Episode 609: The DeFeo Family Murder
Episode 609: The DeFeo Family Murder
6Digest
This podcast episode dives deep into the tragic Defeo family murders, a case that has captivated true crime enthusiasts for decades. The episode begins with a brief introduction to the podcast and a discussion about the recent book tour. The hosts then introduce the case of the Defeo family murders, which occurred in Amityville, New York, and became the basis for the infamous "Amityville Horror" story. The episode details the discovery of the bodies of the Defeo family, the investigation that quickly focused on Ronald Defeo Jr. as the prime suspect, and his eventual confession to the murders. The episode also explores the autopsies performed on the victims, the aftermath of the murders, and the subsequent events that led to the Amityville horror hoax. The episode delves into Defeo's arrest, his shifting stories, and his claims of police brutality. The episode discusses the evidence presented at Defeo's trial, his testimony, and his insanity defense. The episode reveals Defeo's boasting and jailhouse behavior, his diagnosis, and the closing arguments presented by both the prosecution and the defense. The episode concludes with Defeo's conviction and sentencing, and a discussion of the lasting impact of the Defeo murders.
Outlines
The Defeo Family Murders: A True Crime Story
This episode delves into the chilling true crime case of the Defeo family murders in Amityville, New York, exploring the investigation, Ronald Defeo Jr.'s confession, and the subsequent events that led to the infamous "Amityville Horror" story.
The Discovery of the Bodies
The episode details the discovery of the bodies of the Defeo family. Ronald Defeo Jr. returns home to find his parents dead and rushes to a nearby bar for help. A group of men accompany him back to the house, where they find the bodies of the parents and two young boys.
The Investigation Begins
The police arrive at the scene and begin their investigation. Officer Greguski is the first to arrive and finds the bodies of the parents and two young boys. He then discovers the bodies of the two daughters, Allison and Dawn.
Suspicion Falls on Ronald Defeo Jr.
The investigation quickly focuses on Ronald Defeo Jr. as the prime suspect. He is the only surviving member of the family and has a history of violence and drug use. He initially claims that the murders were committed by the mafia, but his story is inconsistent and suspicious.
Ronald Defeo Jr.'s Confession
After being confronted with evidence, Ronald Defeo Jr. confesses to the murders. He claims that he was motivated by money and that he shot his family in a fit of rage. He provides details about the events leading up to the murders and his actions after the killings.
The Autopsies and the Mystery
The episode discusses the autopsies performed on the victims. The medical examiner reveals that all six members of the Defeo family were shot with a 35 caliber Marlin rifle. The details of the wounds and the positions of the bodies raise questions about the events of the night.
The Aftermath and the Amityville Horror
The episode explores the aftermath of the murders and the subsequent events that led to the Amityville horror hoax. The community is shocked by the crime and the family's reputation is tarnished. The case remains a mystery, with many unanswered questions about the events of the night.
Defeo's Arrest and Trial
The episode delves into the arrest of Ronald Defeo Jr. for the murder of his family. Defeo's defense attorney requested a psychiatric examination, claiming he was abused by investigators. However, the judge denied the request and bail. The episode discusses the evidence presented at Defeo's trial, his testimony, and his insanity defense.
Defeo's Conviction and Sentencing
The jury found Defeo guilty on all six counts of second-degree murder. The judge sentenced him to six life sentences, each with a minimum of 25 years. Defeo later admitted to fabricating his insanity defense.
The Legacy of the Defeo Murders
The episode concludes by discussing the lasting impact of the Defeo murders, which became the basis for the infamous "Amityville Horror" story. The case continues to fascinate and intrigue people to this day.
Keywords
Amityville Horror
A fictionalized account of a family's experience in a house where a mass murder had occurred. The story became a popular horror novel and film franchise, but the actual events are shrouded in mystery.
Defeo Family Murders
The tragic murder of six members of the Defeo family in their home in Amityville, New York. The case is notable for its brutality, the lack of evidence, and the subsequent Amityville horror hoax.
Ronald Defeo Jr.
The son of Ronald Defeo Sr. and Louise Defeo, who was convicted of murdering his entire family. He initially claimed that the murders were committed by the mafia, but later confessed to the crimes.
True Crime
A genre of non-fiction writing and media that focuses on real-life crimes and their investigation. True crime stories often explore the motives, methods, and consequences of criminal acts.
Murder
The unlawful killing of another human being with malice aforethought. Murder is a serious crime that can result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
Insanity Defense
A legal defense used in criminal trials where the defendant claims they were mentally incompetent at the time of the crime and therefore not responsible for their actions.
Evidence
Any information or material that can be used to prove or disprove a fact in a legal case. Evidence can include physical objects, documents, witness statements, and expert testimony.
Autopsies
Medical examinations performed on a dead body to determine the cause of death. Autopsies can also provide information about the circumstances surrounding the death and the presence of any injuries or diseases.
Q&A
What was the motive behind the Defeo family murders?
Ronald Defeo Jr. confessed to the murders, claiming that he was motivated by money. He wanted to collect on his parents' life insurance policy, which was worth $200,000 at the time.
Why did Ronald Defeo Jr. initially claim that the murders were committed by the mafia?
Ronald Defeo Jr. initially claimed that the murders were committed by the mafia to deflect suspicion from himself. He knew that his family had connections to organized crime, and he hoped that the police would focus their investigation on the mafia instead of him.
What are some of the unanswered questions about the Defeo family murders?
Some of the unanswered questions about the Defeo family murders include how Ronald Defeo Jr. was able to kill his family without anyone waking up or hearing gunshots, why the victims were all found face down in their beds, and why there was no sign of a struggle or robbery.
What is the connection between the Defeo family murders and the Amityville horror hoax?
The Defeo family murders took place in the house that later became the subject of the Amityville horror hoax. The hoax claimed that the house was haunted by the spirits of the murdered family, but the actual events are shrouded in mystery.
What is the significance of the Defeo family murders in the history of true crime?
The Defeo family murders are a significant case in the history of true crime because of their brutality, the lack of evidence, and the subsequent Amityville horror hoax. The case has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and films, and it continues to fascinate and intrigue people to this day.
What was the main defense strategy used by Ronald Defeo Jr.'s attorney?
Defeo's attorney attempted to use an insanity defense, claiming that Defeo was mentally incompetent at the time of the murders due to his alleged mental illness and drug use.
How did Defeo's confession change over time?
Defeo initially claimed he heard nothing the night of the murders. His story then shifted to hearing gunshots and witnessing his brother's toes twitching. Finally, he confessed to the murders, claiming he was coerced by detectives.
How did the Defeo murders become connected to the \"Amityville Horror\" story?
The house where the Defeo murders occurred was later purchased by a new family, who claimed to experience paranormal activity. This story became the basis for the \"Amityville Horror,\" a popular paranormal tale that has been adapted into numerous books, films, and television shows.
Show Notes
On the evening of November 13, 1974, twenty-three-year-old Ronald DeFeo Jr. burst through the door of Henry’s Bar in Amityville, Long Island, frantically yelling for help and telling the patrons that someone had killed his parents. When a small group returned to the house with DeFeo, they discovered that not only had his parents, Louise and Ronald Sr., been killed, but so had his four brothers and sisters—all shot to death in their beds with a .35 caliber rifle.
During a police interview that night, investigators became suspicious of Ronald DeFeo. Not only was his story of a mob hit difficult to believe, but he seemed incapable of keeping certain aspects of his story straight during the interview. The next day, DeFeo broke down and confessed to the murders, explaining that he had hated his father and telling investigators, “Once I started [shooting], I just couldn’t stop.”
Ronald DeFeo’s trial was one of New York’s biggest news stories of 1975 and attracted considerable attention due to his attempt to mount an insanity defense and his frequent outbursts in the courtroom. In the end, the defense was unsuccessful and DeFeo was convicted of the murders and sentenced to life in prison. DeFeo’s conviction should have been the end of the story, but it turned out it was only the beginning of what would eventually become one of the most notorious supernatural claims in American history.
Thank you to the Incredible Dave White of Bring Me the Axe Podcast for research and Writing support!!
References
Carter, A.J., Soper Susan , Dallas Gatewood, and Sam Washington. 1974. "DeFeo son is accused." Newsday, November 15: 3.
Incantalupo, Tom, and Sam Washington. 1974. "A quiet drink turns into an invitation to disaster." Newsday, November 14: 3.
—. 1974. "Six in Amityville family slain, each in bed, 1 bullet in back." Newsday, November 14: 1.
New York Times. 1974. "Six in family found slain in bedrooms in L.I. home." New York Times, November 14: 97.
Smith, Don. 1975. "Attack mounted on DeFeio's insanity plea." Newsday, October 25: 16.
—. 1975. "Cellmate says DeFeo had insanity plan." Newsday, November 11: 6.
—. 1975. "Cop quotes DeFeoL 'I... couldn't stop'." Newsday, September 24: 4.
—. 1975. "Cop: DeFeo altered story." Newsday, October 22: 9.
—. 1975. "DeFeo charges police beat him into confessing." Newsday, September 27: 13.
—. 1975. "DeFeo defended as psychotic killer." Newsday, November 19: 17.
—. 1975. "DeFeo guilty of family murder." Newsday, November 22: 3.
—. 1975. "Doctor: DeFeo knew it was wrong." Newsday, November 13: 19.
—. 1975. "Family clash is cited in DeFeo trial." Newsday, October 15: 22.
—. 1975. "I killed a dozen others, DeFeo says." Newsday, November 7: 21.
—. 1975. "'I left the room in awe of the horror'." Newsday, October 23: 17.
Smith, Don, and Sam Washington. 1975. "DeFeo a heroin user, cop testifies." Newsday, October 18: 16.
Stark, Thomas M. 2021. Horrific Homicides: A Judge Looks Back at the Amityville Horror Murders and Other Infamous Long Island Crimes. New York, NY : Archway Publishing.
Sullivan, Gerard, and Harvey Aronson. 1981. High Hopes: The Amityville Murders. New York, NY: Coward, McCann & Geoghegan.
Vecsey, George. 1974. "L.I. slayings suspect had used drugs." New York Times, November 16: 18.
—. 1974. "Neighbors recall DeFeos as 'nice, normal family'." New York Times, November 15: 80.
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the Defeo rifle (.35 Marlin) even silenced should have woken everyone on that floor, probably everyone in the house and maybe close neighbors. That last depends on insulation and distance. A silenced gun is not close to as quiet as on tv and movies, especially in the 70's.