[Editor’s note: This document was released both as a State Department cable as part of its 1981 FOIA release, and as Serial 420 of the FBI’s RYMUR release.
[The State Department FOIA release of 1981 made several deletions in this cable. The FBI subsequently released some information, but two paragraphs continue to be withheld. They are noted in green type.]
R 250405Z NOV 78
FM AMEMBASSY GEORGETOWN
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 8200
UNCLAS GEORGETOWN 3932
E.O. 11652: N/A
TAGS: CARR CASC LAYTON, LAWRENCE JOHN
SUBJECT: W/W [Whereabouts/Welfare] -Arrests: Lawrence [Laurence] John Layton (aka Larry Layton)
REF: GEORGETOWN 3885
Arrest Report Update
1. Layton, Lawrence John
3. POB Greenbelt, Maryland
4. PPT [passport] # unknown; issued San Francisco CA
5. Vista Mont [Monte] Avenue (house number unknown) Berkely [Berkeley] CA
6. 18 November 1978
7. According to subject, “confused”
8. 5 counts murder, 3 counts attempted murder
9. Camp Street Prison, Georgetown
12M[.] Life imprisonment/execution by hanging. Note: Per prison director France, it is possible to obtain release for good
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 GEORGE 03932 260313Z
behavior after 5 years serving a life sentence. Also per Mr. France, the death penalty has not been exercised since 1970, although its exercise is possible under statute.
13. No
14. Yes: Layton family
[Paragraphs 15 and 16 deleted]
17M[.] 24 November 1978; visited by Conffs [consular officers] Ellice and English
18. None yet
19. None alleged
A22. No
24. Department should notify Layton family. Address given in no. 15.
Burke [John Burke, U.S. Ambassador to Guyana]