On a quiet February night in 1980, horror unfolded inside a small Berkeley cottage. Al and Jeannie Mills were found shot execution-style in their bedroom. Their teenage daughter, Daphene, lay nearby—barely alive from a similar gunshot wound. She died three days later.
The brutality was shocking. But what truly chilled investigators was the family’s history. They were defectors from the Peoples Temple—the cult led by Jim Jones. Two years earlier, over 900 people died in the Jonestown Massacre. Did the Mills family’s bold opposition to Jones seal their fate?
From Believers to Enemies of the Cult
Before they became critics, Al and Jeannie Mills (formerly Elmer and Deanna Mertle) were trusted members of the Peoples Temple. They joined in 1969 and rose through the ranks. According to researcher Fielding McGehee III, the couple enforced Jones’ orders, including spying and emotional manipulation.
But things changed when Jones refused to return their California properties. The final straw came when he ordered a brutal beating of their daughter Linda. That violence broke their faith. In 1975, they left the Temple, changed their names, and began speaking out.
Through the Berkeley Human Freedom Center and Concerned Relatives of Peoples Temple Members, they warned the world about Jones. Their efforts placed them at the top of Jones’ enemies list.
A Prophecy Before Death
In November 1978, Congressman Leo Ryan visited Jonestown after pressure from the Mills family and others. Jones’ guards murdered Ryan and three journalists. Hours later, over 900 Temple members—including hundreds of children—died in a mass poisoning.
Before his death, Jones recorded a final message. In it, he named “Deanna Mertle” and warned that his followers in San Francisco would not let his death go unanswered. The Mills family feared for their lives and received temporary police protection. But nothing happened—at least, not then.
Murder Shocks the Nation
Nearly two years later, the nightmare arrived. The Mills family was gunned down in their Berkeley home. The crime scene showed no signs of forced entry or robbery. Police quickly considered one theory—was this revenge from remaining Peoples Temple loyalists?
But they never found proof linking the murders to Jones’ followers. Instead, attention shifted to someone even closer.
A Son Under Suspicion
Eddie Mills, 17, was home during the murders. He claimed he heard nothing. Yet forensic tests showed gunpowder residue on his hands. No weapon was ever found. Despite this, no charges were filed at the time.
In 1983, Eddie inherited nearly half of his parents’ estate, which had been valued at $500,000. Suspicion lingered, but evidence remained too thin for a conviction.
In 2005, the case reopened. Police arrested Eddie, now living in Japan. But just as quickly, prosecutors dropped the charges due to lack of evidence.
His family stood by him, maintaining his innocence. With no new leads and no solid suspects, the case was shelved once again.
Still Unsolved Decades Later
To this day, no one knows who killed the Mills family. Was it a calculated act of revenge by cult loyalists? Or was the killer already inside the house? The case remains one of the most mysterious triple homicides in U.S. history.
As time passes, the echoes of that night fade. But for those who remember Jonestown—and the Mills’ brave stand—the mystery still haunts.
FAQs
Who were the victims in the Jonestown defector triple murder?
Al and Jeannie Mills, and their daughter Daphene, were shot in their Berkeley home in 1980.
What was their connection to Jonestown?
They were former high-ranking members of the Peoples Temple who later became outspoken critics of Jim Jones.
Was the murder linked to Peoples Temple?
Investigators suspected Temple loyalists but never found proof. The theory remains unconfirmed.
Why was Eddie Mills a suspect?
He was home during the murders and had gunpowder residue on his hands. However, no charges stuck.
Did Eddie Mills face trial?
He was arrested in 2005, but the case was dropped due to lack of evidence.
Is the case still open?
No, it remains unsolved and is considered a cold case.