James “Whitey” Bulger will not take the stand in his trial for murder and other crimes, lawyers for the alleged Boston mob boss informed the court Friday.
The announcement, which brought an end to Bulger’s defense, clears the way for the jury to start considering its verdict next week in one of the most engrossing criminal underworld trials in US history.
Bulger, an 83-year-old Irish American who is accused of 19 murders, extortion, money-laundering and arms trafficking, said he would not testify because he had been prevented from telling his full side of the story.
This centers on a claim that federal agents, including the late prosecutor Jeremiah O’Sullivan, had granted him immunity in return for cooperation with their investigations into other criminal networks.
Asked by Judge Denise Casper if he had made the decision not to give evidence voluntarily, Bulger replied aggressively.
“I’m making the choice involuntarily because I feel I’ve been choked off and unable to get my word out about Jeremiah O’Sullivan and saving his life,” he said.
“This trial is unfair and a sham.”
Bulger’s stance disappointed a packed courtroom that had been keenly anticipating listening to him give his version of events.
The trial has featured harrowing evidence, including tales of murder victims having their teeth removed and a mobster’s girlfriend being strangled to death because she “knew too much.”
The trial has also been marked by the sudden and still-unexplained death of Stephen Rakes, 59, who had been due to give evidence related to the time when Bulger allegedly ran South Boston as a personal fiefdom.
Closing arguments in the case will now be heard on Monday and the jury will be instructed on Tuesday.
Alleged US mob boss refuses to testify in 'sham' trial
