Inmate gets 51 months in prison for gangster ‘Whitey’ Bulger’s killing

An inmate involved in the notorious killing of gangster James “Whitey” Bulger has been sentenced to 51 months in prison. Bulger, who was once one of America’s most wanted criminals, met a violent end at the age of 89, just hours after being transferred to a high-security federal prison in West Virginia in October 2018.

Sean McKinnon, a 36-year-old inmate, received the sentence after pleading guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. McKinnon admitted to playing a crucial role in the plot that resulted in Bulger’s brutal death. His co-conspirators, Fotios “Freddy” Geas and Paul J. DeCologero, were also implicated in the murder, with Geas identified as the one who beat Bulger to death.

The murder of Bulger, who had been serving a life sentence for his involvement in 11 murders and various other crimes, shocked the nation and raised questions about prison security. Bulger’s life of crime was the subject of multiple books and films, including the 2015 movie “Black Mass,” where Johnny Depp portrayed the infamous mobster.

At the time of his death, Bulger was wheelchair-bound and suffering from numerous health issues. The attack was particularly brutal; Bulger was beaten with a padlock stuffed inside a sock and was left unrecognizable. Authorities stated that the murder was premeditated and meticulously planned.

The sentencing of McKinnon marks another chapter in the long and sordid tale of Bulger’s criminal career and ultimate demise. U.S. District Judge Pamela Barker, who presided over the case, emphasized the severity of McKinnon’s actions and the impact on prison safety. The judge highlighted that while Bulger was a notorious figure, his murder within a federal facility underscored significant lapses in prison security and oversight