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The State - News from June 16, 1987

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Former Peoples Temple member Larry Layton’s post-conviction efforts to prove his defense lawyers incompetent cost him his freedom. San Francisco Chief U.S. District Judge Robert Peckham revoked the $250,000 bail he had granted in March pending appeal of Layton’s convictions on charges of conspiracy and abetting the 1978 murder of Rep. Leo Ryan. Peckham said Layton had lied under oath in hearings on his contentions that his lawyers failed to present an adequate legal defense and failed to inform him that he faced mandatory life imprisonment. Peckham said the apparent perjury showed Layton to be “a man of desperation to avoid his convictions,” and therefore a person who might flee while awaiting outcome of the appeal. Defense lawyers said they will appeal.

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