The Lutz family, consisting of George and Kathy Lutz and their three children, moved into the house on January 6, 1975, unaware of its dark past. They soon discovered that the house was a hotbed of paranormal activity. Doors would slam shut on their own, objects moved by themselves, and strange noises echoed through the halls. The family reported experiencing terrifying events, including seeing ghostly apparitions and experiencing unexplained cold spots.