Jonestown: Peoples Temple Case Facts and Timeline
A factual reference guide to Jonestown, Peoples Temple and the November 1978 tragedy in Guyana.
Jonestown is covered here as an evergreen true-crime reference, not as breaking news. The goal is to summarize documented facts, dates and context without sensational framing.
Case overview
Jonestown was the remote settlement in Guyana established by Peoples Temple under Jim Jones. On November 18, 1978, more than 900 people died in a mass murder-suicide and related killings.
Key timeline
- Location: Guyana
- Date: November 18, 1978
- Group: Peoples Temple
Why the case is still studied
Jonestown remains a major reference point for studying coercive groups, community isolation, political aftermath and the responsibilities of historical true-crime coverage.
Reference note
True-crime summaries should distinguish convictions, documented events and unresolved questions. This guide avoids graphic detail and focuses on verifiable historical context.
Frequently asked questions
What is Jonestown known for?
Jonestown is known for the 1978 Peoples Temple tragedy in Guyana in which more than 900 people died.
When did the Jonestown case happen?
The central event occurred on November 18, 1978.
Why is Jonestown still discussed?
It remains discussed because of its scale and its importance in studies of cults, coercion and social history.
Sources
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