Gone South: S4|E34 - Dick Harpootlian
Release Date: June 11, 2025
Host: Jed Lipinski
Produced by Audacy Podcasts
Episode Overview
In Season 4, Episode 34 of Gone South, host Jed Lipinski delves into the compelling and harrowing story of Dick Harpootlian, a renowned prosecutor whose career was profoundly shaped by his involvement in one of South Carolina's most infamous criminal cases. This episode explores the intricate details of the case against serial killer Donald Henry "Pee Wee" Gaskins, the legal maneuvers that led to Pee Wee's conviction, and the lasting impact these events had on Harpootlian's life and career.
Early Life and Career of Dick Harpootlian
The episode begins with a brief overview of Harpootlian's background. Originally aspiring to become a civil engineer, he was inspired by the social turmoil of the late 1960s to pursue a career in law. "The war in Vietnam was raging. There was a huge anti-war movement beginning...," Harpootlian reflects at [05:00].
After law school, Harpootlian worked with legal aid, representing low-income clients. His transition to the local District Attorney's office marked a significant ideological shift intended to reform the system from within. Surprisingly, Harpootlian found immense satisfaction in prosecuting serious crimes, stating at [05:50], "It's not just getting the wins. It's screening out what you think are unjust prosecutions." His eight-year tenure saw him handle a wide range of cases, from DUIs to death penalty trials.
Donald Henry "Pee Wee" Gaskins: The Southern Boogeyman
At the heart of the episode is the chilling account of Pee Wee Gaskins, a serial killer who terrorized South Carolina between 1969 and 1975. Harpootlian describes Pee Wee as a pervasive figure in Southern folklore, "Nobody I ran into the other day reminded me that parents in South Carolina... he was the boogeyman they scared children with" ([07:01]).
Background and Early Crimes
Pee Wee's troubled upbringing in Florence County, characterized by extreme poverty and neglect, set the stage for his descent into violence. He exhibited violent behavior from a young age, committing his first notable crime at 12 when he assaulted a girl with an ax ([07:42]). His time at the Florence School for White Boys, intended for reform, only exacerbated his violent tendencies, as detailed in his autobiography, Final Truth.
Crime Spree and Capture
Released at 18, Pee Wee appeared to reform but continued his homicidal path, killing 13 individuals, mostly acquaintances, with varied and often inexplicable motives. His arrest in November 1975 was precipitated by a friend's betrayal, who tipped off authorities about burial sites ([07:27]).
At [12:43], Harpootlian recounts the media frenzy surrounding Pee Wee's confession tapes and the subsequent uncovering of multiple bodies, solidifying the case against him.
The Murder of Rudolph Tyner and the Legal Battle
The pivotal moment in this episode revolves around the murder of Rudolph Tyner, an elderly couple killed during an attempted armed robbery in 1978. Tyner's adopted son, Tony Simo, witnessed the crime and became obsessed with avenging his parents' deaths.
Conspiracy to Kill Tyner
Desperate for justice, Simo connected with Pee Wee Gaskins, who was serving life sentences at the Central Correctional Institute (CCI). Through clandestine communications, Pee Wee orchestrated a plan to murder Tyner from within prison. Initially attempting to poison Tyner failed ([21:34]), Pee Wee devised a more sinister method using an improvised explosive device disguised as an intercom ([22:30]).
Harpootlian narrates the meticulous planning and execution of the murder, highlighting Pee Wee's ingenuity and ruthlessness. The eventual discovery of the explosive device led to Pee Wee's arrest and the uncovering of his extensive tapes detailing the conspiracy.
The Trial and Prosecution
Appointed as the lead prosecutor, Harpootlian faced the daunting task of bringing Pee Wee to justice for the murder of Tyner. The trial was unprecedented, requiring extensive jury selection due to Pee Wee's notoriety. Harpootlian notes at [26:55], "We went through almost 300 and something jurors before we got 12."
Key Testimonies and Evidence
A central witness was James Brown, Pee Wee's accomplice, whose testimony was critical. Harpootlian recounts the emotional turmoil during Brown's preparation and unexpected revelation of their romantic relationship ([28:07]). Despite these challenges, the prosecution leveraged Brown's cooperation and the damning evidence from the tapes to secure a unanimous guilty verdict.
Aftermath and Reflections
Pee Wee Gaskins was sentenced to death, marking the first execution under South Carolina's reinstated capital punishment laws. However, his vengeance was not complete. Years later, Pee Wee plotted to kidnap Harpootlian's daughter, leading to heightened security measures ([33:22]). The episode details how this assassination attempt was thwarted, further cementing Pee Wee's infamy.
In his closing reflections, Harpootlian discusses the psychological toll of his career in prosecution. "It's hard to do that every day. And that, I think, in some cases, diminishes your humanity," he shares ([35:25]). He emphasizes the importance of upholding the rule of law while grappling with the personal costs of his professional responsibilities.
Conclusion
This episode of Gone South offers a gripping exploration of criminality, justice, and the human psyche through the lens of Dick Harpootlian's experiences. By detailing the rise and fall of Pee Wee Gaskins and the intricate legal battles that ensued, Jed Lipinski provides listeners with a profound understanding of the complexities involved in prosecuting some of the South's most heinous crimes.
Notable Quotes
- Dick Harpootlian ([05:50]): “It's not just getting the wins. It's screening out what you think are unjust prosecutions.”
- Dick Harpootlian ([07:01]): “He was the boogeyman they scared children with.”
- Dick Harpootlian ([21:34]): “All it was doing is making that son of a bitch sick.”
- Dick Harpootlian ([30:15]): “I broke my word to a psychopathic killer on the witness stand.”
- Dick Harpootlian ([35:25]): “It's hard to do that every day. And that, I think, in some cases, diminishes your humanity.”
Further Engagement
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Gone South continues to deliver riveting Southern crime stories, uncovering the dark underbelly of human nature through meticulously researched narratives and firsthand accounts. Stay tuned for more gripping episodes that illuminate the mysteries and moral complexities of the South.