Whitey Bulger Manuscript Alleges FBI Agent Was Framed

Lawyers claim newly discovered writings show former agent John Connolly was wrongly convicted of murder.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 1:15am

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Attorneys for former FBI agent John Connolly are seeking to overturn his murder conviction, citing a handwritten manuscript by the late mobster James 'Whitey' Bulger that they say shows Connolly was framed. Bulger's writings and statements to the FBI, which were allegedly withheld from the defense for years, identify another agent, John Morris, as Bulger's mole and describe Connolly as a 'sacrificial lamb'.

Why it matters

This case has long been controversial, with questions about prosecutorial misconduct and the complex relationship between the FBI and organized crime figures like Bulger. The potential exoneration of Connolly could have significant implications, both in terms of his own case and the broader issues of accountability within law enforcement.

The details

Connolly was convicted in 2002 of second-degree murder and racketeering for his role in the 1982 killing of businessman John Callahan in Miami. Prosecutors claimed Bulger and Stephen Flemmi ordered the hit after Connolly tipped them off that the FBI was investigating Callahan's ties to Bulger's gang. However, Bulger's newly discovered manuscript and post-arrest statements to the FBI reportedly identify another agent, John Morris, as the mole and describe Connolly as a 'sacrificial lamb'.

  • Connolly was convicted in 2002.
  • Bulger was arrested in 2011.
  • Connolly was granted compassionate release in 2021 due to terminal illness and COVID-19 risks.
  • Connolly's lawyers received the Bulger manuscript and statements in 2024.

The players

James 'Whitey' Bulger

A notorious Boston mob boss who led the Winter Hill Gang and served as an FBI informant, though he denied that claim. Bulger wrote a handwritten manuscript that allegedly exonerates former FBI agent John Connolly.

John Connolly

A former FBI agent who was convicted in 2002 of second-degree murder and racketeering for his role in the 1982 killing of businessman John Callahan. Connolly's lawyers are now seeking to overturn his conviction based on Bulger's newly discovered writings.

John Morris

Another FBI agent who Bulger identified as his mole, according to Connolly's lawyers. Morris testified against Connolly as part of a cooperation agreement that granted him immunity from prosecution.

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What they’re saying

“I never thought the day would come that I'd be writing a story about my criminal activity.”

— James 'Whitey' Bulger

“I am sure everyone close to me thought all the information I had came from (Connolly), Bulger wrote. 'I didn't discourage that thought — sadly for Connolly, he took the heat for warning me to take off and other things that had come from (Morris).'”

— James 'Whitey' Bulger

What’s next

Connolly's lawyers will await a decision from the Miami-Dade Circuit Court on whether to vacate his conviction based on the newly discovered evidence from Bulger's writings.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex and often controversial relationship between law enforcement and organized crime, as well as the importance of prosecutorial accountability and the disclosure of exculpatory evidence. The potential exoneration of Connolly could have significant implications for the criminal justice system.