Cult Observer Archives

The Cult Observer

May/June 1986

Ask Dismissal in Ryan Murder Case

From San Jose Mercury News (CA)

March 11, 1986

Larry Layton should be freed from a second trial for the 1978 Peoples Temple shooting death of Congressman Leo Ryan because of the government’s long delay in trying him again, his attorney said in San Francisco yesterday.

James Hewitt told U.S. District Judge Robert Peckham that the long delay has caused serious problems in the defense’s ability to find witnesses and denied Layton his right to a speedy trail. Layton’s first trial, in 1980, ended with the jury deadlocked at 11-1 for acquittal.