Early Life of Ronnie DeFeo
Ronald Joseph DeFeo Jr., known as Ronnie or “Butch,” was born on September 26, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York. He was the eldest of five children in a strict Catholic family. By the late 1960s, the DeFeo family had relocated to 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, Long Island, a Dutch Colonial house that would later become infamous.
Family Table
| Family Member | Age at Death | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| Ronald DeFeo Sr. | 43 | Father |
| Louise DeFeo | 42 | Mother |
| Dawn DeFeo | 18 | Sister (eldest girl) |
| Allison DeFeo | 13 | Sister |
| Marc DeFeo | 12 | Brother |
| John Matthew DeFeo | 7 | Youngest sibling |
Ronnie’s childhood was marked by tension, especially with his domineering father. By his late teens, Ronnie had developed severe behavioral issues. He was expelled from school multiple times and became heavily involved with drugs including LSD, heroin, and alcohol.
The Mass Murder: November 13, 1974
In the early hours of Wednesday, November 13, 1974, 23-year-old Ronnie DeFeo used a .35-caliber Marlin rifle to kill six members of his family while they slept in their beds. The crime took place in the family’s home in Amityville, New York.
Crime Timeline
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 3:00 a.m. – 3:30 a.m. | Murders took place; each victim shot execution-style |
| ~6:00 a.m. | DeFeo left the house, disposing of evidence |
| ~6:30 a.m. | Visited local bar, shouted, “My father and mother have been shot!” |
| 6:45 a.m. | Returned to house with patrons; police were called |
| Next Day | Confessed to the murders during interrogation |
Each victim was found face down in their bed. None of the neighbors heard gunshots, and there were no signs of a struggle. Toxicology reports showed no traces of sedatives, deepening the mystery of how no one awoke during the shootings.
Trial, Conviction, and Incarceration
Ronnie DeFeo’s trial began on October 14, 1975, at the Suffolk County Courthouse. His defense pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, stating he heard “voices” telling him to kill his family.
Trial Data
| Key Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 14, 1975 | Trial began |
| November 21, 1975 | Found guilty on 6 counts of second-degree murder |
| Sentencing | 6 consecutive sentences of 25 years to life |
The prosecution argued that Ronnie was aware of his actions and driven by drug use, paranoia, and familial resentment. Jurors rejected the insanity defense, and he was transferred to Sullivan Correctional Facility, where he remained until his death.
Life in Prison and Death
Ronnie DeFeo remained incarcerated for over four decades. He made several unsuccessful attempts to gain parole and retrial, with claims shifting over the years—from hearing voices to blaming his sister Dawn.
He died on March 12, 2021, at Albany Medical Center at the age of 69. The official cause of death was not disclosed.
Parole Attempts Overview
| Year | Outcome | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Denied | First public request for parole |
| 2003 | Denied | Cited changed account of events |
| 2010 | Denied | Blamed Dawn for initiating the attack |
| 2017 | Denied | No new evidence presented |
Victim Profiles: The Lost Lives
Each of the six DeFeo family members was shot with precision. All were discovered face down, wearing nightclothes, in their respective beds.
Victim Details
| Name | Shot Location | Notable Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Ronald Sr. | Back, chest, neck | Found in bed with Louise |
| Louise | Upper body | Believed to have tried to move |
| Dawn | Head | Some suggest she was awake |
| Allison | Face, back | Found with signs of sudden movement |
| Marc | Back | Recovering from a football injury |
| John Matthew | Back | Slept in bunk bed with Marc |
All were shot with a high-powered rifle. Forensic evidence suggests the killings took place in under 15 minutes.
Motive: Financial Gain, Mental Illness, or Abuse?
Ronnie DeFeo gave multiple and conflicting explanations for the murders over the years. The most consistent themes involved:
- Claims of hearing demonic voices
- Years of physical abuse from his father
- Desire for life insurance payouts, estimated at $200,000+
Mental health professionals noted signs of antisocial personality disorder and paranoid ideation, but none considered him legally insane at the time of the murders.
Aftermath and Cultural Impact
Just over a year later, in December 1975, a new family moved into 112 Ocean Avenue. Within 28 days, they vacated, claiming intense paranormal experiences. This led to a national obsession.
Timeline of Cultural Impact
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1977 | Publication of The Amityville Horror |
| 1979 | Release of first horror film adaptation |
| 1982 | Sequel film released, exploring supposed demonic motives |
| 2005 | Remake of original film re-ignites pop culture interest |
Though experts and investigators have repeatedly cast doubt on the paranormal claims, the lore of Amityville continues to overshadow the real-life murders.
FAQ
Who was Ronnie DeFeo?
He was a 23-year-old Long Island man who murdered six members of his family in 1974.
When did the DeFeo murders occur?
The killings took place on November 13, 1974, in the early morning hours.
What weapon did he use?
A .35-caliber Marlin rifle.
How many people did he kill?
Six family members: both parents and four siblings.
What was his sentence?
He was sentenced to six consecutive life terms, each 25 years.
Did he ever get parole?
No. All parole attempts were denied.
When did he die?
March 12, 2021, at age 69.
Was he found insane?
No.Jury dismissed insanity defence.
What were the motives?
Speculated motives include mental illness, abuse, and financial inheritance.
Was the house haunted?
Paranormal claims are widely considered to be a hoax or exaggeration.
How long did the trial last?
Approximately seven weeks, from October to November 1975.
Did any victims survive?
No. All six family members were killed.
What happened to the house?
It has changed owners multiple times and is now privately owned.
Did Ronnie confess?
Yes. He initially blamed a hitman but confessed the next day.
Was there any evidence of drugs in the victims?
No. Toxicology reports showed no drugs or sedatives.
The crime occurred while Ronnie was how old?
23 years old.
Where is the house located?
112 Ocean Avenue, Amityville, Long Island, New York.
Is the house still standing?
Yes, but with renovations and address changes.
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