Defense Witnesses in Bulger Trial Excluded

(NECN: Alysha Palumbo, Boston) - The list of defense witnesses in the trial of James 'Whitey' Bulger is a little bit smaller after Thursday's proceedings.

Judge Denise J. Casper has been going through the defense's witness with the defense and prosecution teams in order to determine the qualifications of those expected to testify.

On Thursday, Casper excluded several of those witnesses and the defense withdrew some others.

There are still some additional witnesses that may be excluded, but Casper opted to withhold her ruling until a later time.

Among those in question are Marion Hussey, Stephen Flemmi's former girlfriend, and Stephen Hussey, Flemmi and Marion Hussey's son.

The defense also announced on Thursday that they planned to recall John Martorano to the stand. They believe he'll testify that Flemmi was responsible for killing Debra Davis, and that Bulger was not involved.

During Thursday's testimony, Richard Buccheri took the stand. He knew Flemmi in the 1970's and claims Bulger extorted him.

Buccheri provided one of the most startling moments of testimony when he banged loudly on the witness stand in order to demonstrate how Bulger allegedly tried to intimidate him. Buccheri said Bulger slammed his fist in the same way and put a gun in his mouth.

Watch the attached video for more.

Copyright NECNMIGR - NECN
Contact Us