crimes and misdemeanors

Witness in Whitey Bulger Trial Found Dead

Stephen Rakes arrives at the courthouse. The trial of James
Whitey Bulger Arrested Photo: Jessica Rinaldi /The Boston Globe/Getty

Stephen Rakes, a former liquor-store owner who was on the prosecution’s witness list in the trial of mob boss Whitey Bulger, was found dead yesterday. Rakes had been waiting decades to testify against Bulger but was told on Tuesday that he wouldn’t get the chance. He was “devastated” by the news, according to an acquaintance. “No obvious signs of trauma” were found on his body. It’s all very strange and suspicious, but as of now, what happened here is anyone’s guess.