Boston's most notorious gangster worked hand-in-hand with FBI agents, ratting out his Mob rivals in exchange for protection. When the partnership unraveled, James "Whitey" Bulger disappeared.
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From the archives
Martorano to return to Hub after prison term
He was one of the most notorious hitmen in Boston mob history. He became the first in a rogues gallery of underworld figures to turn government witness against gangsters James "Whitey" Bulger and Stephen "The Rifleman" Flemmi and their corrupt FBI handlers. (Globe Staff, 3/20/07)
For Weeks, life of crime is all over
Kevin Weeks said his book about James ''Whitey" Bulger helped him close the chapter on living in the gangster's shadow for 25 years. (Boston Globe, 3/13/06)
Chapter closes on Flemmi
Tim Connors was only a baby when his father, Eddie, was snatched from him by gangsters Stephen Flemmi and James "Whitey" Bulger, gunned down on June 12, 1975, as he stood defenseless inside a Dorchester telephone booth, prosecutors say. (Globe Staff, 1/28/04)
Cast of characters
Galleries & graphics
- Photos Searching for 'Whitey' Bulger
- Photos 'Whitey' and others involved
- Photos Callahan murder saga
- Photos 1989 surveillance of 'Whitey' in South Boston
- Graphic Bulger sightings
Opinion
- Commentary Jurors boiled story down to lesson of right and wrong
- Kevin Cullen It's justice, in cutoffs
- Kevin Cullen A rat by any other name
- Kevin Cullen Voice from old days says his friend will never roll
- Kevin Cullen Good guys 'don't go around murdering people'
- Editorial 5 Reasons Why Whitey Matters
- Joan Vennochi If Connolly is so guilty, can the FBI be so innocent?
- Eileen McNamara Is Connolly just the FBI's fall guy?
- James Carroll Winks and nods for the Bulger brothers
- Adrian Walker An ugly saga for both sides
- Adrian Walker Deal with killer dishonors death
- Mike Barnicle Introducing John Matorano
- Joan Vennochi Loyal to a fault
- Mike Barnicle Good cop, bad cop
- Mike Barnicle Jimmy Bulger: Fox in FBI coop
Latest news
Florida becomes a focus
in hunt for Whitey Bulger
The FBI has received numerous tips that the elderly gangster was spotted throughout that state. (Boston Globe, 8/25/09)
More recent news
'Departed' producer eyes film on hitman
Graham King is making a movie based on the life of John Martorano, a onetime executioner for James "Whitey" Bulger's gang who killed 20 people over a decade.
(Boston Globe, 12/16/08)
(Boston Globe, 12/16/08)
Connolly convicted
Ending a chapter in Boston history that has cast a shadow on the FBI for more than a decade, a Florida jury convicted retired agent John J. Connolly Jr. (right) of second-degree murder for plotting with informants "Whitey" Bulger and Stephen "The Rifleman" Flemmi to kill a potential witness. (Boston Globe, 11/7/08)
- Lawyer wants conviction voided
- Connolly: Bulger spoke of surrender
- Flemmi: Gang tougher than Mafia
- Flemmi rues missing getaway
- Bulger cohort unloads on stand
- Transcript Kevin Cullen's chat
FBI ups ante for capture
As fugitive gangster James "Whitey" Bulger marked his 79th birthday, the FBI increased the reward for information leading directly to Bulger's capture from $1 million to $2 million. (Boston Globe, 9/4/08)
Thirteen years later,
search still intense
The April 3 caller to the FBI's Boston office said the matter was urgent. Fugitive gangster James "Whitey" Bulger and his girlfriend, Catherine Greig, were hiding in compartment 7 of Amtrak's Auto Train, scheduled to arrive in Sanford, Fla., in half an hour.
(Boston Globe, 6/13/08)
FBI investigates possible sighting in Italy
A possible sighting of fugitive gangster James "Whitey" Bulger and his girlfriend in Italy recently led members of the Boston-based Bulger Task Force to travel overseas to investigate, said a source familiar with the investigation. (Boston Globe, 5/24/07)
- 4/4/07 No charges for Bulger's brother
- 1/18/07 Tales from the Whitey watch
Special reports
1998
Whitey & the FBI
- Part 1: Crossing the line Agent, mobster forge a pact on old Southie ties
- Part 2: The Mafia myth Agents gave Bulger starring role in Mafia case - but was it real?
- Part 3: Overrated asset The official Bulger FBI files: some tall tales
- Part 4: The price of protection Cases disappear as FBI looks away
- Part 5: Drugs in Southie FBI in denial as Bulger breaks drug pact in Southie
1998
Whitey's life on the run
1995
The story behind Whitey's fall
- New team, tactics hastened Whitey Bulger's fall
- Bulger's flight spares FBI burden of ties being aired, insiders say
- Timeline: The rise, fall and escape of Whitey Bulger
1988
THE BULGER MYSTIQUE