48 Hours – “Millionaire Manhunt” (January 21, 2026)
Podcast: 48 Hours
Host: CBS News
Episode Theme: Justice, wealth, and betrayal—“Millionaire Manhunt” dissects the chilling decades-long investigation into the murder-for-hire plot that led to the assassination of Atlanta socialite Lita Sullivan, unraveling the schemes of her millionaire husband, Jim Sullivan, and the international manhunt that led to his conviction.
Episode Overview
This episode of “48 Hours” dives deep into the notorious case of Lita Sullivan, a vivacious young woman gunned down in her Atlanta home in 1987—just as she neared final divorce proceedings from her wealthy husband, Jim Sullivan. Through firsthand accounts, detailed legal and investigative reports, and emotional interviews, the CBS News team examines the web of betrayal, the quest for justice, and the relentless determination of family and law enforcement that finally led to Sullivan’s arrest and conviction nearly 20 years later.
Key Discussion Points
1. The Murder of Lita Sullivan [03:20]
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On January 16, 1987, Lita Sullivan was shot dead at her doorstep after opening the door to a man delivering flowers.
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Poppy Maribel, Lita’s friend and houseguest, recounts the terrifying moments:
Quote: “She said, ‘I’ll get it.’ She opened the door. I heard her say good morning. He handed her the flowers. He produced a 9 millimeter handgun. I heard the gunshots.” (04:00 – Poppy Maribel) -
Immediate suspicion fell on her estranged husband, Jim Sullivan, with whom she was locked in a bitter and high-stakes divorce.
2. Lita and Jim: The Relationship and Divorce Motive [09:00]
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The episode flashes back to their first meeting in 1975. Lita, from a prominent Atlanta family, is swept off her feet by the charming, wealthy Jim.
- Concerns from Lita’s family about his honesty and prior marriages surface.
- Lita endures belittlement, frugality from Jim (even over Girl Scout cookies), and infidelity.
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Lita files for divorce after nearly a decade, prompting a battle over an $8 million estate.
Quote: “She may have underestimated him in terms of how much he loved his money, but he also underestimated just how smart she was.” (17:12 – Sheila Ross, Assistant DA)
3. The Crime Scene and Initial Investigation [19:30]
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The murder takes place the same day a judge is set to rule on the division of assets.
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Bob Christiansen, Lita’s friend, witnesses a suspicious man with flowers just before the shooting. Quote: “Seconds later, he heard shots. All of a sudden, bang, bang, bang… I thought son of a bitch had it done.” (22:10 – Christiansen)
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Investigators are suspicious of Jim despite his alibi—he was 600 miles away in Palm Beach at the time.
4. Years of Frustration – Following the Money and Phone Records [28:40]
- A phone call between the alleged hitman and Sullivan, made 40 minutes after the murder, becomes a key piece of circumstantial evidence.
- Despite suspicion and a civil $4 million judgment, the case stalls for over a decade as Sullivan enjoys a lavish international lifestyle.
5. The Breakthrough – Belinda Trahan’s Testimony [32:00]
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In 1998, Belinda Trahan steps forward with crucial information:
- Her ex-boyfriend, Tony Harwood, boasted about the murder-for-hire scheme and described details matching the crime.
- Trahan’s suggestion—“take her flowers to get her to answer the door”—was used in the murder plot. Quote: “I wish I never said that, because that’s exactly what happened.” (41:04 – Belinda Trahan)
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Trahan testifies to witnessing a payoff, providing specifics only an insider would know.
6. Building the Case: Connecting Sullivan and Harwood [50:00]
- Investigators corroborate Trahan’s story by finding moving company invoices signed by both men.
- Agent John Lang reflects on the importance:
Quote: “The first box I opened was the moving invoice with James Sullivan’s signature on it, Tony Harwood’s signature on it. It was a huge breakthrough.” (52:15 – John Lang, GBI)
7. Tony Harwood’s Confession and Cooperation [57:20]
- Harwood, under pressure, admits involvement and implicates Sullivan as the mastermind.
- He pleads guilty to voluntary manslaughter in exchange for a lighter sentence and future testimony.
8. International Manhunt and Capture of Jim Sullivan [01:01:00]
- With the arrest warrant issued, Sullivan flees through Central America, ending up in Thailand.
- The FBI, with tips from “America’s Most Wanted” viewers, locates and arrests him in a coastal Thai condo in 2002. Quote: “He was completely shocked. Completely shocked. Yes. No idea. No idea.” (01:07:15 – Bob Cahill, FBI)
9. The Trial: Two Decades Later [01:10:40]
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Sullivan is extradited and faces trial in Atlanta. The prosecution relies on:
- Phone records showing suspicious calls.
- The testimony of Trahan and Harwood, despite credibility attacks by the defense.
Notable Trial Exchange:
- [01:21:02] Prosecutor: “Tell me if you see the person that you saw in that restaurant back in 1980.”
Trahan: “Yes, I do. Please point him out. It’s right there. He can’t even make eye contact.”
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Defense paints Harwood as a liar and Trahan as manipulated.
10. Jury Verdict and Sentencing [01:32:00]
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The jury finds Jim Sullivan guilty of malice murder after less than five hours.
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Family impact and lack of remorse from Sullivan are highlighted.
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Sullivan is sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.
Quote: “I have looked forward to this day for many years. Should I forgive him? I cannot. Should I forgive him? I will not.” (01:37:21 – Leta Sullivan’s mother)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Poppy Maribel: “If you want to get a woman to the door, all you have to do is bring flowers.” (03:00)
- Bob Christiansen (on hearing gunshots): “I thought son of a bitch had it done.” (22:10)
- Belinda Trahan (on her fateful suggestion): “I wish I never said that, because that’s exactly what happened.” (41:04)
- Belinda Trahan (on seeing Sullivan at trial): “He’s wearing glasses, light gray hair, and he won’t even look at her.” (01:21:16)
- Sullivan’s son: “He’s my father, but he’s not my dad. Meaning… he doesn’t have a human relationship. There’s just something about this person that’s inherently evil.” (01:39:11)
- Sullivan’s brother: “My brother has this raw, numbing evil that very few people in society fortunately ever have to confront.” (01:39:30)
- Prosecutor closing: “I’m gonna ask you, through your verdict of guilty to each and every count, to tell James Vincent Sullivan for whom the bell tolls. Tell him that it tolls for thee.” (01:34:55)
Timestamps for Important Segments
| Time | Segment | |----------|-------------| | 03:20 | The assassination of Lita Sullivan | | 09:00 | Lita and Jim’s courtship, marriage, and problems | | 17:12 | Divorce and stakes: $8 million fortune | | 22:10 | Crime scene—flower delivery and shooting | | 28:40 | Key evidence: suspicious phone call | | 32:00 | Breakthrough: Belinda Trahan’s story | | 41:04 | Trahan’s “fatal” flower suggestion | | 50:00 | Connecting Sullivan to Harwood via records | | 52:15 | The critical moving invoice discovery | | 57:20 | Harwood’s confession and plea deal | | 01:01:00 | International manhunt—Sullivan’s fugitive years | | 01:07:15 | FBI recounts Sullivan’s arrest in Thailand | | 01:10:40 | Sullivan extradited, stands trial in Atlanta | | 01:21:02 | Trahan identifies Sullivan in court | | 01:32:00 | Jury returns guilty verdict | | 01:37:21 | Impact statement from Lita’s mother | | 01:39:11 | Family reflects on Sullivan’s evil | | 01:44:20 | Sentencing: life without parole |
Conclusion
“Millionaire Manhunt” masterfully illustrates how the justice system—though often slow—can triumph even when confronted by wealth, power, and years of evasion. The episode brings home the cost of justice for the victims’ families, and the dedication of law enforcement and witnesses who refused to give up. Through dogged investigation and emotional testimony, the story concludes with Jim Sullivan finally paying for his crime, though for Lita’s family, the loss remains irreparable.
This summary captures the major topics, emotions, and evidence, providing a guide for listeners to understand the case’s scope and the emotional stakes at its heart.