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The Largest Cult Related Mass Murder-Suicide

Historical Events

Known as the Jonestown Massacre, the mass murder-suicide of 913 men, women and children in Jonestown, Guyana took place on November 18, 1978. The people had followed their charismatic leader Jim Jones from San Francisco to a jungle settlement in the South American where they believed he was leading them to a utopia of racial harmony and social justice.

Investigating claims that followers were being imprisoned and abused, U.S. Rep. Leo Ryan lead a delegation of family members of Jonestown residents and journalists to the compound. When attempting to leave with Jones' followers who wanted to leave, gunmen opened fire on the group at the airstip. Ryan and four others were killed.

Following the attack Jones ordered the suicide, first with the 227 children and then the adults were ordered to drink a cyanide-laced punch. Any who refused were shot by gunmen surrounding the camp. Only a few managed to escape into the jungle. Jones was found with a bullet in his brain.

Posted:  2003-11-18  1:03:04 PM

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