Former SC Prosecutor Dick Harpootlian Recounts The Inside Story of the Serial Killer Who Seduced the South 

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer

Rape, burglary, assault, and murder are just a few of the actual crimes committed by Donald Henry Parrott Jr., known to most historians as American serial killer and South Carolina native 'Pee Wee Gaskins' (1933-91). Long before fellow murderer Jeffrey Dahmer grabbed the headlines in the 1980's, Gaskins began his criminal spree in the 1950's, leading to burglaries and fencing property, as well as rape in the early 1960's.

By the end of the decade Gaskins claims to have carried out his first killing, which led to at least a dozen confirmed murders between 1970 and 1982, with the final murder taking place while he and his victim were incarcerated at the Central Correctional Institution in Columbia SC. 

The true life tales and exploits of Gaskins' 58 repulsive years on the planet are well documented in, 'Dig Me a Grave: The Inside Story of the Serial Killer Who Seduced the South', by former South Carolina politician and state prosecutor Dick Harpootlian. Along with co-writer Shaun Assael, Harpootlian chronicles Gaskins' life story beginning from early childhood neglect and abuse to some of the most horrific murders ever carried out, whereby friends and relative were not spared his killing spree.

Covering 200 plus pages, 'Dig Me a Grave' highlights Gaskins' multiple marriages, relocations, and prison terms, and ironically according to Harpootlian , Gaskins twisted humor as well as his cleverly deceptive manipulation tactics. While Harpootlian gained national TV exposure in 2023 during the Alex Murdaugh double murder trial, it was his prosecution trial of Gaskins that first brought him attention by his colleagues four decades earlier.

'Dig Me a Grave' is both an eye-opening and weirdly riveting story of a deranged murderer, who had little or no regard for human life, and the physical and mental toll it took on the state's prosecuting attorney.

If you enjoy reading who-dun-its, psychological thrillers, or deranged re-enactments, and are tired of romance novels, than Dick Harpootlian's  timeline in  'Dig Me a Grave: The Inside Story of the Serial Killer Who Seduced the South' makes for a great summer read, whether at the beach or the pool. Released in December of 2025 the book is available at your local bookstore, online retailers, and with through the publisher at https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/shop/dig-me-a-grave/?v=0b3b97fa6688