History Daily: The Trial of Jack Ruby

Published on March 14, 2025

Introduction

In the gripping episode of History Daily, host Lindsay Graham delves deep into one of the most enigmatic and controversial trials in American history—the trial of Jack Ruby. This detailed examination not only recounts the events surrounding Ruby's murder of Lee Harvey Oswald but also explores the intricate legal battles that ensued. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, Graham brings to life the tension and drama that defined this pivotal moment in the aftermath of President John F. Kennedy's assassination.

The Assassination of Lee Harvey Oswald

The narrative begins on a fateful day, Sunday, November 24, 1963, when Lee Harvey Oswald, the accused assassin of President Kennedy, was being transferred from the Dallas police station to the county jail. Detective Jim Lovell recounts the tense atmosphere inside the police headquarters:

James Benmore [00:24]: "As they proceed through the station, Lovell notices other officers glaring at Oswald in undisguised contempt."

Amidst a hostile crowd of reporters and onlookers, Ruby—a local nightclub owner—unexpectedly emerges as a key figure. At 11:17 AM, Ruby executes Oswald using a .38 caliber Colt Cobra revolver, an act broadcast live across the nation:

James Benmore [00:24]: "He shouts, 'You know me. I'm Jack Ruby.'"

This assassination not only silenced Oswald but also deepened the nation's shock and confusion following Kennedy's murder.

Jack Ruby: The Man Behind the Murder

Moving forward to March 14, 1964, the episode transitions to the courtroom where Ruby stands trial for the murder of Oswald. Defense attorney Melvin Belli, renowned for his flamboyant style, takes on Ruby's case pro bono, reveling in the immense publicity it brings:

James Benmore [12:46]: "Belli and Ruby are fielding questions from an army of reporters who've been given unprecedented access to the courtroom."

Belli's strategy hinges on portraying Ruby as a man driven by a sudden, uncontrollable impulse rather than premeditation. He argues that Ruby acted in a state of psychomotor epilepsy—a claim later debunked by the prosecution.

The Trial Proceedings

Belli's opening statement emphasizes his intent to demonstrate that Ruby's actions were not premeditated:

James Benmore [12:46]: "Belli tells the jury that he intends to prove that the fates conspired against Jack Ruby."

To support his argument, Belli calls several psychiatrists who testify that Ruby was experiencing a fugue state during the murder. However, their testimonies fall apart under scrutiny:

James Benmore [12:46]: "Within days, the prosecution puts these psychiatrists on the stand and they quickly dismantle Belli's argument."

Undeterred, Belli introduces Karen Carlin, an exotic dancer and a personal acquaintance of Ruby, as a character witness. Carlin's testimony is pivotal, presenting Ruby as volatile yet not malicious:

James Benmore [12:46]: "Karen describes Ruby as having a volatile temper and having witnessed him commit acts of violence towards customers in the club."

Her account suggests that Ruby's actions were impulsive, aiming to portray him as incapable of premeditation.

Prosecution's Counterarguments

The prosecution counters Belli's narrative by highlighting Ruby's calculated behavior leading up to the murder. They present evidence that Ruby had been surveilling Oswald in the days before the assassination and was present at the press conference immediately following Kennedy's death:

James Benmore [12:46]: "Ruby had been following Oswald for days... this fact supported the state's case that Ruby's unnatural desire to be around Lee Harvey Oswald suggested premeditation."

Additionally, testimonies reveal that Ruby was fully aware of the implications of his actions and intended to silence Oswald.

Closing Arguments and Verdict

As the trial nears its conclusion, Belli delivers a faltering closing argument, struggling to salvage his defense strategy amid mounting evidence against Ruby:

James Benmore [18:07]: "Belli reminds the jury of Ruby's love for his dog, Sheba, questioning if a man so attached could commit premeditated murder."

In contrast, the prosecution delivers a powerful closing statement, emphasizing Ruby's disregard for justice and the symbolic nature of his act:

James Benmore [18:07]: "The prosecutor declares that by killing Lee Harvey Oswald before he could face trial, Ruby had mocked American justice while the spotlight of the world was on Dallas."

On March 14, 1964, the jury delivers a unanimous verdict of guilty, sentencing Jack Ruby to the death penalty:

James Benmore [18:07]: "A jury of 12 Dallas citizens decided Jack Ruby was guilty of murder with malice."

Aftermath and Legacy

Despite his conviction, Ruby's sentence is overturned two years later, and he is diagnosed with cancer while awaiting a second trial. Ruby ultimately dies at Parkland Hospital, the same institution where both President Kennedy and Lee Harvey Oswald met their ends. The trial leaves a lingering sense of mystery and fuels numerous conspiracy theories, as many questions about Ruby's motives and connections remain unanswered.

James Benmore [18:07]: "The full truth surrounding Jack Ruby's murder of Lee Harvey Oswald remains a mystery and the subject of countless conspiracy theories."

Conclusion

History Daily's comprehensive exploration of Jack Ruby's trial offers listeners an immersive journey into a critical chapter of American history. By dissecting courtroom strategies, personal testimonies, and the broader socio-political context, the episode elucidates the complexities and enduring intrigue surrounding this infamous event. For those seeking to understand the nuances of Ruby's actions and the subsequent legal ramifications, this episode serves as an invaluable resource.

Notable Quotes

• Detective Jim Lovell [00:24]: "Lee Oswald has been shot."
• Jack Ruby [00:24]: "You know me. I'm Jack Ruby."
• Melvin Belli [12:46]: "I intend to prove that the fates conspired against Jack Ruby."
• Karen Carlin [12:46]: "Ruby has a volatile temper and has committed acts of violence towards customers."
• Prosecutor [18:07]: "Ruby mocked American justice by killing Oswald before he could face trial."
• Melvin Belli [18:07]: "Could a man so attached to his pet commit premeditated murder?"

Attribution

This episode was hosted, edited, and executive produced by Lindsey Graham, with audio editing by Molly Bon, sound design by Misha Stanton, and music by Lindsey Graham. The script was written and researched by James Benmore, under the executive production of Steven Walters for Airship and Pascal Hughes for Noiser.