WASHINGTON, Oct. 3 (UPI) — The U.S. Supreme Court refused Monday to hear an appeal from reputed gangster James “Whitey” Bulger regarding his conviction involving nearly a dozen counts of murder.
Bulger was convicted in 2013 on 31 criminal counts that accused him of being involved in 11 murders during his time as leader of the Boston-based Winter Hill Gang.
Bulger, who had been wanted by the FBI for 16 years, has been appealing the conviction. Appellate courts, though, have denied his legal challenges. Monday’s refusal by the high court to hear the case marks the end of the road for this particular aspect of the 87-year-old’s appeals process.
Prosecutors believe Bulger is responsible for more crimes than he was convicted of during the 1970s, 80s and 90s, while he oversaw his criminal empire.
The Supreme Court did not remark at all on Bulger’s case. Rather it was listed among several others the justices passed on Monday.
Bulger’s attorneys argued to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals earlier this year that he was denied a fair trial, but that court rejected the claims.
A native of Massachusetts, Bulger is being imprisoned at a facility in Florida. He was sentenced to life in prison upon his conviction three years ago.
