Author Tatyana Scandrick gathered these information from Lennoxmag.com.
Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ronald Joseph DeFeo Jr. |
| Alias | “Butch” |
| Birth Date | September 26, 1951 |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York |
| Date of Murders | November 13, 1974 |
| Victims | Six family members |
| Conviction | Six counts of second-degree murder |
| Sentence | 25 years to life |
| Death Date | March 12, 2021 |
Early Life and Family Background
Ronnie DeFeo Jr. was raised in a wealthy Amityville family but was in turmoil due to his strict father. Although the oldest of five children, his weight and shyness made him a target for bullies. Despite early indicators of emotional problems and violent inclinations, DeFeo continually resisted psychiatric care.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Parents | Ronald Sr. (domineering), Sonia (submissive) |
| Siblings | Four younger brothers and sisters |
| Social Challenges | Overweight, shy, bullied |
| Abuse at Home | Physical and emotional abuse from father |
| Early Substance Use | Experimented with LSD and heroin in adolescence |
Career and Criminal Activity
Ronnie’s parents placed him at his grandfather’s auto dealership and bribed him to control his unpredictable behavior, but it didn’t work. He committed a $20,000 robbery at the dealership in October 1974, drawing police suspicion and family strife. This episode fueled his animosity of his father, whom he later threatened with violence.
| Year | Incident | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | Position at family car dealership | Lack of interest, poor performance |
| October 1974 | Staged fake dealership robbery | Stole over $20,000; raised police and family alarms |
| Post-Robbery | Heightened father-son conflict | Threats made by Ronnie against his father |
| Psychiatric Attempts | Multiple evaluations | DeFeo resisted, no lasting treatment |
The Amityville Murders
DeFeo killed his parents and four siblings in their bedrooms on November 13, 1974. He originally blamed an unknown assailant but confessed to all six deaths the next day. The horrific crime and cold removal of each victim shook the town and solidified the case’s reputation.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November 13, 1974 | Six family members shot in their beds |
| Initial Statement | Claimed a mob hitman carried out the murders |
| Confession | Admitted guilt to all six homicides |
| Arrest | Taken into custody at the Amityville home |
Family Connections
Due to Pete DeFeo’s parental ties to the Genovese criminal family, rumors of organized crime involvement circulated. Pete was a notorious caporegime, but there is little indication he or other mob members influenced Ronnie. Ronnie’s marriage to Geraldine Gates at the time of the murders is also questioned, with conflicting timings.
| Connection | Details |
|---|---|
| Mob Ties | Pete DeFeo, paternal great-uncle, alleged Genovese caporegime |
| Influence | No proven involvement of organized crime in the homicides |
| Marriage Claim | Alleged union with Geraldine Gates |
| Marital Validity | Disputed; unclear documentation and conflicting timelines |
Net Worth
Since DeFeo was imprisoned for decades, his net worth upon his death is unknown. Some sources estimate $1 million to $5 million, possibly representing remaining family assets or low royalties. His reported affluence had little effect on prison life.
| Estimate Range | Notes |
|---|---|
| $1 million | Speculative, possibly family asset holdings |
| $5 million | Upper-end estimate; lacks transparent verification |
| Primary Income | None after conviction; incarcerated without work |
| Financial Impact | Negligible on day-to-day prison life |
Cultural Impact
The atrocity committed by DeFeo inspired Jay Anson’s 1977 book The Amityville Horror, which fictionalized the experiences of the Lutz family in the same house. The narrative’s blend of true crime and alleged supernatural occurrences propelled the franchise into dozens of sequels and adaptations, cementing it as a horror staple. Despite widespread popularity, paranormal claims have been heavily scrutinized and often debunked by skeptics.
| Work | Year | Genre | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Amityville Horror (Book) | 1977 | True-crime horror | Sold millions of copies |
| The Amityville Horror (Film) | 1979 | Supernatural horror | Spawned multiple remakes and sequels |
| Subsequent Media | 1980s–2020s | Films, TV specials, books | Franchise remains culturally significant |
| Skeptical Scrutiny | Ongoing | Investigations | Many claims labeled as fabrications |
FAQ
Who was Ronnie DeFeo Jr.?
Amityville mass murderer Ronald Joseph “Butch” DeFeo Jr. killed his family in 1974.
What crimes did he commit?
His parents and four brothers were murdered and killed in their sleep on November 13, 1974.
What was his sentence?
A 25-year-to-life sentence followed his six second-degree murder convictions.
How did the murders inspire The Amityville Horror?
Jay Anson’s 1977 book fabricated the Lutz family’s ghostly experiences in DeFeo’s previous home.
When did he die?
DeFeo, 69, died in prison on March 12, 2021.
