Skip to main content
Courtroom sketch of Jack Ruby trial observer Ms. Nancy Connor
Courtroom sketch of Jack Ruby trial observer Ms. Nancy Connor

Courtroom sketch of Jack Ruby trial observer Ms. Nancy Connor

Object number1997.053.0006
DateFebruary 1964 - March 1964
ClassificationsArt
Artist Charles Fisher
ObjectCourtroom sketch
Credit LineCharles Fisher Collection/The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
MediumPaper
Dimensions14 × 16 3/4 in. (35.6 × 42.5 cm)
DescriptionCourtroom pencil sketch on paper by Charles Fisher. The sketch shows observer Judge Nancy Connor during the trial of Jack Ruby in February or March of 1964. The sketch shows the figure of Connor in profile, facing towards the viewer's left. She is depicted seated in a chair holding a group of papers on her lap. The caption in the top right reads "Miss Nancy Connor, observer, Judge from California, Jack Ruby Murder Trial," and the caption in the lower right reads "Jack Ruby murder trial." The artist's signature: "C. Fisher" is at bottom right, underneath the arm of the chair. Charles "Chuck" Fisher was the art director at KRLD-TV in 1963. Fisher made the pencil sketches during the trial of Jack Ruby for KRLD-TV after the judge barred cameras from the courtroom.
Curatorial Commentary
It is unknown why Charles Fisher sketched a portrait of trial observer Nancy Connor, whom he described as a "Judge from California." Mr. Fisher may have been mistaken in his identification because a search of California newspapers from the time period do not contain any references to a "Nancy Connor." Her name was also not found among a partial list of female California judges. If you have any information about the individual who appears in this courtroom sketch, please contact oralhistory@jfk.org. -- Stephen Fagin, Curator