BOSTON (CBS) – Whitey Bulger won’t testify in his own defense at his trial, which he called a “sham” Friday.
Read: WBZ Live Reports From Court
Bulger, 83, is charged with participating in 19 murders in the 1970’s and 80’s. His attorney J.W. Carney Jr. finished presenting defense witnesses Friday morning, leading to the dramatic moment when the question would finally be answered – Would Bulger take the stand?
As U.S. District Court Judge Denise Casper asked Bulger if this was his decision not top testify, he stood and replied, “that’s correct.”
‘I’m making the choice involuntarily. I feel like I’ve been choked off from having an adequate opportunity,” Bulger said in a calm and measured tone.
“As far as I’m concerned, I didn’t get a fair trial. This is a sham.”
As Bulger announced his decision, Patricia Donahue, the widow of murder victim Michael Donahue, yelled “you’re a coward!”
“Do what yas want with me,” Bulger said as victims’ relatives shouted from the gallery.
Other families of alleged Bulger victims groaned and were clearly upset by the “sham” accusation.
Related: Bulger Wants Seized $822,000 To Go To Victims’ Families
Bulger said he wanted to testify, but only about his claimed immunity deal he said he received from the late federal prosecutor Jeremiah O’Sullivan.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030’s Lana Jones reports
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