James “Whitey” Bulger : “3 Men in Bulger Prison Killing Reach Plea Deals”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. “Whitey Bulger prison killing plea deals”
2. “2018 Whitey Bulger murder case updates”

Three men charged in the 2018 prison killing of notorious Boston gangster James “Whitey” Bulger have reached plea deals with prosecutors. Fotios “Freddy” Geas, Paul J. DeCologero, and Sean McKinnon were accused of beating Bulger to death in his cell at a West Virginia prison. Geas and DeCologero used a belt with a lock attached to bludgeon Bulger, while McKinnon served as a lookout. The men are facing conspiracy to commit first-degree murder charges, with McKinnon also charged with making false statements. The killing was a result of management failures and flawed policies at the Bureau of Prisons, according to a Justice Department investigation.

Three Men Plead Guilty in Whitey Bulger’s Prison Killing

Three men have reached plea deals in connection with the 2018 prison killing of notorious Boston gangster James “Whitey” Bulger. Fotios “Freddy” Geas, Paul J. DeCologero, and Sean McKinnon have all entered into agreements with prosecutors, shedding light on the events that led to the 89-year-old gangster’s death in a West Virginia prison.

The Incident

Geas, a former Mafia hitman, and DeCologero, a Massachusetts gangster, were allegedly involved in the brutal beating of Bulger, while McKinnon served as a lookout. DeCologero reportedly referred to Bulger as a “snitch” and revealed plans to kill him as soon as he entered their unit. The use of a belt with a lock attached was mentioned as the weapon used in the fatal attack.

Legal Proceedings

While Geas and DeCologero were identified as suspects early on, it took years for charges to be brought against them. Prosecutors have requested hearings to change the men’s not-guilty pleas and proceed with sentencing following the plea agreements. Details of the deals have not been made public.

Implications

The Justice Department’s decision not to seek the death penalty for Geas and DeCologero, who were both charged with murder, has raised questions about the potential sentences they could face. The charge of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. McKinnon also faces charges of making false statements to a federal agent.

Background on Bulger

Bulger, known for running the Irish mob in Boston during the 1970s and ’80s, had a turbulent history as an FBI informant. His life as a fugitive came to an end in 2013 when he was captured and later convicted of multiple crimes, including 11 killings. His transfer to USP Hazelton in West Virginia, where he met his demise, has been scrutinized due to security concerns.

Investigation Findings

An investigation by the Justice Department’s inspector general revealed a series of management failures and policy flaws at the Bureau of Prisons that contributed to Bulger’s death. While no malicious intent was found among bureau employees, the report highlighted systemic issues within the prison system.

Individual Backgrounds

DeCologero’s involvement in organized crime, including a case where heroin was used in a failed attempt to kill a teenage girl, sheds light on his criminal history. Geas, although not an official member of the Mafia due to his Greek heritage, has been linked to violent crimes, including the killing of a crime family boss. McKinnon, with a prior conviction for stealing guns, now faces charges related to Bulger’s killing.

With the plea deals now in place, the legal proceedings surrounding Whitey Bulger’s death are one step closer to resolution. The intricate details of the case continue to unravel, shedding light on the complex world of organized crime and its consequences.