Podcast Summary: The Murder Sheet

Episode Title: The JFK Assassination: A Conversation with Warren Commission Lawyer and Author Burt Griffin On the Mysteries of Jack Ruby
Release Date: April 8, 2025
Hosts: Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee
Guest: Burt Griffin, Warren Commission Lawyer and Author of JFK, Oswald, and Politics, Prejudice, and Truth

Introduction to the Episode

In this compelling episode of The Murder Sheet, hosts Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee delve deep into one of America's most enduring mysteries: the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the subsequent killing of Lee Harvey Oswald by Jack Ruby. Their guest, Burt Griffin, a seasoned attorney who worked with the Warren Commission and the author of JFK, Oswald, and Politics, Prejudice, and Truth, provides an insider’s perspective on Jack Ruby’s enigmatic actions and motivations.

Jack Ruby’s Reaction to JFK’s Assassination

Timestamp: [04:05]

Griffin begins by recounting the immediate aftermath of JFK's assassination on November 22, 1963. He explains that before the President was shot, Jack Ruby, a nightclub owner, was already agitated by a critical advertisement in the Dallas Morning News. The ad, signed "Bernard Weissler," was perceived by Ruby as a veiled anti-Semitic attack, leading him to believe that Jews might be scapegoated for the assassination.

"Ruby was worried about this ad even before he knew that the President had been shot... and he believed that the name was fictitious." [06:44]

Following the assassination, Ruby's anxiety escalated as he interpreted the black border of the ad as a symbolic prediction of Kennedy’s death. This conviction drove him to take action swiftly.

Ruby’s Journey Leading to Oswald’s Murder

Timestamp: [06:37] - [09:16]

Griffin details Ruby’s immediate actions post-assassination. Believing in a conspiracy to blame Jews for Kennedy’s death, Ruby sought answers. He closed his nightclubs and made plans that culminated in him visiting the Dallas Police Station, where Lee Harvey Oswald was held.

"Ruby then became convinced that Jews were going to be blamed for the assassination of President Kennedy." [13:41]

Griffin addresses a reporter Seth Cantor’s claim that Ruby confronted him at Parkland Hospital, where JFK was taken. Griffin disputes this, suggesting Ruby likely met Cantor at the Dallas Police Station instead.

Ruby as a Conspiracy Investigator

Timestamp: [13:41]

Griffin characterizes Ruby as one of the first conspiracy investigators. Ruby’s relentless search for "Bernard Weissle" led him through various investigative steps, including examining telephone directories and reaching out to friends, none of whom knew a Bernard Weissle in Dallas.

"Ruby really became one of the very first conspiracy investigators." [13:48]

Ruby’s investigation uncovered that "Bernard Weissler" was indeed a real person, part of the John Birch Society, which aimed to infiltrate and influence American conservative movements.

Ruby’s Relationship with Local Police

Timestamp: [17:39] - [19:09]

Griffin explores Ruby’s interactions with the Dallas Police Department. Despite his connections to individuals involved in organized crime during his youth in Chicago, Griffin emphasizes that mere associations do not equate to participation in criminal activities. Ruby was depicted as a loner with limited deep personal relationships, primarily bonding with his dogs.

"Ruby was a loner... His closest relationships were with his seven dogs." [19:02]

The Night of the Murder: Ruby’s Actions

Timestamp: [19:09] - [26:18]

Griffin narrates the events of November 24, 1963, the day Ruby killed Oswald. Responding to a request from one of his dancers for financial help, Ruby visited the Western Union office near the Dallas Police Station. Unbeknownst to him, Oswald was about to be transferred, providing Ruby the opportunity to shoot him.

"Ruby wired a money order to Little Lynn at 11:21 and then, four minutes later, he killed Oswald." [22:32]

Griffin argues that the timing and manner of the shooting suggest a spontaneous act rather than a premeditated conspiracy.

"If it was a conspiracy, it was not a well-planned conspiracy." [23:13]

Addressing Conspiracy Theories and Organized Crime Links

Timestamp: [23:16] - [25:41]

Despite Ruby’s known associations with individuals linked to organized crime in his youth, Griffin contends that these connections do not substantiate claims of his involvement in a conspiracy to assassinate JFK.

"Knowing someone who was later involved in organized crime doesn't in any way make you a part of organized crime." [23:38]

Griffin also highlights the lack of evidence connecting Ruby to any organized conspiratorial networks, emphasizing thorough investigations by the Warren Commission and the FBI, which found no substantial links.

Ruby’s Motivations and Testimonies

Timestamp: [26:18] - [54:14]

Griffin delves into Ruby’s testimonies about why he killed Oswald. Initially, Ruby claimed he wanted to demonstrate that Jews had the courage to take action, tying it back to his fears of anti-Semitism.

"Ruby's answer was I had to show the world a Jew had guns." [26:30]

Later, Ruby suggested he acted to protect Jacqueline Kennedy from the ordeal of testifying if Oswald were to be tried. Throughout his testimonies, Ruby presented conflicting reasons, which Griffin attributes to his mental instability at the time.

"By the time he testified before the commission, he was mentally ill." [52:27]

Griffin also describes Ruby's interactions with law enforcement and his desire to communicate directly with President Johnson, reinforcing the notion that Ruby acted alone, driven by personal convictions rather than a broader conspiracy.

The Warren Commission’s Investigation of Ruby

Timestamp: [31:07] - [56:22]

Griffin discusses his role with the Warren Commission, focusing on investigating Ruby's actions and assessing the possibility of a conspiracy. He emphasizes the thoroughness of the Commission’s work, relying on thousands of documents and witness testimonies that corroborated Ruby’s accounts.

"From all the witnesses that we had, everybody who talked to them verified everything that Ruby said." [54:25]

Griffin shares personal anecdotes about working alongside colleagues with differing political views, highlighting their collective commitment to uncovering the truth over partisan biases.

Ethical Concerns in Ruby’s Trial and Testimonies

Timestamp: [34:34] - [45:57]

The discussion transitions to the ethical issues surrounding Ruby’s trial, particularly focusing on his defense attorney, Melvin Belli. Griffin criticizes Belli for prioritizing personal publicity over Ruby’s defense, leading to an ineffective representation that resulted in Ruby's conviction and death penalty.

"Melvin Belli was more interested in his own publicity than he was in getting the most favorable outcome for Ruby." [34:34]

Further, Griffin explores the credibility of key prosecution witnesses like Sergeant Patrick Dean, who delayed his written testimony regarding Ruby’s premeditation by several months, raising questions about the integrity of the evidence presented at trial.

Conclusion and Reflections

Timestamp: [56:22] - [65:09]

Griffin reflects on his experience working with the Warren Commission, lauding the collaborative efforts despite political differences. He underscores the importance of dedicated investigative work in uncovering the truth behind high-profile cases like JFK’s assassination.

"We had a group of people who were determined to try to find if there was a conspiracy or not." [56:22]

He also shares a memorable interaction with Sergeant Dean, illustrating the challenges faced during the investigation and the internal dynamics that influenced testimonies and perceptions about Ruby’s actions.

Key Takeaways and Insights

• Jack Ruby’s Motivations: Ruby acted out of genuine fear and paranoia, believing in a conspiracy that would unfairly blame Jews for JFK’s assassination.

• Lack of Conspiratorial Evidence: Extensive investigations by the Warren Commission and the FBI found no concrete evidence linking Ruby to a broader conspiracy.

• Ruby’s Mental State: Ruby exhibited signs of mental instability, which contributed to his unpredictable actions and conflicting testimonies.

• Ethical Lapses in Trial: The handling of Ruby’s defense and the delayed testimonies of key witnesses like Sergeant Dean raised legitimate concerns about the fairness and integrity of the trial process.

• Commitment to Truth: Despite political differences, the Warren Commission’s staff, including Griffin, remained steadfast in their pursuit of truth, demonstrating the importance of unbiased investigative work.

Notable Quotes

• "If it was a conspiracy, it was not a well-planned conspiracy." — Burt Griffin [23:13]

• "We had a group of people who were determined to try to find if there was a conspiracy or not." — Burt Griffin [56:22]

• "Ruby was mentally ill when he testified before the commission." — Burt Griffin [52:27]

Conclusion

This episode of The Murder Sheet offers a thorough examination of Jack Ruby's role in the JFK assassination narrative, backed by firsthand insights from Burt Griffin. It challenges prevailing conspiracy theories by presenting evidence of Ruby’s solitary motivations and the lack of substantial links to any organized conspiracy. Griffin’s reflections also shed light on the complexities and ethical dilemmas faced by those tasked with unraveling one of history's most perplexing crimes.

For listeners seeking an in-depth understanding of the JFK assassination and the enigmatic figure of Jack Ruby, this episode provides a balanced and meticulously researched perspective.

Additional Resources:

• Burt Griffin’s Book: JFK, Oswald, and Politics, Prejudice, and Truth is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble for those interested in a more detailed exploration of the case.

• Listen to More: Subscribe to The Murder Sheet for more in-depth true crime analyses, expert interviews, and original reporting on both well-known and obscure cases.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements and non-content segments to focus solely on the investigative discussion surrounding Jack Ruby and the JFK assassination.