In 1987, Lita McClinton Sullivan anxiously awaited the court decision on the division of assets in her multimillion-dollar divorce from James Vincent Sullivan. The marriage had been tumultuous, with Jim transforming into a terrifying bully over the years. Lita, who came from a politically powerful Atlanta family, felt the weight of the impending end of her marriage. Her parents had been skeptical of Jim from the start, but now it was all about to be over, and she was close to finally being free.
On a cold January day, a man arrived at Lita’s townhouse with a delivery. He pushed his way in, pulled out a gun hidden in his coat pocket, and fired two shots at Lita. One missed, but the other proved fatal. Following her murder, the case became a sensation, garnering national and international attention. Despite eyewitness descriptions of the shooter, no convictions were made for 17 years. Lita’s husband, Jim Sullivan, was always a prime suspect but maintained his alibi. The case remained cold, leaving Lita’s family relentless in seeking justice.
As time passed, the story stayed with journalist Deb Miller Landau, who first wrote about it in 2004. She felt connected to Lita’s story but also distanced from it. In 2020, amidst the racial reckoning following George Floyd’s murder, Landau saw the case in a new light. Realizing her role as a white person in upholding structures of white supremacy, she felt compelled to revisit the story with a new perspective. The journalist delved deeper into the case, conducting interviews to uncover new angles and information.
Through her investigation, Landau discovered that the story she thought she knew wasn’t complete. She spent countless hours interviewing individuals connected to the case, from cops and FBI agents to friends, lawyers, and family members. Her pursuit of answers led her back to Atlanta and Palm Beach, Florida, where she unraveled the complexities surrounding Lita’s murder. Landau’s research shed new light on the case, highlighting issues of power, privilege, and systemic inequalities that played a role in Lita’s tragic demise.
In her upcoming book, “A Devil Went Down to Georgia,” Landau reopens one of Atlanta’s most notorious murder cases, shedding light on the life of Lita McClinton and the persistent quest for justice by her family. The narrative goes beyond the murder itself, delving into themes of domestic abuse, racial dynamics, and wealth disparities. Landau’s exploration of Lita’s story underscores the enduring impact of her life and the lessons it can offer us about our society. Ultimately, the case serves as a poignant reflection on humanity, shedding light on the complex interplay of power, privilege, and systemic injustices that shape our world today.
