South Boston man sentenced to 15 years for killings in 1984 and 1993

South Boston Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Killings in 1984 and 1993

A South Boston man was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Wednesday for two killings committed in 1984 and 1993, according to court records. The first killing was connected to the notorious gangster James “Whitey” Bulger.

Details of the Case

Michael Anthony Lewis, 65, pleaded guilty in Suffolk Superior Court to two counts of manslaughter. The charges related to the 1984 slaying of Brian Watson and the 1993 killing of William Villani.

Lewis had initially faced murder charges and potential life sentences for both cases.
He will receive credit for over three years spent in custody while waiting for trial.

Legal Outcome and Defense Statement

The 15-year sentence was a joint recommendation by both parties and accepted by the court after a hearing. James L., Lewis’s attorney, commented on the decision:

“In my view, it was a fair compromise based on the risks to both sides of taking these cases to trial. The outcome of a trial in each case was hard to predict, particularly due to their age and serious problems with the credibility of the Commonwealth’s key witnesses. Lewis took responsibility for his role in these two tragic incidents while preserving the hope of being released from prison in the future.”

Prosecutor’s Statement

“This resolution stands as a testament to the determination of investigators who refused to let time stand in the way of justice,” said New Hampshire Attorney General John M.

Prosecutors stated that the killing of Brian Watson, who was 22 years old, resulted from a dispute between two drug dealers.

Summary

Michael Anthony Lewis received a 15-year prison sentence after acknowledging responsibility for two decades-old manslaughter cases, highlighting persistent investigative efforts despite challenges with witness credibility.

The Boston Globe — 2025-11-05