Mass Suicide at Jonestown: 30 Years Later

jonestown massacre anniversary
AP

The Poison
In the years prior to the tragedy, Jones had obtained a jeweler's license that allowed him to purchase cyanide, used to clean gold. The temple took in a half-pound of the poison each month. Also found at the compound were large quantities of potassium chloride. Needle-less syringes were used to squirt the drugs, mixed with Flavor Aid, into the mouths of infants.

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