350 Potential Jurors Ruled Out In Bulger Trial
BOSTON (CBS/AP) — Prosecutors and defense attorneys for reputed gangster James "Whitey" Bulger are reviewing hundreds of questionnaires filled out by prospective jurors in Bulger's racketeering trial.
More than 800 prospective jurors were called to federal court and asked to fill out lengthy questionnaires to be used to screen prospective jurors.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys on Friday said that of 500 jurors who have completed questionnaires, they agreed that 350 must be excused.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports
Bulger Trial Motion
Prospective jurors will be questioned individually on Monday.
Eighteen jurors will be chosen.
Defense attorneys also filed a motion on Friday seeking information from the government concerning key prosecution witness John Martorano.
The defense alleges that his State Police handlers have shielded Martorano since his release from prison in 2007, even though he has allegedly engaged in some criminal activity.
Noted defense attorney Sam Goldberg says that could be a tough allegation to prove.
Being able to show that is not so easy. You're not going to get the police to say 'oh yes, we've been doing that," Goldberg said. "It comes down to a matter of credibility. In other words, that's something to be used when cross examining the witness."
Judge Denise Casper said she hopes prosecutors and defense lawyers can give opening statements on Wednesday. The trial is expected to last three to four months.
Bulger is charged in a racketeering indictment with a long list of crimes, including participating in 19 killings.
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