MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK

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November 4, 2009

Okla. man fighting extradition to ND

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — An Oklahoman accused of paying his handyman to kill his former son-in-law says he'll fight extradition to North Dakota to face murder conspiracy and burglary conspiracy charges.



Oklahoma County District Judge Ray Elliott on Tuesday told 63-year-old Gene Kirkpatrick that the next step in his case would be an extradition hearing in 30 to 60 days.



Attempts to reach Kirkpatrick's attorney, Joe Brett Reynolds, were unsuccessful.



The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation says Kirkpatrick was unhappy with the way Fargo dentist Philip Gattuso had been raising his daughter, Kirkpatrick's grandchild. Gattuso's wife died in March.



Kirkpatrick was arrested Monday.



OSBI spokeswoman Jessica Brown said Kirkpatrick paid a handyman $3,000 and promised more if he would go to North Dakota and kill Gattuso.



The 41-year-old handyman, Michael Nakvinda, was arrested over the weekend at his Oklahoma City home, and said during his Monday court appearance that he won't fight extradition to face charges.

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