The rifle is the most important piece of evidence in this case. Once you accept that it was owned by LHO - as proven beyond all doubt by a variety of evidence from various different sources - and used to kill JFK, the curtain is drawn back and this becomes a very simple case even if every detail can't be proven with absolute certainty. We can't possibly know everything in this case or any criminal case because they are certain things known only by the perpetrator and some matters can only be surmised by logic and common sense, but the bottom line remains that LHO is the only person known to possess this rifle. He made an unusual trip to the location where it was stored the night before the assassination. He carried a long package to work the next morning which has never been associated with any other item than the rifle. If there were any doubt, the rifle was found on the 6th floor - the location from which witnesses confirm that the shots were fired. LHO had an opportunity to explain why his rifle was in the TSBD that day. Instead he lied and denied ownership. It's a drumbeat of guilt.