Dig Me a Grave

The Inside Story of the Serial Killer Who Seduced the South

De: Dick Harpootlian, Shaun Assael

Narrado por: Dick Harpootlian

Of the hundreds of murder cases that noted South Carolina attorney Dick Harpootlian has prosecuted, one in particular haunts him. Donald "Pee Wee" Gaskins was a serial killer and rapist, a master manipulator who claimed to have killed over 100 people and is known to have murdered over a dozen. Yet it was on Death Row that he pulled off his most audacious murder—killing another inmate with a military grade explosive.

As personable as he was ruthless, Pee Wee defied easy categories. He killed to avenge minor slights as well as for pleasure, using any convenient method. Evidence suggested he forced at least one victim to dig his own grave, stand in it, and be shot.

Pee Wee murdered acquaintances, friends, family members, and strangers. Yet within his community he was well-liked—a family man who took neighborhood kids to the beach and hosted cookouts. Ice-cold within but outwardly charming, he joked with judges, reporters, and Harpootlian himself, but didn't hesitate to hatch a plot to kidnap the prosecutor's daughter in order to extort an escape.

Dig Me a Grave is a haunting look at a prolific, remorseless killer, as well as a provocative exploration of justice and the death penalty.

©2026 Richard Harpootlian (P)2026 Tantor Media

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Enjoyed every moment of Dick’s story. It was nice to learn a bit about Dick’s personal journey, balanced against all of the Murdaugh trial persona created by the media. I grew up in Florence during the 60’s and 70’s. Pee Wee at one time, did a few odd jobs for my dad.