Bulger brothers exchange smiles in court reunion

BOSTON -- William Bulger, once one of the most powerful politicians in Massachusetts, and his gangster brother have exchanged smiles in the courtroom where James "Whitey' Bulger made his first Boston appearance in 16 years.

When Whitey entered the courtroom Friday afternoon, he looked into the audience and saw his brother seated in the second row. Whitey smiled at Bill and mouthed the word `Hi.' Bill smiled back

The former state senate president has issued a statement earlier expressing sympathy for the "families hurt by the calamitous circumstances" of his brother's case.

Whitey Bulger was captured with his girlfriend, Catherine Greig, late Wednesday in Santa Monica, Calif. He is accused in 19 killings as well as other crimes.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)