Dispute over Jonestown memorial spills into court
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - A California judge has denied a request to immediately block further construction and use of a recently installed memorial for the more than 900 victims of the 1978 Jonestown traged...
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — A California judge has denied a request to immediately block further construction and use of a recently installed memorial for the more than 900 victims of the 1978 Jonestown tragedy, including Peoples Temple leader Jim Jones.
Alameda County Superior Court Judge Robert McGuiness on Thursday declined to issue the temporary restraining order sought by a woman who lost 27 relatives in the mass murder and suicide in Guyana.
The Rev. Jynona Norwood says Oakland’s Evergreen Cemetery violated an agreement with her for a different memorial that would not include Jones’ name.
McGuiness’ ruling doesn’t mark the end of the legal battle. The judge has scheduled a preliminary injunction hearing for May 25 to hear further arguments from both sides.
The $45,000 memorial was commissioned by temple survivors and supporters, including Jones’ adopted son. It was completed Monday.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.
