Nov 18, 1978. On this date the Indiana-born, 47-year-old Reverend Jim Jones, leader of the Peoples Temple, was reported to have directed the suicides of more than 900 persons at Jonestown, Guyana. US Representative Leo J. Ryan of California and four members of his party were killed in an ambush at Port Kaituma airstrip on Nov 18, 1978, when they attempted to leave after an investigative visit to the remote jungle location oft he religious cult. On the following day Jones and his mistress killed themselves after watching the administration of Kool-Aid laced with the deadly poison cyanide to members of the cult. At least 912 persons died in the biggest murder-suicide in history.
More information: http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/11/12/jonestown.factsheet/.
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