United States Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Memorandum
Date: 3/3/80
To: Mr. Mullin
From: W.D. Gow
Subject: RYMUR
PURPOSE: To advise as to the current status of the Government of Guyana (GOG) prosecution of Lawrence [Laurence] John Layton, as pertains to RYMUR.
RECOMMENDATION: None. For information.
DETAILS: For background information, on 11/18/78, Congressman Leo J. Ryan’s entourage, which included defectors from the Peoples Temple (PT), Jonestown, Guyana, was assaulted by PT members. As result, several deaths occurred, including the death of Congressman Ryan. Investigation indicates that PT member, Lawrence John Layton, attempted to murder PT detectors, Vernon Dean Gosney, Monica Bagby, and Dale Edwin Parks, who were part of Congressman Ryan’s entourage.
The American Embassy at Georgetown, Guyana, has advised that the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Georgetown, Guyana, indicated that an indictment has already been drafted and signed by himself charging Lawrence John Layton only with the attempted murder of Vernon Dean Gosney.
DPP indicated that the tentative date for trial is 4/1/80, that Layton is expected to enter a not guilty plea, and that the trial is expected to last approximately one week.