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. Sorry! DeFeo had been at the Albany Medical Center on March 12, 2021, when he was declared dead. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. The home and the killings became the basis of the horror movie classic "The Amityville Horror" after another family briefly lived there for about a year after the killings and claimed the house was haunted. 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. He did leave behind three ex-wives and, according to one of his exes, he was also the father to at least one child. It was reported that his cause of death would be determined and announced by the Albany County Medical Examiner's Office officially. DeFeo was transferred to Albany Medical . Ronald DeFeo Dies: Real-Life 'Amityville Horror' Killer Was 69 - Yahoo! For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. The Albany County Coroner's Office, which is responsible for determining what caused his death, said it doesn't release such information except to relatives of the dead. Dawn had NOTHING to do with what her brother did. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Brooklyn, Kings County (Brooklyn), New York, USA. Ariz. Man Kills Wife and 18-Year-Old Daughter in Murder-Suicide that Left Girl, 12, Wounded, Robert Rosamilio/NY Daily News Archive via Getty, Mass. Condemned to six sentences of 25 years to life, DeFeo died in prison on March 12, 2021. Ronald DeFeo Jr., the killer in "The Amityville Horror" case, has died, according to a spokesperson for the New York State prisons department. 'Amityville Horror' killer Ronald Defeo Jr. dead at 69 First published on March 15, 2021 / 7:59 PM. Speaking to Ric Osuna, the author of The Night The DeFeos Died, in November 2000, DeFeo confessed that along with his sister Dawn and two of his friends he'd planned the murders of the family"out of desperation". DeFeo was serving a sentence of 25 years to life for shooting and killing his parents and four siblings as they slept in their beds, the he New York state Department of Corrections and Community Services told PEOPLE. The patricide had claimed he killed his family in self-defense after hearing voices that they were plotting against him. The death was . appreciated. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. Ronald Jr., the oldest of five children frequently argued violently with his father. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Weve updated the security on the site. 'Amityville Horror' killer dies in prison at 69 - NBC News During his trial, DeFeo attempted to invoke the insanity defense, stating that he had heard voices in the house that encouraged him to murder his family. Perpetrator Shot Liuzza Essay. Drag images here or select from your computer for Ronald DeFeo Jr. memorial. DeFeo was 23 when he shot his parents, two sisters and two brothers at their home in Amityville, on Long Island's south shore, on Nov. 13, 1974. Ronald DeFeo Jr. (1951-2021) - Find a Grave Memorial Did you encounter any technical issues? Unlike giving him a fair trial to begin with! Ronald Joseph DeFeo Jr. (September 26, 1951 - March 12, 2021) was an American mass murderer who was tried and convicted for the 1974 killings of his father, mother, two brothers, and two sisters in Amityville, Long Island, New York. We will never know for sure, we can only come up with theories and maybes to explain it because rational minds can comprehend someone killing their mom, dad and their brothers and sisters. All rights reserved. ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) The man convicted of slaughtering his parents and four siblings in a home that later inspired the "The Amityville Horror" book and movies has died, prison officials said Monday. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. DeFeo, 69, who was serving a 25-to-life sentence at Sullivan Correctional Facility, was found dead on Friday, March 12, 2021, at the Albany Medical Center. This case inspired the book and movie The Amityville Horror.. Add to your scrapbook. or redistributed. 'Amityville Horror' killer Ronald DeFeo Jr. dies in state custody Your Scrapbook is currently empty. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. When I saw it; Derek said the sister killed them. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. DeFeodied Friday while serving a 25 years-to-life sentence at Sullivan Correctional facility in Fallsburg,New York, officials told Newsday. IE 11 is not supported. STOP spreading lies!!! In a jailhouse interview in 2006, DeFeo claimed he only killed his father, his mother and his eldest sister, Dawn. ). All rights reserved. Constant abuse and family disfunction Defoe Sr. was abusive but the last generation carried the abuse on that a main amount of that generation did, slap your children, beat them down its what they were taught by their parents, so, they didnt know how to understand it so they did what their parents did,,carry it on. The heinous acts, which occurred in 1974, inspired the "Amityville Horror" book and film series. Ronald DeFeo Jr was serving a 25-to-life sentence for the brutal killing of his mom, dad, two sisters and two brothers. 'Amityville Horror' Killer Dies in New York State Custody at 69 This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. What Was Ronald DeFeo Jr.'s Cause of Death? He Was Still in Prison Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. His initial trial defense was that he had heard his familys voices against him. Dr Hilary says Sarah Everard vigils are 'Covid superspreading events however strong people feel'. He then claimed he knocked her unconscious on to her bed and shot her in the head. An autopsy by the Albany County Medical Examiners Office will rule an official cause of death. Amityville, N.Y.: Exterior of the . Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. 'The Staircase' : Where Is Michael Peterson Now? Some theories of why he did it include the multiple drugs and alcohol he was on, being possessed by demons and the many fights with his family. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. Discovery Company. George Lutz told ABC News in 2006 that some scenes in the book and movie including the green slime were embellished. DeFeo was scheduled for a parole hearing in July, online DOC records show. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. The NYPD is looking for the suspect they said shot a driver, who was stopped at a Bronx gas station, in the head during an attempted robbery. 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. And insurance money motive. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. What was Ronald DeFeo Jr.'s cause of death? The cause of his death was not immediately known. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. The cause of his death wasn't immediately known. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. The cause of his death wasn't immediately known. All victims were found in the same position, face down in bed. Pulp Bassist Steve Mackeys Cause of Death is Behind Shadows, Hockey Community Mourns Coach Bo Hickeys Death at 77, The Real Story of Governor Nyesom Wikes Sons Death, Reality of Iconic Star Irma Serranos Cause of Death at 89, Is Tekashi 69 Dead at 24?; A Shocking Question Raised by Rumors, Author of Bullshit Jobs David Graebers Death Cause is Wired, Car Accident Was Demitra Roches Death Cause Reportedly, What We Know About Famed DJ Erick Morillos Death Cause. However, DeFeo's immediate loved ones aren't known and his cause of death is still a mystery to many. 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. Ronald DeFeo Jr. leaves Suffolk County district court after a hearing, Nov. 15, 1974. He used that rifle to kill his mother, his father, his two brothers and his two sisters. In 1997, it was purchased for $310,000 and then sold again in 2010 for $950,000. 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. On December 5, 1984, in the heart of New Orleans, the lives of two men made a wrong turn towards death. Prison officials released the news to the public but did not reveal why he had been at the hospital in the first place or what his cause of death was. Ray Liuzza, a 34-year-old businessman, was recently promoted to Vice President of a hotel. The horrifying murders inspired the 1977 book The Amityville Horror, A True Story. Ronald DeFeo, Jr., pictured here being escorted by detectives in Suffolk County. DeFeo gunned down his family using a .35-caliber Marlin lever-action rifle, inside their home on Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York, on November 13, 1974. One theory of why Butch DeFeo killed his family is because he was under the influence of controlled substances and alcohol. He was 69. that is nothing more than conjecture and heresay. The other siblings were murdered by Dawn, before DeFeo killed her, he claimed. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. (Don Jacobsen/Newsday RM via Getty Images). He was convicted in 1975 of six counts of second-degree murder. The cause of his death wasn't immediately known.DeFeo was serving a sentence of 25 years to life in the 1974 killings in Amityville, on suburban Long Island.The home became the basis of a horror . Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? 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. 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. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. Ronald DeFeo Jr., the Long Island man serving a life sentence for slaughtering his parents and four siblings in a 1974 crime that would inspire The Amityville Horror book and movie franchise,. . Amityville Horror killer Ronald DeFeo Jr. who spread terror through Long Island and beyond by slaughtering his parents and four siblings in 1974 has died, according to state officials. People still drive by the Amityville Horror house in NY. Ronald DeFeo, convicted killer who inspired The Amityville Horror, dies 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. DeFeo, who went by the nickname Butch, was eligible for a parole hearing in July. One year after the murders, George and Kathy Lutz moved into the house. DeFeo died Friday while serving a 25 years-to-life sentence at Sullivan Correctional facility in Fallsburg, New York, officials told Newsday. You can always change this later in your Account settings. Ronald DeFeo Jr. dies; 'Amityville Horror' killer - East Bay Times Maybe Butch deserved to die the way he did or maybe he was tortured in that house. Ronald DeFeo Jr. dead: The true story of the Amityville Horror killer Ronald DeFeo, Murderer Who Inspired 'Amityville Horror,' Dead at 69 Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. He claimed that what led to the killings was their father's regular abuse and it was initially Dawn's idea, who killed their siblings first. Mother of the DeFeo family and wife of Ronald DeFeo, Sr. She was murdered, along with the rest of her family, by her eldest son, Ronald Jr., on November 13, 1974. One of those was a .35 caliber Marlin rifle. I thought you might like to see a memorial for Ronald DeFeo Jr. On Nov. 13, 1974, Ronald DeFeo Jr., the oldest of five children in the DeFeo family, alerted police that his parents and four siblings had been killed in a bloody rampage. Resend Activation Email. 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. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. Disneyland banned Rebel Wilson over selfie, actress says, Coney Island casino and resort: First look at name, renderings, Driver shot in head during Bronx gas station robbery, surveillance shows. DeFeo, nicknamed Butch, who was 23 at the time, admitted he was an LSD and heroin user but he was deemed safe at the time of the attack. It is believed the 13-year-old girl was awake at the time of her death when she received a bullet in her head. "Amityville Horror" killer RonaldDeFeo whokilledhis six family members in 1974 on Long Island has died behind bars, according to officials. Nicknamed "Big Ronnie" he was married to Louise DeFeo and had five children. So what was his cause of death? Failed to remove flower. Ronald Jr., the oldest of five children frequently argued violently with his father. "Amityville Horror" killer Ronald DeFeo -- who killed his six family members in 1974 on Long Island -- has died behind bars, according to officials. DeFeo gunned down his family using a .35-caliber Marlin lever-action rifle, inside their home on Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York, on November 13, 1974. Both parents were shot twice, while the siblings were each shot once. pic.twitter.com/an1LVWXQfH. Ronald DeFeo Jr., the convicted killer whose 1974 murders spawned the "Amityville Horror" franchise, died last week while serving a 25 years-to-life prison term, officials said Monday. A system error has occurred. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Ronald DeFeo Jr., the Long Island man serving a life sentence for slaughtering his parents and four siblings in a 1974 crime that would inspire The Amityville Horror book and movie franchise,. Ronald DeFeo Sr., 43, his mother Louise DeFeo, 42, and siblings Dawn, 18, Allison . The then-23-year-old killed his family members, who were all in bed at the time. Early in the police investigation, DeFeo lied to authorities stating he believed the murders were mob-related. Market data provided by Factset. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). 'Amityville Horror' Convicted Killer Ronald DeFeo, Dies In Prison Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. 'Amityville Horror' killer Ronald DeFeo Jr. dies in prison Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? The title is misleading since the cause of death was not disclosed. 'Amityville Horror' killer Ronald DeFeo dies in prison - FOX 5 New York 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. His father worked as a Buick . Their experiences inspired the 1976 novel The Amityville Horror: A True Story, which was turned into a horror film in 1979 and remade in 2005 starring Ryan Reynolds. Killed his whole family on the night of November 13, 1974. . Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Ronald DeFeo, Jr: The Man, The Truth and His Story (NOW and THEN) According a 1974 report in The New York Times, the DeFeos were considered, in the words of one neighbor, "a nice, normal family." Download for FREE! So I understand that part of it. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Ronald DeFeo Jr was serving a 25-to-life sentence for killing his entire family in 1974, DeFeo, who was 23 at the time, claimed 'voices' inside his head prompted him to kill his family, James Brolin and Margot Kidder star in 1979 trailer for The Amityville Horror, Fury as Brit mum faces life in jail for backing Hong Kong democracy under China's chilling freedom of speech crackdown, Boris Johnson unveils bumper post-Brexit vision for defence as he vows more nukes to keep nation safe, Prince Philip, 99, leaves hospital in good spirits and waves as he returns to Windsor Castle two weeks after heart op, ISIS using Covid lockdown to brainwash Brit kids in their bedrooms with VIDEO GAMES to make them lone wolf attackers, Former NFL star Keyshawn Johnson announces death of daughter Maia aged just 25 leaving family heartbroken, Woman flashed by man after Sarah Everard vigil claims cop told her 'I don't want to deal with rioters'. I love to actually want to talk to them in spirit. The man had accumulated an arsenal of guns, using the stipend from his father and the money he'd stolen from the dealership. Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Ronald DeFeo Jr., center, leaves Suffolk County District Court in New York after a hearing Nov. 15, 1974. Ronald DeFeo Dies: Real-Life 'Amityville Horror' Killer Was 69 Officials didn't release the cause of his death at the time, which only led to people wondering more about his death, which appeared to be sudden and unexpected. Legal Statement. cemeteries found in will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Thanks for your help! 'Amityville Horror' killer Ronald DeFeo dies in Albany This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. He was 69. I found on Findagrave.com. 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. There was an error deleting this problem. DeFeo whose murderous spree served as the inspiration behind the "The Amityville Horror" book and movie franchise died Friday while serving a 25-years-to-life sentence at Sullivan. All Rights Reserved. Ronald DeFeo, the convicted . But it hasnt stopped us from reading and talking about it since it happened! 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. "It was orchestrated to help with a potential demonic defense for the son who murdered his family.". To celebrate, he enjoyed the night on Bourbon Street. Officials did not disclose the reason DeFeo was hospitalized to PEOPLE, citing privacy laws. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. On November 13, 1974, Ronald DeFeo, Jr. killed his entire family. Initially, he reported the murders himself, telling police someone had broken into the house and killed his family, and even claimed he thought the killer was Louis Falini, a mafia hitman. A Boeing employee has been identified as the winner of the record-breaking Powerball jackpot that was drawn on Feb. 6. Tennessee becomes first state to ban drag shows on public property, I didnt realize: Woman mistakenly eats heart-shaped chip that could have won her 100K, Staten Island man gets 18 months in prison for anti-Semitic assaults. 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. 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. DeFeo, who was 69, was convicted of killing his father, mother, two brothers and two sisters inside their Amityville home in 1974, according to CNN affiliate WABC. To use this feature, use a newer 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. To get the father. Monique Samuels Divorce Rumors From Chris After 10 Years! Legal Statement. you should see the photos Mike Massalineo has. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. Actress Rebel Wilson recently revealed she was banned from the Happiest Place on Earth for 30 days over a selfie she took in a "secret bathroom.". MURDERER Ronald DeFeo Jr, who killed his entire family and inspired "The Amityville Horror", has died. March 15, 2021 / 7:59 PM Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. Interesting take, with some factual errors. English Four people were found shot to death on Nov. 14, 1974, inside this home in Amityville, New York. At the time of their deaths, law enforcement reported that he asked how to get his fathers life insurance policy, which raises the theory that money might have motivated the killings. 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. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. "I loved my family very much," he said at a 1999 parole hearing, where he also said he had gotten married while in prison. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. Convicted 'Amityville Horror' killer Ronald DeFeo dead at 69 - KCRA He said an alleged hitman, Louis Falini, had murdered and claimed that he might be in danger, too. She won the jackpot. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. Over the years, the house has been up for sale several times, including most recently in 2016 when it was on the market for $850,000. During his trial, DeFeo pursued an insanity defense and claimed that he had heard voices telling him to kill his family. They cant release the cause of death do to privacy laws, what bull shit, an actor just recently died yet their cause of death was released, I smell a cover up. He was taken to the hospital from a prison in the Catskill Mountains on Feb. 2, state prison officials confirmed to PEOPLE. Year should not be greater than current year. Ronald DeFeo Jr. killed his parents, sisters and brothers in Amityville, New York, in 1974. DeFeo was transferred to Albany Medical Center and pronounced dead at 6:35 p.m. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death, officials said. Born Louise Brigante, she was a former model and it was believed she was dating singer Mel Torme before her marriage to Ronald Sr. Ronald Jr also killed his 18-year-old sister Dawn, who he later blamed for the killings of the rest of the family. Search above to list available cemeteries. 'Amityville Horror' killer Ronald DeFeo dies in prison at 69 In that regard, it could be all about the power of perception. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 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. Did Ex Vikings CB Jeff Gladneys Cause of Death Clarify? The killer shot his parents twice while all the children had been killed with a single shot. He was 69. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. We are eagerly waiting to see what you think. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Published DeFeo died Friday at Sullivan Correctional Facility in Fallsburg, where he was serving six 25 years to life sentences. Two years later followed a cult classic film starring James Brolin, Margot Kidder, Rod Steiger and Murray Hamilton. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. Ronald DeFeos death news was revealed on March 12. Market data provided by Factset. Learn how your comment data is processed. DeFeo whose murderous spree served as the inspiration behind the The Amityville Horror book and movie franchise died Friday while serving a 25-years-to-life sentence at Sullivan Correctional Facility in Fallsburg, New York, according to the state Department of Corrections. However, the next day, Ronald admitted to killing all his six family members himself. Ronald DeFeo, Killer in Amityville Horror Case, Dies - Peoplemag Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much 2023 FOX Television Stations, slaughtering his parents and four siblings, Frederick, MD tanker explosion leaves 1 dead; Shuts down part of US-15, Tom Sizemore, 'Saving Private Ryan' Actor, Dies at 61 after suffering brain aneurysm, Study: NFL players who experience concussions may exhibit cognitive failure later in life.