Bulger jurors ask statute of limitations question on 2nd day of deliberations

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com/AP) — Jurors in the racketeering trial of James "Whitey" Bulger asked questions about the statute of limitations for conspiracy to commit murder charges shortly after beginning their second day of deliberations on a litany of charges against the reputed Boston gangster.

Jurors asked the court whether or not a state statute of limitations on a conspiracy to murder charge applies on Bulger's federal racketeering indictment. Five conspiracy to murder charges are included in Bulger's second count of racketeering.

Judge Casper informed jurors that all of the charges brought against Bulger were done so within the applicable statute of limitations.

Casper also provided jurors with their own copies of her instructions to clear up questions they had about aiding and abetting and joint venture.

The 83-year-old Bulger is charged in a racketeering indictment with participating in 19 killings during the 1970s and '80s while he allegedly led the Winter Hill Gang.

The federal jury began considering the case Tuesday and deliberated for about six hours before going home. The 12 deliberating jurors and six alternates were brought into Courtroom 11 for a quick "good morning" before beginning their second day of deliberations at about 9 a.m.

During the two-month trial, prosecution witnesses portrayed Bulger as a hands-on crime boss who killed some of the gang's targets himself or orchestrated and helped plan killings.

Bulger's lawyers said the testimony of three once-loyal Bulger cohorts was bought by prosecutors who offered them reduced prison terms in exchange for testifying against Bulger.

Cox Media Group