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OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) An Oklahoma man 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.

Gene Kirkpatrick, 63, of Jones told Oklahoma County District Judge Ray Elliott on Tuesday that he wanted to "stay here and fight extradition." The judge told Kirkpatrick the next step would be an extradition hearing in 30 to 60 days.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said Monday that Gene Kirkpatrick, 63, of Jones, didn't like the way Fargo dentist Philip Gattuso had been raising his daughter since his wife's death in March. Kirkpatrick was arrested Monday.

SBI 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 at his home in Oklahoma City over the weekend. In a court appearance there Monday, Nakvinda said he would not fight a return to North Dakota to face the charges.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-03-09 1629CST | save this article / add to your favorites list