[Editor’s note: This document was released both as a State Department cable as part of its 1981 FOIA release, and as Serial 989 of the FBI’s RYMUR release.]
UNCLASSIFIED FBB 641
[Listing of agencies receiving informational copies on pdf]
0 091322Z DEC 78
FM AMEMBASSY GEORGETOWN
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8388
UNCLAS GEORGETOWN 4180
E.O. 12065: NA
TAGS: CARR, GY (BEIKMAN, CHARLES) (PEOPLE’S TEMPLE)
SUBJECT: W/W ARRESTS: CHARLES EDWARD BEIKMAN
REF: GEORGETOWN 4108
1. Preliminary hearing into the alleged murders of Linda Sharon Harris (aka Sharon Amos) and her three children was continued yesterday (Dec 7).
2. Three new witnesses were called upon to testify, including a police corporal who took a signed statement from Beikman on Nov 19. The statement was admitted as evidence by Magistrate Christian over the objections of senior defense counsel Rex McKay, who argued that the statement was not properly taken by the police.
3. Hearing is scheduled to resume Dec. 9.
Burke [John Burke, American ambassador to Guyana]