Mafia hitman who killed 20 seeks release deal

A Mafia hitman who confessed to killing 20 people in the United States and who helped convict a rogue FBI agent of protecting gangsters could be released from prison next year under a plea deal backed by prosecutors.

In a sentencing recommendation filed in a Boston federal court, prosecutors said John Martorano, 63, deserved the shortest prison term possible for co-operating with the government.