Image of Jack Ruby conferring with lawyers Joe Tonahill and Melvin Belli

Dallas Morning News nightclub reporter Tony Zoppi is visible in the background, wearing glasses, just above the heads of Jack Ruby and lead defense attorney Melvin Belli. Having covered Ruby's Carousel Club and other entertainment ventures for the newspaper, Tony Zoppi had known Ruby personally and professionally for many years. In WFAA news film shot at the same time as this photograph was taken, Zoppi can be seen smiling and winking at Ruby, who immediately turns and acknowledges Zoppi's presence. Zoppi went on to become close friends with Ruby's attorney, Melvin Belli. - Stephen Fagin, Curator