Georgia officials will seek death penalty for accused high society killer

<p>Prosecutors in Georgia say they will seek the death penalty against a Florida millionaire wanted for the murder of his socialite wife.</p><p>A Thai court on Friday cleared the last hurdle in the way of the extradition for James Vincent Sullivan, 62. He was captured 18 months ago at a beach resort in Thailand where he had been living a lavish lifestyle.</p><p>Sullivan is wanted by U.S. authorities on murder, aggravated assault and other charges for the 1987 death of his wife in Atlanta. He has denied the allegations.</p><p>Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard Jr. said Friday he was pleased Sullivan will be tried in Atlanta.</p><p>This is something that is a long time coming _ I eagerly await his return, Howard said.</p><p>Lita McClinton Sullivan was killed Jan. 16, 1987, at her home by a man posing as a flower delivery man who shot the 35-year-old woman in the head.</p><p>Federal and state law enforcement officials said once Thai officials completed the necessary formalities, the United States would have 90 days to bring Sullivan back to Atlanta.</p><p>Rest assured he will be brought back to Fulton County, said FBI Special Agent Jeff Holmes. Authorities declined to elaborate on exactly when or how Sullivan would be brought back to the state.</p><p>Phone messages to Don Samuel, Sullivans attorney, were not immediately returned Friday.</p><p>Sullivan will be turned over to Fulton County Sheriffs officials and be placed in Fulton County Jail, Howard said. He also will be informed that the county will seek the death penalty against him.</p><p>A trial is expected for late 2004 or early 2005, the district attorney said.</p><p>Emory McClinton, the victims father, said Friday was a great day for us.</p><p>Were ready, McClinton added, gesturing toward Howard and the law enforcement officials. He will see justice from these folks.</p><p>In a case that made tabloid headlines because of their high society status, Sullivan was accused of paying another man $25,000 to kill his wife to avoid losing property in a divorce.</p><p>The man charged in her killing, Phillip Anthony Harwood, pleaded guilty in February last year in Atlanta to reduced charges in exchange for testimony against Sullivan. Harwood, who was arrested in 1998, was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Although Harwood admits being involved in the slaying, he denies being the gunman.</p><p>Sullivan was arrested in Thailand after weeks of police surveillance of his condominium in Cha-am, 100 miles south of Bangkok.</p><p>In 1992, Sullivan was acquitted of making telephone calls across state lines to facilitate the murder. Sullivan is believed to have left for Costa Rica in 1997, where he bought a home. He fled after a 1998 indictment by a U.S. court.</p><p>Sullivan obtained a residency permit in Thailand in 1998 after marrying a local woman.</p>