Whitey Bulger to testify in own defense

BOSTON, MASS. (WPRI) - As the case against Boston mobster James "Whitey" Bulger moves toward trial, we've learned Bulger will take the stand in his own defense.

In a Federal Court in Boston, Bulger's lawyer told a judge his client will have a better chance to defend himself if jurors hear the story from Bulger directly.

Bulger is accused of participating in the murders of nineteen people.

In 1994, on the eve of a sweeping indictment, Bulger fled from Massachusetts.

He remained on the lam until last June, when federal authorities caught up with him and his longtime girlfriend Catherine Greig in a Santa Monica apartment.

The former crime boss claims he was promised immunity years ago, in exchange for information about key mafia figures throughout New England.

It's a claim federal prosecutors call frivolous and plan to challenge.

Bulger's former, alleged criminal associate Stephen Flemmi tried to use the same immunity defense in his trial, but failed.

Bulger is slated to face a jury in March 2013.