[Editor’s note: The following serial included the deletion of two names, which were revealed in the 1981 State Department release of the same cable. They are denoted in red type below.]
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
COMMUNICATION MESSAGE FORM
DATE: 12/8/78
CLASSIFICATION: UNCLAS E F T O
PRECEDENCE: IMMEDIATE
FM DIRECTOR FBI
TO Y17/SECRETARY OF STATE
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE (AF OSI)
ATTN: JUDGE ADVOCATE, DOVER AIR FORCE BASE AND ARMED FORCES INSTITUTE OF PATHOLOGY
ATTN: MR. STUART REICHART, SAFGC
Y/2 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 identifying deceased victims from Jonestown, chosen at random by the FBI.
PAGE TWO DE HQ **** PAGE TWO Y 23 0015 UNCLAS E F T O
The FBI has been tasked to obtain written permission from 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), legal next of kin of the deceased and entitled by law to control the disposition of the remains.
Signed
Witnessed (insert signature of FBI agent)
On December 4, 1978, Steven K. Katsaris, father of Maria
PAGE THREE D*Y23 0015 UNCLAS E F T O
Katsaris, granted permission for autopsy of his daughters remains by signing above form.
On December 6, 1978, Ezra L. Schacht, father of Dr. Larry Schacht, executed release allowing physicians in attendance at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, to perform a complete autopsy on the remains of his son, Dr. Larry Schacht. The original of this release form will be forwarded to the Baltimore FBI Office and, thereafter, provided appropriate officials at Dover Air Force Base.
On December 7, 1978, John V. and Barbara Moore, Reno, Nevada, executed the release granted consent for autopsies on the remains of their daughters, Ann Elizabeth Moore and Caroline Louise Moore Layton. The original of this release will be provided appropriate authorities at Dover Air Force Base.
On December 6, 1978, Jim Jones, Jr., Steve Jones (who are the sons of the Reverend Jim Jones) and Suzanne Jones Cartwell [Cartmell] (legally adopted daughter of Jones) signed consent for autopsy on the remains of the Reverend Jim Jones. This consent form to be forwarded to Dover Air Force Base.
PAGE FOUR Y23 0015 UNCLAS E F T O
For information Dover Air Force Base, the following is a list of candidates chosen at random by the FBI to fulfill remaining two slots for possible autopsy:
William Richard Castillo
Carl Gloster Hall
Odell Backwell
Dover Air Force Base requested to pass above information to Messrs. [Dozier and White], U.S. Department of State, on assignment your location.
BT
[Page 5]
Note:
The above advises addressees once again the current status of FBI contact with the next of kin of autopsy candidates. The above is present at request of Department of Justice adding as addressee Mr. Stuart Reichart, Department of the Air Force.