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.

He is due to be sentenced on May 27.

Martorano has been in custody since 1995 after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and agreeing to a 12 year six month to 15 year prison sentence while working with investigators.

Depending on his sentencing, and with credit for good behaviour, Martorano could be released in late 2005 or early 2006.

Martorano helped prosecutors prove that former FBI agent John Connolly protected mob boss James “Whitey” Bulger.

Irish-American Bulger ran the notorious Winter Hill Gang in Boston. Connolly is serving a 10-year prison sentence.

Martorano pleaded guilty to killing his friend John “Jack” Callahan in 1982 on orders from Bulger.

Bulger feared Callahan would provide information on another gang execution.

Bulger, who disappeared in 1995, is on the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted” list and is wanted in connection with 21 murders. The FBI believe he may have fled to Ireland.