35 Facts About Jack Ruby

Who Was Jack Ruby?

Jack Ruby, born Jacob Leon Rubenstein, is a name that resonates with one of the most infamous moments in American history. He was a nightclub owner in Dallas, Texas, who became widely known for his involvement in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

1. Jack Ruby was born on March 25, 1911, in Chicago, Illinois.
2. Ruby was the fifth of eight children in a Polish-Jewish immigrant family.
3. He changed his name from Jacob Leon Rubenstein to Jack Ruby in 1947.
4. Ruby moved to Dallas in 1947, where he managed various nightclubs, strip clubs, and dance halls.
5. He was known for his connections with the Dallas police, often providing them with free drinks and entertainment.

The Assassination of Lee Harvey Oswald

Jack Ruby's most notorious act was the murder of Lee Harvey Oswald, the man accused of assassinating President John F. Kennedy. This event catapulted Ruby into the national spotlight.

6. On November 24, 1963, Ruby shot Oswald in the basement of the Dallas Police Headquarters.
7. The shooting was broadcast live on national television, shocking millions of viewers.
8. Ruby claimed he killed Oswald to spare Jacqueline Kennedy the ordeal of a trial.
9. Ruby used a .38 caliber Colt Cobra revolver to shoot Oswald.
10. He was immediately arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

Ruby's Trial and Conviction

Ruby's trial was one of the most publicized in American history. His defense team argued that he was temporarily insane when he shot Oswald.

11. Ruby's trial began on February 17, 1964, in Dallas.
12. His defense attorney was Melvin Belli, a famous San Francisco lawyer.
13. The jury found Ruby guilty of murder with malice on March 14, 1964.
14. Ruby was sentenced to death by electric chair.
15. Ruby's conviction was later overturned on appeal in 1966, but he never faced a retrial.

Ruby's Life in Prison

Ruby's time in prison was marked by numerous health issues and a constant struggle to clear his name.

16. Ruby was held in the Dallas County Jail after his conviction.
17. He suffered from various health problems, including pneumonia and cancer.
18. Ruby claimed he was part of a larger conspiracy to kill Kennedy, but his claims were never substantiated.
19. He was transferred to Parkland Memorial Hospital in December 1966 due to his declining health.
20. Ruby died of a pulmonary embolism on January 3, 1967, at the age of 55.

Conspiracy Theories and Controversies

Jack Ruby's actions and subsequent death have fueled numerous conspiracy theories over the years.

21. Some believe Ruby was part of a larger conspiracy involving organized crime and the CIA.
22. Ruby himself claimed he was injected with cancer cells while in prison.
23. The Warren Commission concluded that Ruby acted alone in killing Oswald.
24. Despite the Warren Commission's findings, many Americans remain skeptical about Ruby's true motives.
25. Ruby's connections to the Dallas police and organized crime have only added to the speculation.

Ruby's Legacy

Jack Ruby's legacy is a complex and controversial one. He remains a figure shrouded in mystery and intrigue.

26. Ruby's actions have been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and films.
27. The 1991 film "JFK" by Oliver Stone reignited interest in Ruby and the Kennedy assassination.
28. Ruby's nightclub, the Carousel Club, became a focal point for conspiracy theorists.
29. Some historians argue that Ruby's actions changed the course of American history.
30. Ruby's family has maintained that he was not part of any conspiracy.

Lesser-Known Facts About Jack Ruby

Beyond his infamous act, there are several lesser-known facts about Jack Ruby that paint a fuller picture of his life.

31. Ruby served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.
32. He was known for his volatile temper and frequent altercations.
33. Ruby was a dog lover and often brought his pet dachshund, Sheba, to his nightclub.
34. He was deeply affected by the assassination of President Kennedy, whom he admired.
35. Ruby's actions on November 24, 1963, continue to be a subject of debate and fascination.

Final Thoughts on Jack Ruby

Jack Ruby's life remains a fascinating chapter in American history. Known for killing Lee Harvey Oswald, Ruby's actions added layers of mystery to the JFK assassination. Born Jacob Rubenstein, he had ties to the Chicago mob and ran nightclubs in Dallas. Ruby's impulsive act on November 24, 1963, shocked the nation and fueled countless conspiracy theories. Despite his claims of patriotism, many believe his connections to organized crime played a role. Ruby's death from cancer in 1967 left many questions unanswered. His story continues to intrigue historians and conspiracy theorists alike. Whether seen as a patriot or a pawn, Ruby's legacy endures. His actions forever changed the course of American history, making him a figure of endless speculation and debate.