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Letter To Jack Ruby Signed By Lawyer

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Historic ALS of Joe H. Tonahill and Melvin Belli (handwritten by Tonahill, signed twice by both), To Jack Ruby, 1 full page. On stationery of the Hotel Adolphus, Dallas, Texas, 1964 January 22. Minor wear at folds. On January 20, 1964, at Ruby's second bail hearing, Judge Joe B. Brown ordered that neurological tests be conducted on Jack Ruby. That same day, Melvin Belli withdrew his motion for bail. In full, "You are concerned from some newspaper and magazine articles and what some people may have said about your lawyers 'sticking with you'. For your assurance and peace of mind and soul; I will continue as your lawyer, and this is personally, through this trial, all parts of it, any other trials and appeals that may be necessary and this regardless of whether we are paid another nickle by you or for you." Belli and Tonahill have signed at the conclusion. Written vertically in the wide left margin, Tonahill has added, "If necessary, this includes the Federal Courts and the U.S. Supreme Court. If any other lawyer drops out of the case for any cause, I will remain in it and continue." This, too, is signed "Joe H. Tonahill" and "Melvin Belli." On verso, Jack's brother Earl had written in red pencil, "Belli-No Fee" regarding the letter's contents. Belli had been paid $4,000 on December 21, 1963, $5,000 on January 21, 1963 (the day before this letter was written), and $2,000 on January 29, 1963 (one week later). Belli was not paid for his brief for appeal in Jack's case which he filed on his own after Ruby's family had fired him. The trial was held March 4-14, 1964. After less than one hour of deliberation, Jack Ruby was found guilty of murder with malice and sentenced to death. 7 1/4 x 10 1/2" Sale History: Herman Darvick Autograph Auctions, December 1992

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