Bulger brothers exchange smiles in court reunion

BOSTON - William Bulger, once one of the most powerful politicians in Massachusetts, and his gangster brother have exchanged smiles in the courtroom where James "Whitey" Bulger made his first Boston appearance in 16 years.

When Whitey entered the courtroom Friday afternoon, he looked into the audience and saw his brother seated in the second row. Whitey smiled at Bill and mouthed the word "Hi." Bill smiled back.

Whitey Bulger was captured with his girlfriend, Catherine Greig, late Wednesday in Santa Monica, Calif. He is accused in 19 killings as well as other crimes.

"Whitey" Bulger faces judge in Boston courtroom
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The brothers grew up in a gritty South Boston housing project. Whitey became one of the most notorious criminals in Boston while his younger brother Bill became one of the most powerful politicians in Massachusetts, leading the state Senate for 17 years. He later served as president of the University of Massachusetts, but resigned the post in 2003 under political pressure.

William Bulger declined to comment when he arrived at the courthouse Friday afternoon. He referred to his earlier statement expressing sympathy for the "families hurt by the calamitous circumstances" of his brother's case.

He testified in 2003 before a congressional committee investigating the FBI's ties to mobster informants such as his brother. After receiving immunity, he acknowledged receiving a call from Whitey shortly after he fled, but said he had not heard from him since and did not know where he was.