Colleton County, South Carolina — Attorney Dick Harpootlian, known for his role in the high-profile trial of Alex Murdaugh, has been inspired to pen a book exploring the life of one of South Carolina’s most notorious serial killers, Donald Henry “Pee Wee” Gaskins. Harpootlian, who defended Murdaugh in the double murder trial of his wife and son, recently reflected on how the media frenzy surrounding the case prompted this literary endeavor.
Harpootlian, 75, garnered attention for his colorful courtroom tactics during Murdaugh’s trial, which lasted six weeks and culminated in two life sentences without the possibility of parole for the defendant. His portrayal of the case included unusual moments of humor, such as when he pointed a rifle at the prosecution’s bench while questioning the fatal gunshots’ trajectory, leaving the courtroom momentarily amused.
The attorney’s extensive career has seen him engaged in several significant cases, but the Murdaugh trial struck a chord that led him to revisit his past experiences. Harpootlian previously prosecuted Gaskins, a serial killer who was convicted of a series of brutal murders and executed in 1991. Reflecting on these experiences, he stated that the overwhelming public interest in true crime has reached unprecedented heights, particularly during live televised trials like Murdaugh’s.
His upcoming book, titled “Dig Me a Grave,” intends to delve into the implications of the Gaskins case while examining themes surrounding the justice system and capital punishment. The intrigue surrounding Gaskins, noted for his infamy and the complexity of his crimes, has been a subject Harpootlian has contemplated documenting for years. However, it was the vivid and captivating atmosphere during Murdaugh’s trial that ultimately propelled him to consolidate his thoughts into a book.
Harpootlian noted that the intensity of public engagement during the Murdaugh proceedings was unlike anything he had ever seen. He expressed astonishment at the fascination audiences have with the twists and turns of true crime narratives. While Gaskins’s actions were horrific, his story remains distinct from typical depictions of serial killers.
During the Murdaugh trial, Harpootlian faced considerable backlash and even received countless threats and vitriol from the public. Undeterred, he stands by his commitment to upholding the principles of the justice system, arguing that every American deserves legal representation, no matter the circumstances. He championed the idea that individuals perceived as guilty still warrant a fair trial, urging critics to recognize the constitutional rights afforded to all.
In recounting his time as a prosecutor, Harpootlian recalled encounters with Gaskins that underscored the latter’s manipulative nature. During one exchange over lunch, Gaskins claimed a kinship with Harpootlian, indicating that he believed the attorney shared a predilection for violence. Such experiences shaped Harpootlian’s perception of both justice and morality.
The attorney’s reflections on the death penalty reveal a nuanced position; while he supports it in limited circumstances, he grapples with the ethical implications of state-sanctioned executions. His experiences with Gaskins, particularly the man’s heinous crimes, prompted him to advocate for humane execution practices. As a state senator, Harpootlian was instrumental in legislating death by firing squad in South Carolina, a decision he views as controversial yet necessary for extreme cases.
“Dig Me a Grave,” co-authored with journalist Shaun Assael, is poised for release on December 16 and is available for pre-order. Harpootlian’s exploration of Gaskins’s life and their intersecting paths reflects not only a profound personal journey but also sheds light on the complexities surrounding crime, justice, and societal fascination with the macabre.