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Bulger Defense Attorney Unveils Purple Pedicure To Reporters

BOSTON (CBS/AP) — As jurors in the racketeering trial of reputed crime boss James "Whitey" Bulger are in their fourth day of deliberations, the environment in the courtroom has gotten a little strange.

On Thursday, while some reporters and lawyers waited in the courtroom to hear from jurors, somebody complimented defense attorney J.W. Carney's purple tie. His response was unexpected, to say the least. Carney proceeded to remove his shoe and show off his purple pedicured toenails to reporters.

Carney says he has been getting pedicures ever since his daughter gave him a gift certificate a couple years ago.

"Purple is only this month. Last month, it was a deep Burgandy," Carney told reporters.

On Friday in court, prosecutor Brian Kelly made reference to Carney's pedicures while asking a judge to admonish him for attempting to influence the jury.

Kelly was upset over a comment Carney made to reporters praising the jury's diligence, calling it "an obvious attempt" to influence the panel.

Listen to WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Lana Jones' Reports

Carney's Toe Polish

Kelly told the judge that if Carney wants to talk about his strange habits with the media, that's one thing, but he shouldn't talk about the trial.

Kelly has complained numerous times throughout the trial about Carney's comments to the media, claiming he is trying to generate coverage favorable to his client.

Listen: More from Lana Jones

Purple Toenails

The 83-year-old Bulger is charged in a sweeping racketeering indictment with playing a role in 19 killings. He was one of the nation's most wanted fugitives until being captured in Santa Monica, Calif., in 2011.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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