Pencil sketch of Ruby trial observer Mrs. Denise Walker dated February 22, 1964

On Saturday, February 22, 1964, a total of five prospective jurors were interviewed for the Jack Ruby trial, including three women who were identified in the transcript as Mrs. Novlyn T. Ohlson, Mrs. Josephine R. Lee and Mrs. Joy Parker. None of those interviewed on February 22 were selected for the trial.

Mrs. Walker, who appears in this sketch, was likely just a spectator in the courtroom that day. It is possible that she requested a portrait, though if so, it is unknown why this sketch remained in Mr. Fisher's possession until donated to the Museum in 1997. The unusual caption, noting that it was "[s]ketched live at recess of Jack Ruby murder trial," does suggest that it was created more as a personal keepsake rather than an actual courtroom sketch for broadcast or publication. -- Stephen Fagin, Curator    

Jury selection in the Jack Ruby trial took place between February 17 and March 3, 1964. During that two-week period, 162 prospective jurors were interviewed, which District Attorney Henry Wade informed the news media was not a Dallas County record. Of the 162 individuals interviewed for the Ruby trial, twelve were accepted, eighteen were challenged by the defense team, eleven were challenged by the prosecution, sixty-two were ruled out because they were against the death penalty, fifty-eight were ruled out because they held fixed opinions on the case, and one was excused due to illness. -- Stephen Fagin, Curator