Estates Of Alleged Flemmi, Bulger Victims In Court

Wrongful death suits brought against the federal government by the families of two 26-year-old women Stephen "The Rifleman" Flemmi testified he and partner James "Whitey" Bulger killed are scheduled to get their first hearing in a federal appeals court.

The Boston Herald reports that hearings are Monday. U.S. District Court Judge William Young must decide whether Justice Department lawyers were guilty of "intentional harassment" of the families during opening statements and cross-examination of witnesses in their 2009 civil trial.

Young awarded the money in 2010 after prosecutors said the victims "had a duty to protect themselves" from Bulger and Flemmi. Appellate justices reversed him.

Davis, Flemmi's longtime girlfriend, was killed in 1981. Hussey was murdered in 1985.