WOBURN, Mass. (AP) — A man held in the July poisoning death of an alleged extortion victim of Boston gangster James "Whitey" Bulger is now charged with murder.
Prosecutors said 69-year-old William Camuti of Sudbury was indicted Friday on the upgraded charge in the death of Stephen Rakes of Quincy. Authorities say 59-year-old Rakes' death was related a business dispute not connected to the Bulger case.
Rakes had hoped to testify in Bulger's trial, but wasn't called. Bulger was sentenced Thursday to two life terms in a broad racketeering case that included involvement in 11 killings.
Camuti pleaded not guilty earlier to attempted murder in Rakes' death. A message was left Friday for Camuti's attorney.
Prosecutors said Camuti poisoned Rakes' coffee when they met over a business deal. Last month, the state medical examiner confirmed Rakes died from cyanide poisoning.