The Los Feliz Murders House has long captured the imagination and curiosity of true crime enthusiasts, paranormal investigators, and even casual passersby. This eerie mansion, nestled in the hills of the Los Feliz neighborhood in Los Angeles, is more than just an abandoned building—it’s a chilling reminder of a gruesome crime that occurred decades ago. The house has been left virtually untouched since the night of the tragedy, which adds to the mystery and intrigue surrounding it.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the history of the Los Feliz Murders House, the infamous crime that took place there, and the strange events that have occurred ever since. We’ll also explore the rumors and legends that have made this house such a notorious landmark in Los Angeles.
The Dark Night of December 6, 1959
At the heart of the story of the Los Feliz Murders House is the gruesome event that occurred on the night of December 6, 1959. Dr. Harold Perelson, a successful cardiologist, brutally attacked his wife, Lillian, with a hammer while she slept. After the violent assault, Dr. Perelson attempted to kill his three children, but only managed to injure his eldest daughter, Judy, who managed to escape the house and alert the neighbors.
The younger children were unharmed, and Dr. Perelson ended the night by taking his own life using a deadly cocktail of drugs. The horror of this event still lingers in the house, as it was left virtually frozen in time after the murders, with many of the family’s belongings still inside. The crime sent shockwaves through the quiet Los Feliz community, and the house has remained a symbol of darkness ever since.
What Drove Dr. Perelson to Murder?
The most unsettling part of the Los Feliz Murders House story is that no one knows exactly why Dr. Perelson committed such a horrific act. According to some reports, he had been struggling with financial difficulties and professional frustrations. Dr. Perelson had lost a patent dispute over a medical invention, and the pressure may have pushed him over the edge. However, some speculate that mental illness played a significant role, although no concrete diagnosis was ever made.
Whatever the motive, the crime left an indelible mark on the history of the house and continues to inspire countless theories and speculation.
The House Left Untouched
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Los Feliz Murders House is that it has remained virtually untouched since the 1959 tragedy. The home was sold several times after the murders, but none of the new owners ever moved in or made significant changes to the property. It has remained eerily frozen in time, with much of the furniture, books, and even a Christmas tree reportedly still inside.
This eerie preservation has only fueled the legends surrounding the house. Many believe that the spirits of Dr. Perelson and his wife still haunt the property, unwilling to let anyone else live there. The house’s dilapidated condition adds to its ghostly atmosphere, making it a prime location for urban explorers and ghost hunters.
Ownership Changes and the Vacant Years
After the murders, the house was sold to a couple, Emily and Julian Enriquez, but they never moved in. For decades, the Los Feliz Murders House sat vacant, seemingly abandoned. Some speculate that the Enriquez family was too disturbed by the history of the home, while others believe that they simply saw it as an investment property.
After Emily Enriquez passed away, the house was inherited by her son, Rudy Enriquez. Rudy also left the house untouched, claiming he didn’t need to live there. For over 50 years, the house remained empty, its windows broken and the structure slowly decaying.
A Magnet for Urban Legends and Paranormal Enthusiasts
It’s no surprise that the Los Feliz Murders House has become a hotspot for ghost stories and urban legends. The house’s macabre history, coupled with its abandoned state, makes it the perfect setting for tales of hauntings and supernatural occurrences. Over the years, visitors have reported strange noises, cold spots, and even sightings of shadowy figures inside the home.
Some paranormal enthusiasts believe that the spirits of Dr. Perelson and his wife linger in the house, trapped by the violent events that transpired there. Others suggest that the oppressive atmosphere of the home has drawn in other dark entities. Whatever the truth, the house has earned its reputation as one of the most haunted locations in Los Angeles.
Reports of Paranormal Activity
Visitors to the Los Feliz Murders House have reported a variety of strange phenomena. Here are some of the most common claims:
- Cold spots: Some people report sudden drops in temperature, particularly near the master bedroom where the murder took place.
- Strange noises: Mysterious footsteps, banging sounds, and whispering voices have been heard by those brave enough to approach the house at night.
- Shadowy figures: Several witnesses claim to have seen dark figures moving through the house’s windows, even though it has been vacant for decades.
- Feelings of dread: Many visitors say they experience an overwhelming sense of fear and anxiety when near the property, as if they’re being watched.
These stories only add to the mystery and fear surrounding the Los Feliz Murders House, making it a must-visit location for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers.
Exploring the Architecture of the House
While the house is infamous for its dark history, it’s also an architectural gem, reflective of the mid-century modern style popular in the 1920s and 1930s. The Los Feliz Murders House sits on a hillside with panoramic views of Los Angeles, and its large windows and spacious rooms reflect the opulence of the era in which it was built.
The home’s exterior, with its classic stucco walls and red-tiled roof, is typical of Southern California architecture. Inside, the house reportedly boasts luxurious features like a grand staircase, a fireplace, and hardwood floors, though it has fallen into serious disrepair. Despite its current condition, the house’s design still hints at its former grandeur.
Table: Architectural Features of the Los Feliz Murders House
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Style | Mid-century modern with Spanish influences |
| Location | Hillside in Los Feliz, offering sweeping views of Los Angeles |
| Construction | Stucco walls, red-tiled roof, hardwood floors |
| Interior features | Grand staircase, large windows, fireplace |
| Condition | Dilapidated, with broken windows and decaying walls |
Despite the decay, there’s no denying the home’s architectural significance. For those interested in historical homes, the Los Feliz Murders House offers a glimpse into the past, even if its present state is haunting.
The Future of the Los Feliz Murders House
In recent years, there has been growing interest in restoring the Los Feliz Murders House and turning it into a functional home once again. Some real estate developers see potential in the property, given its prime location and unique history. However, others believe the house’s tragic past will always overshadow any attempts to revitalize it.
In 2016, the home was listed for sale, sparking rumors that it would finally be renovated or torn down. However, as of today, the house remains vacant. The future of the property is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the story of the Los Feliz Murders House will continue to captivate people for years to come.
The Psychological Impact of Visiting the House
For many, visiting the Los Feliz Murders House is more than just a spooky adventure—it’s an emotionally intense experience. The weight of the house’s history, combined with its abandoned state, can leave visitors feeling unsettled or even frightened. The sense of walking through a place where something so violent occurred can stir up a range of emotions, from sadness to fear.
Some psychologists suggest that locations like the Los Feliz Murders House evoke what’s known as “psychic residue,” where the emotions of past events seem to linger in the atmosphere. Whether or not you believe in the paranormal, it’s undeniable that places with tragic histories can have a profound impact on those who visit.
The Enduring Fascination with True Crime and Haunted Places
The story of the Los Feliz Murders House taps into our broader cultural fascination with true crime and haunted places. As humans, we’re naturally drawn to stories of mystery and tragedy, and this house offers both in spades. From books and podcasts to TV shows and movies, true crime stories captivate audiences by offering a glimpse into the darker side of human nature.
The house’s tragic history, combined with its eerie preservation, makes it a compelling subject for those interested in both true crime and the paranormal. In many ways, the Los Feliz Murders House is a symbol of our enduring curiosity about the unknown.
Conclusion: The Legacy of the Los Feliz Murders House
The Los Feliz Murders House stands as a haunting reminder of a family tragedy that shocked the community over six decades ago. Its eerie, untouched state only adds to the mystery and intrigue that surrounds it. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there’s no denying that this house has left an indelible mark on the landscape of Los Angeles.
While the future of the house remains uncertain, its legacy as one of the most infamous crime scenes in American history is secure. For those fascinated by true crime, haunted houses, or the psychological effects of tragedy, the Los Feliz Murders House offers a story that is as compelling as it is chilling.
Who knows what the future holds for this notorious mansion? One thing’s for sure: the legend of the Los Feliz Murders House will continue to endure for generations to come.
