A key Whitey Bulger witness was found dead outside Boston. The body of 59-year-old Stephen “Stippo” Rakes was discovered along the road in Lincoln, Massachusetts.
Rakes was to testify against 83-year-old James Whitey Bulger, who is charged with racketeering, money laundering, selling drugs, extortion, and 19 murders. Bulger’s first arrest was at the age of 14.
As reported by Biography.com , Bulger eventually became involved in Boston’s organized crime scene . Despite serving as a FBI informant, Bulger continued a life of crime.
Bulger became a fugitive in 1995, remaining on the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted fugitives” until his capture in 2011. He was arrested and is currently on trial for his crimes.
Rake was to appear at the trial as a witness for the prosecution. As reported by NBC News , Rake’s testimony would include racketeering .
Bulger reportedly approached Rake in 1984, demanding that he sell his liquor store for below market value. Bulger wanted to use the store as a front for the Winter Hill Gang. The store was purchased by Bulger for the sum of $67,000.
The Bulger Whitey witness will not have a chance to testify, as he was found dead. Authorities state that there were no apparent signs of trauma. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.
Rake’s testimony was already controversial as another witness, Kevin Weeks, testified about the liquor shop sale last week. The witness testified that Rake was already interested in selling his shop to Bulger. He further stated that Rake received more money than the store was worth.
Prosecutors reportedly removed Rakes from the witness list following Weeks’ testimony. However, that information was not confirmed.
As reported by Fox News , Rake was looking forward to testifying against Bulger. He stated that he could not “wait to get on the stand and look him right in the eyes.” He explains his decision to testify against his former associate:
“I come here to represent the victims that are afraid to come here. My friends. That’s why I’m showing up. And there’s not one. There’s not 10. There’s hundreds. And they’re still afraid. Some of them, 40 years later, they’re still afraid.”
The Whitey Bulger witness had an opportunity to speak out against his former associate. However, he will not have the pleasure of looking down on him from the witness stand. Stephen Rake has died. His death is currently under investigation.
[Image via Cinenouvelles.com ]
