A bewildered jury was just dismissed from the courtroom after learning that Whitey Bulger will not testify at his own trial.
Just before 11 a.m., Bulger told the court that he will not take the stand in his defense because he believes he was not given a fair trial. Metro reporter for the Boston Globe Miltion Valencia quoted Bulger in the courtroom:
“AS far as I’m concerned I didn’t get a fair trial, this is a sham, and do what you want with me” he says. “That’s my answer.” #Bulger
— Milton Valencia (@MiltonValencia) August 2, 2013
Before this trial began, Bulger was granted immunity from a former prosecutor, now deceased. The judge barred this information from being entered as evidence into trial, further hindering the defense’s efforts to prove Bulger was not an informant. He refused to testify under oath without the ability to present evidence of immunity.
“I’m making this involuntarily. My defense was choked off.” “As far as I’m concerned this is a sham. Do with me what you will.” #Bulger
— Kevin Cullen (@GlobeCullen) August 2, 2013
After calling just ten witnesses, the defense rests their case. Closing arguments will begin Monday, and are expected to be a doozy: each side gets three hours on the courtroom floor.
Court is currently still in session at the Moakley US District Courthouse as Judge Denise J. Casper cleans house – finalizing rulings on motions throughout case, documenting evidence, etc.
Only a handful of reporters are allowed in the courtroom. Here are their accounts of the reactions to the decision and the announcement’s aftermath:
“As far as I’m concerned I didn’t get a fair trial, this is a sham,” #Bulger said. “You’re a coward,” Pat Donahue yelled
— Shelley Murphy (@shelleymurph) August 2, 2013
The #Bulger trial courtroom is packed with the disappointed relatives of his alleged victims
— Shelley Murphy (@shelleymurph) August 2, 2013
Jury dismissed early. Closing arguments Monday. Deliberations will begin Tuesday. Whitey measured for jumpsuit shortly after. #Bulger
— Kevin Cullen (@GlobeCullen) August 2, 2013
Bulger made a surprising request during this morning’s motions in the courtroom: to give his money, found stashed away in the walls of his former Santa Monica, CA home, to the families of two victims. The Halloran and Donahue families both filed lawsuits against the corrupt FBI who protected Bulger, but had their claims thrown out by the 1st Circuit. The cash Bulger offered amounts to more than $800K.
Jury deliberations are set to begin Tuesday after closing arguments from both the prosecution and defense are heard on Monday. Today marked 34 days of testimony in the trial, which has lasted for seven weeks. Whitey Bulger is being charged on a 32-count indictment which includes gun crime, money laundering, racketeering, and nineteen counts of murder.
