Mafia hitman sentenced for killing Whitey Bulger in prison

Fotios 'Freddy' Geas, a former Mafia hitman, is facing sentencing for the brutal murder of notorious gangster James 'Whitey' Bulger in a West Virginia prison. The incident occurred in October 2018, shortly after Bulger was transferred from a Florida facility. Geas reportedly used a lock attached to a belt to strike Bulger multiple times in the head, leading to the 89-year-old's death. Bulger, who had a notorious criminal history and was an FBI informant, had been captured after evading law enforcement for over 16 years. Geas, already serving a life sentence for previous violent crimes, was charged with murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in connection with Bulger's death. Each charge carries a potential life sentence, but the Justice Department has opted not to pursue the death penalty. The court proceedings have revealed that Geas has changed his plea from not guilty, although the specifics of his plea remain unclear. In addition to Geas, two other inmates were involved in the incident. Paul J. DeCologero, who acted as a lookout during the attack, received a sentence of over four years for an assault charge. Another inmate, Sean McKinnon, pleaded guilty to lying to FBI agents and did not receive additional prison time. The case highlights the violent dynamics within the prison system and the ongoing repercussions of organized crime. The sentencing for Geas is scheduled to take place in U.S. District Court in northern West Virginia, where the legal ramifications of Bulger's murder will be addressed. This case serves as a stark reminder of the violent legacy left by figures like Bulger and the complex interplay of crime and justice in the American legal system.