40 Years Later, Amityville Horror Murders Continue To Haunt Town

AMITYVILLE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The "Amityville Horror" remains one of America's most famous haunting stories, 40 years after the grisly Long Island murders shocked the nation.

On Nov. 13, 1974, then 23-year-old Ronald DeFeo Jr. used a high-powered rifle to shoot and kill his parents, two younger sisters, and two younger brothers, while the victims lay sleeping in their beds.

Listen to The Amityville Horror Murders: 40 Years Later

DeFeo confessed to the killings, telling police that "the voices from the house made him do it."

The crime inspired one of the scariest movies ever made, "The Amityville Horror," and was the subject of numerous books. Curiosity seekers continue to flock to the infamous home, which has become a Halloween attraction.

Neighbors said the haunting images don't go away.

"It will always be here," Linda, a nearby resident, told WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs. "People have horrible memories about the house and it has been sold and resold and people go there and they have vigils over there to watch it."

DeFeo is currently serving six consecutive sentences of 25 years to life. Over the years he has changed his account of the murders numerous times.

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