South Boston man expected to plead guilty to manslaughter in 1984, 1993 killings - The Boston Globe

South Boston Man to Plead Guilty to Manslaughter in 1984 and 1993 Cases

Michael Lewis, 65, is expected to plead guilty to manslaughter charges on Wednesday related to two killings in South Boston, prosecutors announced. The incidents date back to 1984 and 1993, with the first involving connections to the infamous gangster James “Whitey” Bulger.

Background of the Cases

Lewis faces charges for the deaths of Michael Watson in 1984 and William Villani, a Boston Housing Authority worker, in 1993. He will enter his plea in Suffolk Superior Court, where he has been previously arraigned on these charges.

Details of the 1984 Killing

According to prosecutors, the murder of Watson, who was 22 years old, occurred following a dispute between two drug dealers. One dealer informed Bulger and his associate Kevin Weeks that another dealer, referred to as “Witness One” in court documents, was selling angel dust in South Boston.

In response, the dealer recruited Michael Lewis to threaten the informer in an effort to drive him out of Boston, prosecutors explained.

Legal Status and Comments

Lewis remains held without bail. Suffolk District Attorney Kevin R. Sultan said he would provide a statement following the hearing. Lewis has consistently denied involvement through his attorney.

"The killing of Watson, 22, followed a dispute between two drug dealers. One of the dealers had told Bulger and Bulger associate Kevin Weeks that the second dealer was dealing angel dust in South Boston."
"Bulger demanded $5,000 from the second dealer, as well as $1,000 weekly payments from his drug proceeds."

Summary: Michael Lewis will plead guilty to manslaughter in two decades-old killings linked to drug disputes and ties with gangster James “Whitey” Bulger, reflecting unresolved criminal cases in South Boston.

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The Boston Globe The Boston Globe — 2025-11-05

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