Whitey's associates react to news of his capture

BOSTON -- Many of Whitey's associates have come forward in recent years. Some even wrote books telling their stories and on Thursday they're reacting to news of his capture.

James “Whitey” Bulger is a fugitive no more. News of his arrest is spreading fast among his once powerful soldiers of the Winter Hill Gang.

“I thought that they finally caught the Hannibal Lecter of South Boston,” said Ed Mackenzie.

“I thought somebody was playing a joke with me and I looked and I said, ‘Holy cow. They actually did get him.’” said John “Red” Shea.

John “Red” Shea was a drug runner for Bulger and Ed Mackenzie was an enforcer charged with breaking the legs of anyone bold enough to cross Bulger.

"I smashed that cinder block over this guy’s leg - broke it in half and stuff like that. He asked me to punish him,” said Mackenzie.

Both men served time and both men learned in prison that it was Bulger who ratted them out to the FBI.

Shea writes in his book “Rat Bastards” about a reoccurring nightmare where he gets to be the one to find and confront Bulger.

“And I asked him, ‘Why? Why? Why did you do that? The loyalty that I gave you…not giving you up.’” said Shea.

In reality, Shea says he has no idea what he’d ask Bulger today.

As for Mackenzie, he also authored a book about his days as one of Whitey’s soldiers, saying the 81-year-old found hiding in an L.A. apartment was a vicious and terrifying man.

“He had that dead, icy blue eyes. He was just the ultimate predator," said Mackenzie.

“It was a real emotional mixed bag for me,” said Shea. “I would have died for this man.”

Shea says his thoughts are with the people whose family members did die, and he hopes they get justice.

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