Bulger's girlfriend's former neighbor speaks out

QUINCY, Mass. -- A former neighbor of Whitey Bulger’s girlfriend spoke out for the first time about their relationship.

The FBI recently announced they're shifting their hunt for the mob boss to his longtime girlfriend, Catherine Greig, who hasn’t been seen since 1995 when Bulger disappeared.

The tenants living in a Quincy home now wouldn't comment on who they pay their rent to, saying only that they moved in about 12 years ago. But other neighbors remember when Whitey Bulger and Catherine Greig lived there.

It's not the sort of neighborhood you'd associate with the search for one of America’s most wanted fugitives.

“It’s a quiet community. It’s a family community,” said a former neighbor.

But more than 16 years after South Boston’s notorious mobster disappeared with his girlfriend - 16 Hillcrest in Quincy’s Squantum neighborhood is still in her name.

“She was just nice, she was just regular,” said a former neighbor.

The Quincy home was apparently the last place Greig lived before fleeing with Bulger ahead of his indictment for 19 murders. But neighbors said Whitey was simply Jim to them - a neighbor who lent garden tools and gave wine for Christmas. Those who knew Catherine said she was always friendly.

“From what I remember, she had two adorable poodles - this was so many years ago - their names were Gigi and Niki and Kathy just doted on them. They were adorable dogs. She let them play out in the yard. She took a lot of care in the dogs in the neighborhood as well,” said a former neighbor.

Knowing her affinity for animals, beauty salons and plastic surgery, the FBI has been reaching out to veterinary clinics, along with plastic surgeons, dentists, and hair stylists.

A new public service announcement was released this week to air during programs watched by women her age, 60, who might recognize Greig. Officials said it's possible the couple would be hiding in plain sight in a quiet neighborhood where, like the people in Quincy, no one would notice them.

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