It’s surely a bittersweet day for the relatives of those murdered by the hand of James “Whitey” Bulger, the notorious mobster who ruled Boston’s criminal underground with ruthless deceit for decades. Wednesday marks the first day of the sentencing phase of Bulger’s trial, who was found guilty of 31 out of 32 charges, and a sentence will be levied against him tomorrow.
The day’s schedule was clearly outlined by Judge Denise Casper; that the court would review all judicial proceeding items, hear from the prosecution on recommended sentencing, relatives of the deceased Bulger was proven and not proven to have been involved in killing, and finally from Bulger himself, who notably refused to take the stand in his own defense during the bulk of his trial.
As each family member spoke emotionally to Bulger on their respective losses, the convicted South Boston native sat dispassionately between his two public defenders, appearing to scribble in a yellow notebook and refusing to raise his eyes to each speaker.
Judge Casper allowed for those who Bulger was not proven to have murdered to address the court as well, though, their testimony will play no part in tomorrow’s sentencing.
Here is just a sampling of how some of the addresses were conveyed:
McGonagle says Bulger ran like a coward. He says whitey is a mentally deficient irrelevant old man.
— Jonathan Hall (@JHall7news) November 13, 2013
Tom Angeli: “I want the court to know I’m not happy with the results of this trial. I really think the case was proven.” #bulger
— Adam Reilly (@reillyadam) November 13, 2013
I’m surprised #Bulger has had no reaction even when Marie Mahoney looks at #Bulger and says “we got you, you rat.”
— David Frank (@davidfrankmlw) November 13, 2013
Wm O’Brien: got nothing from this trial, no answers. #fox25 #Bulger His Dad is one of the Not Proved victims.
— Bob Ward Fox25 (@Bward3) November 13, 2013
Patricia Donahue, wife of murder victim, Michael Donahue: Whitey Bulger murdered my husband while corrupt FBI agents stood by.
— Molly Line (@MollyLineFNC) November 13, 2013
Meredith rakes, daughter of Stephen. Rakes was murdered during #bulger trial. Says bulger will no longer be part of family legacy.
— Lana Jones (@Lanawbz) November 13, 2013
Tim Connors, son of Eddie, murdered in phone booth by Whitey and Steve Flemmi. He thanks US Atty’s office and Judge Casper #Bulger
— Kevin Cullen (@GlobeCullen) November 13, 2013
Callahan: my dad never saw his children graduate from high school, never knew his grandchildren – that was all taken away @NECN #Bulger
— Alysha Palumbo (@AlyshaNECN) November 13, 2013
Kathleen Nichols: our father was flawed, “however, murder robbed him of the chance of betterment.”
— Jim Armstrong (@JimArmstrongWBZ) November 13, 2013
When asked to speak on his own behalf, Bulger curtly responded, “No.”
The trial is now in recess until tomorrow, at which time Judge Capser will hand down a sentence.