Current Status of Phillip Anthony Harwood: Insights Ahead of ABC’s 20/20

Phillip Anthony Harwood, a convicted hitman, has been implicated in the murder of Lita McClinton Sullivan, the well-known daughter of influential Atlanta politicians. In 1987, Harwood was found guilty of the crime and subsequently served over 20 years at Coastal State Prison in Georgia, Atlanta, until his release in May 2018.

Currently, the 70-year-old Phillip Anthony Harwood lives in Mount Pleasant, North Carolina. After his release from prison, he was on probation but now enjoys a tranquil existence with friends and family. A stunning discovery later revealed that Lita’s husband, James Sullivan, orchestrated the murder.

The next episode of ABC’s true crime series, 20/20, titled A Puzzling Murder, will explore the intricate details surrounding the crime and the fallout for Phillip Anthony Harwood.

Did Phillip Anthony Harwood play a role in Lita McClinton Sullivan’s assassination?

Originally a truck driver from North Carolina, Phillip Anthony Harwood crossed paths with James Sullivan, a notable businessman in Atlanta, while delivering furniture. At the time, James and his wife, Lita McClinton Sullivan, were on the brink of divorce, scheduled for a hearing in January 1987. Lita filed for divorce upon discovering her husband’s infidelity.

On the day of the hearing, Lita Sullivan was deceived into opening her front door in Atlanta by a doorbell ring. She was lured outside after seeing only a bouquet of pink roses through the peephole.

In 1998, Phillip Anthony Harwood’s name was thrust into the spotlight by his girlfriend, who claimed she witnessed Sullivan handing Harwood $25,000 in cash to arrange for Lita’s murder, aiming to secure his properties and assets before the divorce.

Following this revelation, Harwood was apprehended in April 1998 and charged with multiple offenses including murder, assault, and battery concerning the Sullivan case. By that time, James Sullivan had escaped the country, and an arrest warrant was issued against him.

Phillip Anthony Harwood’s guilty plea and sentencing

Initially, Phillip Anthony Harwood denied guilt. However, after spending four years behind bars, he reassessed his situation and chose to enter a plea agreement, realizing the potential for a death penalty if he was convicted. His then-attorney, Tom West, communicated the pressure of such a dire situation in a letter published in People magazine.

“In cases where the death penalty or life imprisonment is possible, the pressure to accept a plea deal is significant,” he commented in his letter.

In February 2003, Phillip Anthony Harwood pled guilty to violent manslaughter and agreed to testify against James Sullivan. During his testimony, however, Harwood maintained his innocence, admitting only to receiving payment from Sullivan but denying that he was involved in the murder itself.

He was sentenced to 20 years in prison, accounting for the time served from 1998 to 2003. James Sullivan was later located and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in 2006, currently serving his time at Macon State Prison in Georgia.

After his release in May 2018, Phillip Anthony Harwood has opted for a life of solitude.

To delve deeper into this twisted tale, tune in to ABC’s 20/20 on Friday, October 25, at 9 pm ET, hosted by David Muir and Deborah Roberts. The episode will also be available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+ the following day.

Source