Ep 4. Jonestown

Crimes that Made History season 1 episode 4 is titled Jonestown, and it explores the infamous mass suicide that took place in Jonestown, Guyana in 1978. The episode begins with an overview of Jim Jones, the leader of the Peoples Temple, a religious cult that was formed in Indianapolis in the 1950s.

Jones was a charismatic and manipulative figure who was able to amass a large following through his teachings of social justice and racial equality. The Peoples Temple attracted a diverse group of followers, including many African Americans who were drawn to Jones’ message of empowerment.

Over time, however, the Peoples Temple became increasingly insular, and Jones’ behavior became more erratic and paranoid. In the early 1970s, Jones moved his congregation to Guyana, where he established a compound called Jonestown.

At first, Jonestown seemed like an idyllic community, with residents working together to build a self-sufficient and egalitarian society. However, as time went on, reports began to emerge of abuse, brainwashing, and even sexual exploitation at the hands of Jones and his followers.

In November of 1978, Congressman Leo Ryan of California traveled to Guyana to investigate the Peoples Temple after receiving reports of abuse and human rights violations. Ryan and his delegation were greeted warmly at first, but as they prepared to leave Jonestown, several members of the cult attacked them with guns and knives.

Five people, including Ryan, were killed in the attack, and several others were injured. The survivors fled back to the airstrip in Port Kaituma, where they were met with a large group of Peoples Temple members, who had been ordered by Jones to carry out a mass suicide.

The episode explores the events leading up to the Jonestown massacre, including the cult’s growing isolation and paranoia, the role of drugs in the community, and the escalating violence and control tactics used by Jones and his inner circle.

The episode also features interviews with survivors of the massacre, including those who managed to escape the compound before the mass suicide took place. These survivors offer firsthand accounts of the abuse and brainwashing they experienced at Jonestown, as well as their reactions to the horrific events that unfolded on November 18, 1978.

Overall, Jonestown is a chilling exploration of one of the most notorious cults in history, and the tragic events that led to the deaths of over 900 people. The episode offers a nuanced and thoughtful examination of the complex factors that converged to create this horrific tragedy, and serves as a powerful warning about the dangers of unchecked power and manipulation.