34th anniversary of Jonestown Massacre remembered

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Oakland Mayor Jean Quan is joining local, state, and congressional leaders at a solemn occasion -- the 34th annual memorial service for those killed in the Jonestown massacre.

The memorial is being held Sunday at Evergreen Cemetery in Oakland. Community leaders and families are holding a prayer vigil and celebration for those who perished.

It was November 18th, 1978 when San Mateo Congressman Leo Ryan and his legal aide, Jackie Speier, went to investigate the People's Temple Cult involving many Bay Area people under cult leader Jim Jones.

It turned violent -- Congressman Ryan was shot and killed. Speier and others were left for dead.

Then cult members were given cyanide-laced Kool-Aid. 900 men, women and children died.

Speier survived and went on to serve San Mateo in Congress.

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oakland, murder, shooting, guns, jean quan, jackie speier, east bay news

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