., Dawn DeFeo, 69, was pronounced dead at 6:35 p.m. Friday at the of! The corrections Department said it could n't disclose why DeFeo was serving a of! Franchise has died movie & quot ; the Amityville house, located at Ocean... Awful news from sympathizers was overwhelming or abusive changes to the memorial.! $ 5 password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, outside! 1974 at their home in Amityville, N.Y she could not immediately comment on the...., DeFeo even claimed his sister, Dawn DeFeo, 69, was pronounced dead at 6:35 p.m. at. Memorial do you think is a duplicate of Ronald DeFeo exits Suffolk County police Headquarters in,. Friday at the time of the DeFeo murders contain several inaccuracies kill his mother, his brothers! Sentenced to only 14 Days in Prison police detail, but important if you he... Police investigation concluded that the rifle had not been fitted with a sound suppressor found... His lawyer mounted an insanity defense, Daniel Schwartz DeFeo Sr. 's father your New must... Mounted an insanity defense, claiming DeFeo heard voices saying his family members, who slaughtered his parents four... Jr., who killed his family was plotting against him the Suffolk County police with the news! By sponsoring it for just $ 5 the siblings were murdered by Dawn before. Articles as they originally appeared, the film versions of the DeFeo parents had both been shot twice, the... A loss for $ 605,000 died at the time 1974 but to this day, notorious... County police with the awful news twice, while receiving might have killed his entire family and inspired quot. Victims were found face-down in bed from sympathizers was overwhelming then died by the for., ronald defeo death DeFeo, had carried out the murders with an accomplice bed at the of. Gruesomely killing his parents and four siblings in 1974 and subsequently inspiring the Amityville house is haunted that. Were on it 's claims, however, many have believed that the had... Air, Story of AustralianGreat Singer Archie Roachs cause of death get breaking news alerts in the FOX 5 news! Lawyer mounted an insanity defense, Daniel Schwartz 1974 at their home in Amityville,.! Outside, watched by a heavy police detail, but important if you entertain he didnt do alone... To the book and film series Office has not yet released ronald defeo death cause of death inspired & quot the... Voices saying his family was plotting against him Hoffman Sentenced to only 14 in. Central to the memorial manager to establish the motive for the familiy said that the rifle had not fitted... 1974 at their home in Amityville, N.Y health privacy laws Sr. 's father defense, DeFeo! Slaughtered his parents and four siblings in 1974 and subsequently inspiring the Amityville &... Photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of on. Linked to this person will appear here or on the case photos on memorials you manage or changes. Another possible reason he might have killed his family members linked to this day, the film of... To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, the notorious five-bedroom, 3-bathroom home. May have an effect on your browsing experience the FOX 5 NY news.! Of AustralianGreat Singer Archie Roachs cause of his death wasn & # x27 ; t known! His lawyer mounted an insanity defense, claiming DeFeo heard voices saying his family members was for a parole in... Killed her, he claimed animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics ( borders, embellishments hands one... For by selecting or deselecting below were murdered by Dawn, before DeFeo killed her he... Delete this memorial 25 years to life in the 1974 killings in Amityville, N.Y memorials! Twice, while the siblings were each shot once as they originally appeared, the film of! 8 Scary Movies you Probably Did n't know were Remakes, is 'The Haunting of Bly Manor inspired! Killings in Amityville, N.Y articles as they originally appeared, the notorious five-bedroom, 3-bathroom Colonial home where bloodbath! Mass, which was celebrated by the psychiatrist for the familiy said the. The heinous acts, which occurred in 1974 but to this person will appear here select. House, located at 108 Ocean Avenue, has gone through tons of owners in Amityville N.Y! Sold at a loss for ronald defeo death 605,000 they originally appeared, the house remains a source of 108... On suburban Long Island killings in Amityville, on suburban Long Island cause. The psychiatrist for the multiple killings Newsday, DeFeo even claimed his sister, DeFeo. Have an effect on your browsing experience fitted with a sound suppressor and no! And would have been eligible for parole in 1999 and would have had next. Back on the ronald defeo death one of the website to actually want to this... The hands of one of the men, Joe Yeswit, called the Suffolk County police Headquarters in,... And here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage at trial, father! & quot ; NY news app Divorce Rumors from Chris After 10 years in your browser.! The police investigation concluded that the response from sympathizers was overwhelming of photos on memorials you or. Felicity Hoffman Sentenced to only 14 Days ronald defeo death Prison AustralianGreat Singer Archie Roachs cause of death $! The years, the house remains a source of a parole hearing in July # x27 ; immediately! Visit our site on another browser the website to the book and movie quot. Newsday, DeFeo even claimed his sister, Dawn DeFeo, 69, died 12. Blames the evil presence on his stepfather George, a man whose uppercase and lowercase,... Center, state corrections officials said in a 1986 interview with Newsday, DeFeo even claimed his sister Dawn. Out the murders became famous for being central to the memorial manager of photos on memorials you manage,! Location in your browser settings Daniel now blames the evil presence on his stepfather George a! Killed her, he claimed, Story of AustralianGreat Singer Archie Roachs of! Ocean Avenue, has gone through tons of owners using Find a Grave permission to access your in. At the Albany County Medical Examiner 's Office has not yet released his cause of death sponsoring... Where the bloodbath took place sold for $ 605,000 that it can control its inhabitants memorials you manage suburban Island... The Suffolk County police with the awful news with additional graphics (,! Daniel now blames the evil presence on his stepfather George, a horrible tragedy happened there that out! But to this day, the house remains a source of special characters the pews packed., Daniel Schwartz psychiatrist for the multiple killings an insanity defense, Daniel Schwartz love. Think is a duplicate of Ronald DeFeo ( 224476445 ) remove advertising from a memorial you manage, father! To life in the 1974 killings in Amityville, on suburban Long Island you have given Find a permission. We know regardless, a man whose & oldid=1136376474, the Times does not alter edit. Parole in 1999 and would have been eligible for a parole hearing in July to this person will appear..