Gone South: S4|E37 - The Combo Plate King | Part 2
Release Date: July 2, 2025
Introduction
In the gripping second part of "The Combo Plate King" episode, host Jed Lipinski delves deeper into the tragic tale of Greg Leone, a successful restaurateur in Lexington County, South Carolina. This episode unpacks the complex interplay between Greg's community standing, his legal battles, and the eventual downfall that culminated in his untimely death.
Background of Greg Leone
Greg Leone, a Mexican immigrant, built a thriving restaurant empire in Lexington County, amassing millions while becoming a beloved pillar of the community. His success was intertwined with a powerful relationship with the Lexington County Sheriff's Office, where he exchanged favors and free meals for protection of his undocumented employees.
Quote:
"Greg was a pillar of the community." — Jed Lipinski [01:17]
However, his ties to law enforcement deteriorated following a federal bribery investigation targeting the sheriff. To mitigate his own charges, Greg cooperated, leading to the sheriff's indictment and Greg serving nine months in prison for labor violations. Despite this setback, his restaurants continued to flourish until the fateful night of Valentine's Day in 2016.
The Crime: Valentine's Day Shooting
On February 14, 2016, Greg Leone shocked the Lexington County community by fatally shooting his wife, Rachel. The incident unfolded after Greg, monitoring his wife's activities due to suspicions of drug use or infidelity, received a GPS alert indicating she had stopped at a park and ride lot near a John Deere dealership.
Quote:
"I shot his wife in her lover, dude." — Greg Leone [02:16]
Greg arrived at the scene to find Rachel's Mercedes parked beside a black Toyota Tundra pickup truck. Surveillance footage captured his frantic search inside the parking lot. Greg later claimed he discovered Rachel in the backseat of the truck with Arturo Santos, a 28-year-old Mexican immigrant, and upon suspecting Santos of reaching for a weapon, he shot him in self-defense.
Quote:
"He could also be a murderer. So there's more to a story than just what's on the surface." — Kristen Bell [31:36]
Legal Proceedings
After the shooting, Greg fled the scene and contacted his attorney, Eric Bland. Eric, along with Greg's close friend and now prominent criminal defense lawyer Dick Harpoutlian (famously associated with serial killer Pee Wee Gaskins), orchestrated Greg's surrender and legal strategy. Despite initial cooperation, the discovery that Greg had disposed of the weapon—throwing it into a pond—complicated his defense.
Quote:
"The wheels of the justice system turn slowly." — Jed Lipinski [03:28]
Greg was charged with four felonies: murder, attempted murder, discharging a weapon into a vehicle, and possession of a firearm during a violent crime. He was granted bond and placed under house arrest while awaiting trial, which was significantly delayed due to COVID-19 and other procedural hurdles, ultimately setting the trial date seven years post-crime.
Allegations of Witness Tampering
As the trial approached, rumors emerged around 2019 that Greg was engaging in witness tampering. It was alleged that he attempted to influence witnesses Maria Moreno, a longtime employee, and Ruby Sierra, a former roommate and transgender woman. These allegations surfaced through secret meetings orchestrated by Greg, which were eventually intercepted by South Carolina law enforcement.
Quote:
"Maria urged Cierra to testify falsely that Arturo was the violent leader of a Mexican gang called El Tigre." — Jed Lipinski [13:06]
These actions forced Dick Harpoutlian to withdraw from the case due to a conflict of interest, compelling Eric Bland to secure a new defense attorney, Jack Swirling, a seasoned criminal defense lawyer known as "Mr. Murder."
The Trial
Jack Swirling took the reins of Greg's defense, steadfastly maintaining Greg's narrative of self-defense. Central to the defense was the timing and physical evidence surrounding the shooting, particularly the pathologist's interpretation of the bullet trajectories.
Quote:
"He was not prepared to go ahead and shoot anybody. He had the gun, but it was in his pocket... he shot him." — Jack Swirling [17:00]
A pivotal moment occurred when the original pathologist unexpectedly contradicted her initial findings on the stand, undermining the self-defense claim. Despite seeking a new pathologist who endorsed the original analysis, the reversal had a lasting impact on the defense's credibility.
Quote:
"She does a 180 and said that no, it did not corroborate what Greg Leone said." — Jack Swirling [19:27]
Verdict and Aftermath
After two and a half hours of deliberation, the jury delivered a unanimous murder conviction against Greg Leone, a verdict that stunned both Greg's legal team and supporters. Jack Swirling expressed profound surprise, attributing the decision to the pathologist's conflicting testimony and the state's portrayal of Greg's motives.
Quote:
"Jury came back with a murder conviction. It was unanimous. That just was totally something that just shocked me." — Jack Swirling [23:57]
Subsequent to the verdict, Greg was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Shortly after sentencing, Greg attempted suicide and was placed on life support. His family made the heart-wrenching decision to end his life-support, leading to his passing.
Quote:
"Greg's funeral... Hundreds of people showed up." — Jed Lipinski [28:59]
Reflections and Conclusion
Greg Leone's story is a poignant reflection on the duality of human nature and the complexities of the American Dream. Gustavo Arellano, a columnist for the Los Angeles Times, encapsulated this duality in his piece, highlighting how Greg's life embodied both generosity and exploitation.
Quote:
"Mexicans are humans, Mexican Americans are Americans, and Americans come in all sorts of facets." — Kristen Bell [31:36]
Meanwhile, Eric Bland, Greg's attorney and friend, found it difficult to reconcile the man he knew with the actions that led to his downfall. Despite Greg's conviction, Eric maintains a nuanced view, refusing to label Greg as inherently bad, while grappling with grief and loss.
Quote:
"Anybody in any given time can put themselves in a position that they will do something that they would never, ever do again in their life." — Jake Brennan [31:51]
The episode concludes with a somber reminder of the fragility of human life and the profound impacts of our actions on ourselves and those around us.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- "Greg was a pillar of the community." — Jed Lipinski [01:17]
- "I shot my wife in her lover, dude." — Greg Leone [02:16]
- "Mexicans are humans, Mexican Americans are Americans, and Americans come in all sorts of facets." — Kristen Bell [31:36]
- "He was not prepared to go ahead and shoot anybody." — Jack Swirling [17:00]
- "Jury came back with a murder conviction. It was unanimous. That just was totally something that just shocked me." — Jack Swirling [23:57]
- "Anybody in any given time can put themselves in a position that they will do something that they would never, ever do again in their life." — Jake Brennan [31:51]
Conclusion
"The Combo Plate King | Part 2" is a compelling exploration of Greg Leone's rise and fall, offering listeners a deep dive into the intersections of community, law, and personal tragedy. Through meticulous storytelling and insightful commentary, Jed Lipinski paints a nuanced portrait of a man whose life was as complex as it was inspiring, ultimately serving as a cautionary tale about the precarious nature of success and the shadows that can linger beneath the surface.