By Patriot Ledger staff
The Patriot Ledger
Posted Dec 16, 2008 @ 09:27 AM
Last update Dec 16, 2008 @ 10:06 AM
Winter Hill Gang hit man John Martorano has signed over the rights to his life story to a Hollywood filmmaker, according to published reports.
The Hollywood trade publication Variety is reporting that Martorano, 67, signed a deal with Graham King’s company, GK Films.
The Milton native and former Quincy resident pleaded guilty to murdering 20 people when he was a hit man for James “Whitey” Bulger. He served a little more than 12 years in prison for the murders in exchange for his testimony against other gangsters and corrupt FBI agents including John Connolly, who was convicted last month for his role in the 1982 slaying of former World Jai-Alai President John Callahan. Martorano testified he shot Callahan based on a tip from Connolly, who was an agent in Boston.
Martorano was released from prison in March 2007. At the time, his younger brother, James Martorano of West Quincy, said John had turned down an offer for witness protection and had moved back “near his roots.”
King, the film company owner, told Variety: “When I first met (Martorano), I was struck by his unyielding sense of loyalty to those close to him. John has had a complicated life and it will be a fascinating story to tell the world.”
Variety said King met Martorano through Thomas B. Duffy, a former State Police detective who was technical consultant on two movies filmed in Boston, “The Departed” and “Edge of Darkness.”
The Patriot Ledger
Posted Dec 16, 2008 @ 09:27 AM
Last update Dec 16, 2008 @ 10:06 AM
Winter Hill Gang hit man John Martorano has signed over the rights to his life story to a Hollywood filmmaker, according to published reports.
The Hollywood trade publication Variety is reporting that Martorano, 67, signed a deal with Graham King’s company, GK Films.
The Milton native and former Quincy resident pleaded guilty to murdering 20 people when he was a hit man for James “Whitey” Bulger. He served a little more than 12 years in prison for the murders in exchange for his testimony against other gangsters and corrupt FBI agents including John Connolly, who was convicted last month for his role in the 1982 slaying of former World Jai-Alai President John Callahan. Martorano testified he shot Callahan based on a tip from Connolly, who was an agent in Boston.
Martorano was released from prison in March 2007. At the time, his younger brother, James Martorano of West Quincy, said John had turned down an offer for witness protection and had moved back “near his roots.”
King, the film company owner, told Variety: “When I first met (Martorano), I was struck by his unyielding sense of loyalty to those close to him. John has had a complicated life and it will be a fascinating story to tell the world.”
Variety said King met Martorano through Thomas B. Duffy, a former State Police detective who was technical consultant on two movies filmed in Boston, “The Departed” and “Edge of Darkness.”
