The Skeleton Key Chronicles

13 hours ago

On this day in 1979, one of the most talked-about movies of its time arrived in theaters, largely because it was marketed as being based on a true story. But almost from the beginning, people questioned just how much of that story was true.

The film starred James Brolin and Margot Kidder as George and Kathy Lutz, a couple who moved into a home on Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York, just over a year after a high-profile case had made national headlines. Not long after moving in, the Lutz family claimed they experienced unexplained events inside the house, including strange noises, cold spots, unusual odors, objects appearing to move, and waking at 3:15 a.m. each night, a time they believed was connected to what had happened there in 1974. After just 28 days, they left the home.

The events that inspired the film began on November 13, 1974, when investigators determined that 23-year-old Ronald DeFeo Jr. was responsible for the deaths of six members of his family. The victims were his father, Ronald DeFeo Sr., 43; his mother, Louise, 43; his sisters, Dawn, 18, and Allison, 13; and his brothers, Marc, 12, and John Matthew, 9. DeFeo was later convicted and received six consecutive life sentences.

After leaving the house, the Lutzes shared their experiences with author Jay Anson, whose book became a bestseller and was later adapted into the film. Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren also visited the property and publicly supported the family's claims.

Not everyone was convinced. In 1988, Ronald DeFeo Jr.'s former attorney, William Weber, said that he and the Lutzes had discussed shaping parts of the story while exploring ideas for a book. Since then, the Amityville story has remained the subject of debate, with some believing the family's account and others viewing it as a blend of fact and fiction.

Nearly 50 years later, the events connected to the house continue to spark discussion. Whether you believe the Lutz family's experiences, think they were exaggerated over time, or fall somewhere in the middle, there's no denying that the story became a cultural phenomenon that continues to fascinate new generations. … See MoreSee Less

The Skeleton Key Chronicles

17 hours ago

The trial of Lindsay Clancy began today, more than three years after the deaths of her three young children in their Duxbury, Massachusetts home. Prosecutors allege Clancy carefully planned what happened, even sending her husband, Patrick Clancy, out on a series of errands so she would be alone with the children.

The defense does not dispute that Clancy was responsible but is presenting evidence that she was experiencing undiagnosed postpartum psychosis that left her unable to understand the nature of her actions. The defense also maintains that the medical treatment she received worsened her condition.

Over the coming weeks, jurors are expected to hear competing expert testimony about Clancy's mental state, whether she was criminally responsible for her actions at the time, and whether the evidence supports the prosecution's allegation that her acts were planned in advance.

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The Skeleton Key Chronicles

22 hours ago

What began as a vacation in Grenada has turned into an international search for North Carolina physical therapist Elizabeth "Liz" Waddell. The 44-year-old disappeared while traveling with a friend, and as authorities continue searching the island, her husband says he is now on his way to Grenada to help with the effort.

Liz had traveled to Grenada for a Caribbean getaway and was staying at an Airbnb near Grand Anse Beach in St. George's. According to the Royal Grenada Police Force, she was last seen on July 22nd.

While Liz's friend finished an online class inside, Liz was going to go for a swim. But when the class was over and her friend couldn't find her things took a major turn. Hours passed and after multiple searches of the area yielded no sign of her, it became evident that Liz had disappeared.
Her friend contacted local authorities to report her missing after finding her beach towel on a nearby pier. At the time of her disappearance Liz was wearing only her swimsuit, leaving behind her phone and other personal belongings. Authorities in Grenada have launched an extensive search by land, sea and air.

Liz earned her doctorate in physical therapy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has spent her career helping patients throughout North Carolina. Her husband, Cailen Waddell, says he is on his way to Grenada to join the search. In a public message, he wrote, "I am on my way there now to help search. I expect nothing less than Liz's safe return," while also asking people to keep their family in their thoughts and prayers.

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