Sudbury Man Poisoned Rakes in Waltham, DA Says

By Ryan Grannan-Doll

A Sudbury man has been arrested and charged with attempted murder against Stephen Rakes, 59, of Quincy, who had been a potential witness in the case against gangster James “Whitey” Bulger, according to Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan.

William Camuti, 69, was arrested on Friday in Boston and will be arraigned at Concord District Court on Friday, Ryan announced during a press conference. Camuti faces charges of attempted murder, lying to police and unlawful disposition of a body, Ryan said.

According to Ryan, Camuti allegedly arranged a meeting with Rakes at a McDonald’s in Waltham saying he wanted to discuss a real estate deal the two were involved in. According to an a press release from the district attorney's office, it is believed Camuti owed Rakes money in relation to the deal. 

Ryan said Camuti purchased two iced coffees for the men and allegedly laced one with two teaspoons of potassium cyanide. Camuti then drove Rakes around for a period of time and later dumped his body in Lincoln, Ryan said. Rakes body was discovered on July 17, with no obvious signs of trauma.

Rakes' car was later located at the McDonald’s on Main Street in Waltham.

Rakes was a central figure in the trial against James "Whitey" Bulger. For years he alleged that Bulger shook him down at gunpoint, taking his South Boston liquor store from him. During court testimony this summer, former Bulger associates, such as Kevin Weeks, said it was Rakes who wanted Bulger to buy the store, not the other way around.