History's Mysteries Season 5 Episode 7 Amityville: Horror or Hoax?

In the season 5 episode 7 of History's Mysteries titled "Amityville: Horror or Hoax?", the show takes a deep dive into one of the most well-known haunted house stories in America.

The episode begins by laying out the backstory of the Amityville Horror. In 1974, Ronald DeFeo Jr. murdered his entire family in their Amityville, New York home. A year later, George and Kathy Lutz and their three children moved into the same house. They reported experiencing supernatural phenomena such as strange smells, disembodied voices, and even physical assaults. The family claimed their experiences were so terrifying that they fled the house just 28 days after moving in.

The episode then delves into the controversy surrounding the Amityville Horror story. Skeptics have always questioned the validity of the Lutz family's claims, and the show explores their arguments. For example, the episode notes that the house has since been sold several times and none of the subsequent owners have reported any paranormal activity. Additionally, some people have pointed to inconsistencies in the Lutzes' stories and suggested that they may have made up the whole thing in order to profit off of a book deal and subsequent movie adaptation.

On the other hand, the episode also presents evidence that could support the Lutzes' claims. The show interviews various people who were involved with the story at the time, including journalists and parapsychologists. Some of them describe witnessing strange events in the house themselves, while others argue that the skeptics have simply ignored or dismissed evidence that doesn't fit their preconceived notions.

Throughout the episode, the show walks a fine line between presenting both sides of the argument and not taking a definitive stance on whether the Amityville Horror was real or not. Viewers are left to make up their own minds based on the evidence presented.

Overall, this episode of History's Mysteries offers a fascinating exploration of one of America's most enduring haunted house tales. Whether you're a believer in the paranormal or a skeptic, it's sure to provide plenty of food for thought.