The FBI’s investigation into the events of November 18, 1978 focused upon the assassination of Leo Ryan and any actions of members of Peoples Temple which may have shown evidence of a conspiracy related to that assassination. Code-named RYMUR – short for Ryan Murder – the investigation yielded 2750 serials totalling more than 10,000 pages, eventually separated into 42 large sections.
This page includes the contents of Section 15, including serials 1162-1250. Most are dated during the second week of December, 1978.
The table below lists each document by serial number, the number of pages within each serial, the date the serial was generated, the federal agency originating the serial, and a brief description. Each entry then includes the PDF and the text of the serial. Additional notes appear at the bottom of the page.
A listing of abbreviations used in the RYMUR documents – including FBI field offices and State Department embassies – is here.
In citing these documents, each serial should open with the official designation of “RYMUR 89-4286.” As an example, Serial 1230 would be cited as “RYMUR 89-4286-1230.”
|
Serial
|
# of Pages
|
Date
|
Office of Origin
|
Description
|
PDF
|
Text
|
| 1162 | 3 | 11/24 | FBIHQ | Creation of team to help with ID at Dover | Text | |
| 1163 | 6 | 11/30 | FBIHQ | Ted Patrick seeks action against cults | Text | |
| 1164 | 2 | 12/6 | AmEmb Georgetown | Guyana evidence being delivered to NYC | Text | |
| 1165 | 1 | 12/9 | FBIHQ | Transcript of death tape being prepared | Text | |
| 1166 | 1 | 12/8 | FBI-NY | Correction to section on HAM radio operator | Text | |
| 1167 | 7 | 12/11 | FBI-San Antonio | HAM radio operator reports contacts with JT | Text | |
| 1168 | 1 | 12/11 | US Army | Rumor of military finding JJ papers, holding for sale | Text | |
| 1169 | 2 | 12/12 | FBI-Phoenix | Connection between PT and Black Muslims | Text | |
| 1170 | 2 | 12/12 | FBI-TP | HAM radio operator reports contacts with JT | Text | |
| (post) 1170 | 2 | 12/12 | [none] | [not recorded; referral missing] | Text | |
| 1171 | 2 | 12/13 | FBIHQ | More identification of bodies | Text | |
| 1172 | 1 | 12/12 | FBI-SF | FBI locates witness in SF | Text | |
| 1173 | 1 | 12/12 | FBI-LA | Attempts to locate relatives of two JT dead are unsuccessful | Text | |
| 1174 | 2 | 12/13 | FBI-SC | Attempt to link anonymous threat against reporter to PT | Text | |
| 1175 | 2 | 12/12 | FBI-SF | Notes on grand jury subpoenas, proceedings | Text | |
| 1176 | 1 | 12/13 | FBI-ME | Transmittal sheet for Mark Lane interviews | Text | |
| 1177 | 2 | 12/13 | FBI-Omaha | HAM radio operator reports contacts with JT | Text | |
| 1178 | 2 | 12/14 | FBI-LA | FBI unable to locate kin for Kevin Earl Smith | Text | |
| 1179 | 2 | 12/14 | FBIHQ | Autopsy protocol | Text | |
| 1180 | 3 | 12/14 | FBIHQ | More identifications of dead | Text | |
| 1181 | 1 | 12/14 | FBIHQ | [RYMUR administrative memo] | Text | |
| 1182 | 5 | 12/12 | FBI-MM | HAM radio operator reports contacts with JT | Text | |
| 1183 | 3 | 12/12 | AmEmb Georgetown | Secret Service asks GOG to interview PT members on assassination threat [Dupe of 1202] | Text | |
| 1184 | 3 | 12/14 | FBI-Tokyo | [RYMUR administrative memo] | Text | |
| 1185 | 3 | 12/13 | State | DEA to investigate how PT got lethal drugs to JT [Dupe of 1292] | Text | |
| 1186 | 3 | 12/14 | AmEmb Georgetown | Matthews Ridge inquest to begin [Dupe of 1232] | Text | |
| 1187 | 2 | 12/14 | FBI-SF | Detroit columnist contacts HAM radio operators | Text | |
| 1188 | 2 | 12/14 | FBI-SF | Efforts to locate info on Pauline Groot unsuccessful | Text | |
| 1189 | 2 | 12/14 | FBI-SF | Letter from man with relatives both who left PT and who died in JT | Text | |
| 1190 | 9 | 12/14 | FBI-WFO | Summary: Krause interview sought | Text | |
| 1191 | 2 | 12/14 | FBI-SF | Autopsy protocol for Violett Dillard | Text | |
| 1192 | 3 | 12/14 | FBI-SF | SF DA seeks FBI assistance in following up letter | Text | |
| 1193 | 2 | 12/14 | FBI-DL | Grand jury subpoena served | Text | |
| 1194 | 3 | 12/14 | State | More identifications of dead | Text | |
| 1195 | 7 | 12/14 | FBI-ME | Interview with former PT member | Text | |
| 1196 | 3 | 12/15 | AmEmb Bern | Probe into Temple funds in Switzerland | Text | |
| 1197 | 2 | 12/15 | FBI-Bern | Probe into Temple funds in Switzerland | Text | |
| 1198 | 4 | 12/15 | FBI-Bern | Probe into Temple funds in Switzerland | Text | |
| 1199 | 1 | 11/24 | DOD | Transmittal of suicide note found on Jones’ body | Text | |
| 1200 | 86 | 12/11 | FBI-Newark | Transcripts of radio tapes recorded by HAM operator | Text | |
| 1201 | 1 | 12/4 | FBI-Kansas City | Transmittal page for tape cassette | Text | |
| 1202 | 1 | 12/12 | AmEmb Georgetown | Secret Service asks GOG to interview PT members on assassination threat | Text | |
| 1203 | 3 | 12/12 | FBI-MM | HAM radio operator reports contacts with JT | Text | |
| 1204 | 1 | 12/12 | FBI-Jackson | [RYMUR administrative memo] | Text | |
| 1205 | 5 | 12/13 | FBI-Jacksonville | Interviews with two former members from Indiana | Text | |
| 1206 | 1 | 12/13 | FBI-BQMRA | Transmittal page for photographs of survivors | Text | |
| 1207-0 | 2 | 12/14 | FBI-BQMRA | Cover sheet for interviews with JT survivors | Text | |
| 1207-1 | 6 | 12/6 | FBI-BQMRA | Interview with Jonestown survivor Guy Mitchell | Text | |
| 1207-2 | 12 | 12/6 | FBI-BQMRA | Interview with Jonestown survivor Ruby Johnson | Text | |
| 1207-3 | 13 | 12/6 | FBI-BQMRA | Interview with Jonestown survivor Dawn Gardfrey | Text | |
| 1207-4 | 12 | 12/6 | FBI-BQMRA | Interview with Jonestown survivor Bea Orsot Grubbs | Text | |
| 1207-5 | 2 | 12/4 | FBI-BQMRA | Interview with unknown Jonestown relative | Text | |
| 1207-6 | 18 | 12/4 | FBI-BQMRA | Interview with Jonestown survivor Diane Louie [Dupe of 1097] | Text | |
| 1207-7 | 11 | 12/5 | FBI-BQMRA | Interview with former Temple member Suzanne Jones Cartmell | Text | |
| 1207-8 | 2 | 12/5 | FBI-BQMRA | Interview with parent of Jonestown victim | Text | |
| 1207-9 | 6 | 12/6 | FBI-BQMRA | Interview with Jonestown survivor Sonya Evans | Text | |
| 1207-10 | 7 | 12/5 | FBI-BQMRA | Interview with Jonestown survivor Andrea Walker | Text | |
| 1208 | 3 | 12/14 | AmEmb Georgetown | Ambassador repeats request for Secret Service interviews | Text | |
| 1209 | 1 | 12/6 | FBI-SF | FBI anticipates arrival of tapes | Text | |
| 1210 | 3 | 12/14 | FBI-Tokyo | FBI to review HAM radio tape | Text | |
| 1211 | 1 | 12/15 | FBI-SJ | Krause not interviewed | Text | |
| 1212-0 | 1 | 12/15 | FBI-BA | Cover sheet for interviews with numerous PK survivors | Text | |
| 1212-1 | 3 | 11/29 | FBI-BA | Interview of Jackie Speier | Text | |
| 1212-2 | 1 | 12/4 | FBI-BA | Interview with HAM radio operator | Text | |
| 1212-3 | 1 | 11/30 | FBI-BA | AFIP reports on note found in Jim Jones’ clothing | Text | |
| 1212-4 | 6 | 11/30 | FBI-BA | Interview with Tim Reiterman | Text | |
| 1212-5 | 1 | 11/30 | FBI-BA | AFIP reports on note found in Jim Jones’ clothing | Text | |
| 1212-6 | 1 | 11/30< | FBI-BA | AFIP reports on note found in Jim Jones’ clothing | Text | |
| 1212-7 | 7 | 11/29 | FBI-BA | Interview with Port Kaituma survivor Carol Boyd | Text | |
| 1212-8 | 2 | 12/1 | FBI-BA | Follow-up interview with Carol Boyd | Text | |
| 1213 | 9 | 12/12 | FBI-Newark | Interviews with HAM operators, U.S. doctor in Guyana after 11/18 | Text | |
| 1214 | 2 | 12/16 | FBI-LA | Interview with relative of Temple members, including JT deceased | Text | |
| 1215 | 15 | 12/11 | FBIHQ | FBI describes bullet fragment evidence from JT | Text | |
| 1216 | 1 | 12/12 | FBIHQ | RYMUR file being prepared for computerization | Text | |
| 1217-0 | 4 | 12/14 | FBI-SJ | Interviews with Concerned Relatives, JT survivors | Text | |
| 1217-1 | 22 | 12/7 | FBI-SJ | Interview with Steven Katsaris | Text | |
| 1217-2 | 15 | 12/7 | FBI-SJ | Interview with Vernon Gosney | Text | |
| 1217-3 | 9 | 12/7 | FBI-SJ | Interview with Beverly Oliver | Text | |
| 1217-4 | 16 | 12/8 | FBI-SJ | Interview with Anthony Katsaris | Text | |
| 1217-5 | 17 | 11/21 | FBI-SJ | Interview with Bob Flick | Text | |
| 1217-6 | 6 | 11/29 | FBI-SJ | Interviews with medical personnel, Roosevelt Road Naval Hospital | Text | |
| 1217-7 | 4 | 12/6 | FBI-SJ | Interview with Richard Janaro | Text | |
| 1217-8 | 8 | 12/12 | FBI-SJ | Interview with Claire Janaro | Text | |
| 1217-9 | 3 | 12/5 | FBI-SJ | Interview with Helen Swinney | Text | |
| 1217-10 | 4 | 12/11 | FBI-SJ | Interview with Philip Blakey | Text | |
| 1217-11 | 5 | 12/6 | FBI-SJ | Interview with Charles Touchette | Text | |
| 1217-12 | 1 | 12/7 | FBI-SJ | Interview with Mrs. Alma Gosney | Text | |
| 1217-13 | 2 | 12/11 | FBI-SJ | HAM radio contacts interviewed | Text | |
| 1218 | 2 | 11/22 | FBIHQ | FBI sets up procedure for investigation | Text | |
| 1219 | 2 | 12/14 | FBI-BA | Autopsy waivers obtained | Text | |
| 1220 | 1 | 12/4 | FBI-BA | Transmittal sheet for ammunition recovered from JT | Text | |
| 1221 | 3 | 12/11? | DOJ-Civil | Justice looks into possibility of lawsuits against PT | Text | |
| 1222 | 2 | 12/8 | FBIHQ | Summary: Investigations in Guyana, SF, at NY airport | Text | |
| 1223 | 1 | 12/11 | Congress | Congressional committee launches investigation | Text | |
| 1224 | 2 | 12/12 | FBI-PD | Transmittal sheet for Stoen diary | Text | |
| 1225 | 4 | 12/12 | AmEmb Georgetown | State describes materials to be shipped from Guyana to US | Text | |
| 1226 | 5 | 12/13 | FBI-BA | Interview of Dr. Albert Greenfield | Text | |
| 1227 | 4 | 12/13 | FBIHQ | Organizational chart of RYMUR investigation | Text | |
| 1228 | 2 | 12/13 | Legat Caracas | Temple bank accounts | Text | |
| 1229 | 4 | 12/13 | Legat Caracas | Temple bank accounts [Dupe of 1228] | Text | |
| 1230 | 1 | 12/13 | FBI-BQMRA | FBI in possession of papers related to operation of Albatross | Text | |
| 1231 | 2 | 12/13 | FBIHQ | [RYMUR administrative memo re: costs of investigation] | Text | |
| 1232 | 3 | 12/14 | AmEmb Georgetown | Matthews Ridge inquest to begin | Text | |
| 1233 | 3 | 12/14 | FBIHQ | Issues remaining with autopsies, unclaimed remains, unidentified children | Text | |
| 1234 | 3 | 12/15 | US Air Force | AFIP has authority to conduct seven autopsies [Dupe of 1296] | Text | |
| 1235 | 1 | 12/15 | AmEmb Georgetown | Report on Albatross | Text | |
| 1236 | 4 | 12/15 | FBI-New Rochelle | Unknown person denies knowledge of JT, Ryan [Dupe of 1293] | Text | |
| 1237 | 1 | 12/15 | FBI-SF | FBI unable to locate two named witnesses | Text | |
| 1238 | 2 | 12/15 | FBI-SF | FBI to determine if home for boys in Detroit had Temple connection | Text | |
| 1239 | 2 | 12/15 | AmEmb Georgetown | Report on Albatross [Dupe of 1235] | Text | |
| 1240 | 11 | 12/15 | FBI-Buffalo | HAM radio operator reports contacts with JT | Text | |
| 1241 | 11 | 12/16 | AmEmb Georgetown | Embassy seeks guidance on disposal of Temple assets | Text | |
| 1242 | 6 | 12/15 | FBI-SF | Informant within Temple alleges leaders to make new board to free frozen assets | Text | |
| 1243 | 1 | 12/15 | FBI-Springfield | HAM operator to provide tapes of radio broadcasts | Text | |
| 1244 | 3 | 12/18 | AmEmb Georgetown | Embassy explains final contacts with Ryan | Text | |
| 1245 | 2 | 12/13 | AmEmb Georgetown | GOG informs US that pathologist not necessary | Text | |
| 1246 | 11 | 12/18 | AmEmb Georgetown | Temple bequest to USSR | Text | |
| 1247 | 4 | 12/18 | FBI-Detroit | Guyana native in Detroit to provide sensitive info to FBI | Text | |
| 1248 | 2 | 12/18 | FBI-Cincinnati | HAM radio operator reports contacts with JT | Text | |
| 1249 | 2 | 12/18 | FBI-BQMRA | List of survivors returning in early December 78 | Text | |
| 1250 | 1 | 12/15 | FBI-Birmingham | HAM radio operator reports contacts with JT | Text |
The pdf of the complete section is here. It should be noted that this document is unique to this site, based upon the FBI’s official release of documents in 2014 and augmented with additional documents. The additional documents include: those released by the State Department; those released through the litigation of McGehee et al v. Justice; and those released by the FBI in 2001 but not included in the later release.
The information released in these serials may change as the FBI releases additional information pursuant to ongoing litigation under the Freedom of Information Act.
Originally posted on August 22nd, 2019.
Last modified on July 4th, 2022.