Episode 609: The DeFeo Family Murder

The tragic DeFeo family murders remain a dark and puzzling chapter in crime history, where six family members were found dead in their home, leading to many unanswered questions about the events of that fateful night.

The victims were violently murdered, with most shot multiple times in the back while in bed

All six members of the DeFeo family were found dead with gunshot wounds, including the parents and four children ranging from 7 to 18 years old

Officers Kenneth Grigusky and Altieri discovered the gruesome scene at the DeFeo residence. The parents, Ronald and Louise DeFeo, were each shot twice and found lying face down in their bed. Across the hall, the young boys, seven-year-old John and 12-year-old Mark, were found in a similar state, each shot once in the back at close range. The officers also found 18-year-old Dawn face down in bed, covered by the blanket, and shot in the chest. Meanwhile, 13-year-old Alison had been shot in the side of the face.

The victims showed no signs of a struggle, leading investigators to believe they were killed in their sleep

The investigation revealed a brutal and systematic execution. There was evidence suggesting that the victims were either ordered to lie on their stomachs or were turned into that position before being shot. The lack of struggle, as indicated by the medical examiner, pointed to the fact that the victims did not appear to resist or attempt to evade the attacker. Each person was found where they were shot, with no signs of movement away from the shots, suggesting the family members were not conscious and were killed while asleep. Officer Grigusky's discovery of both parents and two of their children all face down in bed with gunshot wounds to their lower backs further suggests a systematic execution.

The house was eerily quiet when the initial responders arrived, with only an alarm clock blaring from the second floor

The responders arrived to an eerily quiet crime scene, with the exception of an alarm clock blaring on the second floor, adding a layer of normalcy against the backdrop of a violent crime. The discovery of the bodies and the quietness of the house left investigators puzzled. Local law enforcement stated there was very little evidence, and no signs of struggle or robbery, indicating the motive was murder.

The discovery of the bodies and the lack of any disturbance at the scene left investigators puzzled as to how the killings could have occurred with ...

The police investigation into the DeFeo family murders was intensive, leading to evidence that contradicted Ronald DeFeo Jr.’s various accounts of the events and ultimately his confession to the crimes.

Ronald DeFeo Jr., the only surviving family member, initially claimed the murders were committed by a mafia hitman

Ronald DeFeo Jr., raised suspicions when he suggested different culprits for his family's killings, including Tony Mazzeo, a supposed mafia hitman. Despite initially claiming that a man named Tony Mazzio was responsible and that his own life was in danger from the same hitman, investigators found no evidence corroborating DeFeo’s claims of mob involvement. DeFeo’s fears appeared to be unfounded, as Peter DeFeo, a relative linked to the Genovese crime family, had not been actively involved in crime for nearly a decade at the time of the murders.

Detectives uncovered a range of evidence implicating DeFeo in the murders

A slew of evidence pointed back to DeFeo, including his inability to account for a missing 35-caliber Marlin rifle from his collection, which matched the murder weapon. Detectives found the rifle box hidden in his closet and eventually discovered the gun itself and other evidence, including DeFeo's bloody clothing.

DeFeo changed his story multiple times during interrogations, ranging from a hitman forcing him to watch the killings to his sister Dawn committing the murders before he killed her in self-defense or a rage. Investigators noted his unkind comments and inappropriate behavior after the murders, as well as his hatred toward his family, which further fueled suspicions.

DeFeo's clothing and other items containing evidence were discovered hidden in various locations

When DeFeo murdered his family, he gathered the shell casings and his bloody clothing into a pillowcase. This pillowcase, along with the gun and shells, was ...

DeFeo's defense team argued that he was not mentally competent at the time of the murders and should not be held responsible

DeFeo's attorney, Leonard Simmons, requested a psychiatric examination due to doubts about his client's ability to assist in his own defense. William Weber, another defense attorney, aimed to show the jury that DeFeo's confession was coerced after being beaten and that he was not mentally competent during the murders. They stated DeFeo suffered bruises, presumably from investigators, and had a history of mental illness. They planned for DeFeo to take the stand and arranged for psychiatrists to testify that he could not be held responsible due to his mental state.

Prosecutors presented a strong case against DeFeo, highlighting his attempts to conceal evidence and deflect blame onto others

In response, prosecutors led by Gerard Sullivan provided evidence of DeFeo's attempts to hide his guilt. Investigators testified about their interactions with DeFeo and the crime scene, denying claims of his mistreatment and confirming the voluntary nature of his confession. Lieutenant Robert Dunn stated that DeFeo was not abused while in custody. The prosecution challenged DeFeo's insanity plea with testimony from a former cellmate, John Kramer, who said DeFeo planned to fake insanity and even inquired how mentally ill inmates behaved. Sullivan's closing remarks underscored that DeFeo sought to cover up his crimes, planning his family’s execution and later destroying evidence.

Despite his claims of insanity, the jury convicted DeFeo of six ...