Boston Injury Lawyer Blog
The U.S. government is asking a federal appeals court to overturn a wrongful death verdict awarding $3.1 to the family of Quincy fisherman John McIntyre for his murder. McIntyre was allegedly murdered by FBI Informants James “Whitey” Bulger and Stephen “The Rifleman” Flemmi.
The government says the FBI is not responsible for the actions of their rogue agent, John J. Connolly Jr., who they accuse of betraying them when he notified the two informants that McIntyre was cooperating against them-resulting in the Quincy man’s murder.
The government says that Connolly crossed the line and became a criminal by betraying the FBI. The rogue FBI agent also allegedly received over $200,000 in bribes from Flemmi and Bulger.
McIntyre’s family, however, says the FBI knew that Connolly may have leaked the information to the two men but overlooked the agent’s illegal activities.
Court Judge Kermit V. Lipez has suggested that the FBI ponder its habit of “turning a blind eye” to the criminal activities of the two informants, who provided valuable information to the government about the Mafia.
The outcome of McIntyre’s wrongful death lawsuit is the first ruling against the government by the victims of Bulger and Flemmi.
In 2006, US District Judge Reginald C. Lindsay found that McIntyre was murdered because the FBI mishandled the two informants. He ordered the U.S. government to pay McIntyre’s mother and brother $3.1 million.
Flemmi, who has pled guilty to 10 murders and is serving a life sentence, admits to persuading McIntyre to go to a house in South Boston, after receiving the information from Connolly. At the home, McIntyre was interrogated, choked, and then shot.
Witness says he lied during trial of man convicted in murder, Boston.com, March 5, 2008
US asks voiding of $3.1m award in slaying of Quincy fisherman, Boston Globe, March 4, 2008
Related Web Resources:
FBI found liable for Bulger, Flemmi, Boston Globe, September 26, 2008
Flemmi ties Connolly to 2 slayings, Boston Globe, October 15, 2003
Federal Bureau of Investigation
