A Devil Went Down to Georgia

Race, Power, Privilege, and the Murder of Lita McClinton

De: Deb Miller Landau

Narrado por: Callie Beaulieu

The 1987 murder of Lita McClinton Sullivan sent shock waves through the affluent Atlanta suburb of Buckhead, Georgia like few other crimes before it. The neighborhood, with its stately mansions and top-tier schools, was simply not the kind of place where women were gunned down in broad daylight. How many socialites had enemies so dangerous they would be murdered by a hit man pretending to deliver roses on an early winter morning?

Lita was an intelligent, accomplished, and stunning Black woman from a respected Atlanta family. Her interracial marriage to white millionaire Jim Sullivan was a newsworthy occurrence in 1970s Georgia. Unfortunately, it wasn't long before Jim's roving eye and controlling nature put Lita on edge, leading to a divorce years later. As the legal battle raged and Jim's financial outlook grew precarious, he had a chance encounter with an ex-con who said he could "take care" of Jim's wife problem . . .

Award-winning writer Deb Miller Landau details the shocking events that followed Lita's murder in 1987, including the surprising lack of evidence, racial bias in the justice system, and the international manhunt for Lita's killer. Full of twists and turns, legal battles, and the McClinton family's unrelenting dedication to justice, Landau's investigation is the first complete account of this tragic American crime.

©2024 Deb Miller Landau (P)2025 Tantor Media

Surprised

I picked this book because I have lived around Atlanta for 25 or so years. This happened before I was here, but stretched into recent history. I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book! I really liked the narration. It is a true story, well told. I do highly recommend.

Beautifully written

This story has touched me through the years. A beautiful woman brutally murdered who was betrayed by her white devil husband. He will burn in hell for it. I’ve always felt the pain of her parents. They never gave up on seeing him punished. I admire them for it.

Interesting true crime

This true crime story was a good one. The author did a solid job of painting a picture of the victim. The story grew most engaging after Lita's murder, chronicling the investigation and trials where Lita's wealthy husband was charged. The husband is a despicable human being, and it was satisfying as investigators came closer and closer to bringing Jim Sullivan to justice for the murder of his wife.

Great details

The author did an awesome job describing in detail the events that occurred before. During and after the murder of Lita

Great Book and story

This is by far one of the best books I’ve ever listened to on Audible and in general. The way the story is written, takes the listener through, likely, the same emotions and frustrations that Lita and her family went through. Amazing job to the reader and writer of this book!!

Excellent

Really enjoyed this, even though it was heartbreaking. I can't even imagine how her parents suffered losing their daughter to a monster.

Outstanding read

I found this to be a well researched and factually grounded account of a series of dark events starting in Deep South in the 70’s . The author creates a careful narrative that not only honors the truth but also respectfully acknowledges the racial disparities that shaped the lives of the victims and the perpetrator. There is a clear effort made to thoughtfully navigate the ongoing sensitivities of those still living with the scars of this tragedy, I to be found particularly compelling. Landau balances accurate historical detail without loss of the events inherent intrigue. There are many frightening and frustrating aspects of this real saga. The author, in true journalistic manner, maintains a consistently honest perspective of the frequently racially motivated issues and undertones. She admits, not being black herself, she cannot assume to have a complete depth of understanding of the impact of this tragic decades-long conflict.
As a black woman I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the skill, honesty and respect with which this story has been retold.

Very powerful !!

I remember this case. I saw it on Dateline. A very sad and tragic story. The author provided excellent information, her research for this story was spot on!! I am so glad justice was finally served for Ms. Lita McClinton.

Still leaves me wondering

Very interesting and sad story. It took way too long to finally get to a resolution and still leaves one asking many questions

Sad true mystery

Sociologically interesting case of a murdered black woman in the south. There is nothing but sympathy and admiration for her family. Presents cultural and racial intricacies in case. Of a true narcissistic sociopath.