DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
COMMUNICATION MESSAGE FORM
DATE: DECEMBER 5, 1978
CLASSIFICATION: UNCLAS E F T O
PRECEDENCE: IMMEDIATE
FM DIRECTOR FBI
TO Y17/SECRETARY OF STATE
Y4 DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE (AFOSI)
ATTN: JUDGE ADVOCATE, DOVER AIR FORCE BASE AND ARMED FORCES INSTITUTE OF PATHOLOGY
Y2/ DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL
ATTN: MR. MIKE ABBELL
BT
UNCLAS E F T O
REQUEST FOR AUTOPSIES ON JONESTOWN VICTIMS BY U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
As you are aware, the Department of Justice has requested that autopsies be performed on the remains of the Reverend Jim Jones, Doctor Larry Schacht, Maria Katsaris, and four other identified deceased victims from Jonestown, chosen at random by the FBI.
The FBI has been tasked to obtain written permission from
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the next of kin of the above deceased. Following is the text of the consent form which the FBI has furnished to the next of kin:
Date
City, State
I/we request and authorize the physicians in attendance at the Dover Air Force Base, Dover, Delaware, to perform a complete autopsy on the remains of (insert name of deceased). I/we understand that the autopsy may include an examination of the head, eyes, spinal cord, chest, abdomen, and extremities. I/we authorize the removal and retention or use for diagnostic, scientific, or therapeutic purposes of such organs, tissues, and parts as such physicians deem proper.
I/we represent that I am/we are the (insert relationship),
Signed
Witnessed (insert signature of FBI agent)
On December 4, 1978, Steven K. Katsaris, father of Maria Katsaris, granting permission for autopsy of his daughters remains by signing above form.
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Negotiations with families of Reverend Jones and Doctor Larry Schacht continued, but to date no consent for autopsies obtained. Consent anticipated.
Families of other victims chosen for autopsy have at this time refuse permission or cannot be located. Those victims are identified as follows:
Charles Marshall, Body 84D, relatives refused; Leon Perry, Body 99E, relatives cannot be located at this time; Sylvester Leon Fair, Body 28C, relatives cannot be located at this time; Jerry Wilson, Body 10C, relatives cannot be located at this time.
The FBI is substituting other identified victims as candidates for autopsy. You will be advised of their identity and status of consent procedure is available.
Dover Air Force Base requested to pass about information to Messrs. [Name deleted] and [name deleted], Department of State.
BT
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NOTE: Above prepared at request of Departmental Attorney Mike Abbell with dissemination to recipients.