DICK HARPOOTLIAN began his career as a prosecutor at the Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office and then quickly rose to Deputy Solicitor. As Chief Homicide Prosecutor, he co-prosecuted Donald “Pee Wee” Gaskins, the largest mass murderer in the history of South Carolina, securing a conviction that ultimately led to Gaskins’ execution. This case became even more personal when Gaskins attempted to have Harpootlian’s young daughter kidnapped and held hostage. Harpootlian served as a South Carolina Senator from 2018 to 2024, and notably represented Alex Murdaugh in the 2021 double murder trial
Of the hundreds of murder cases that noted South Carolina attorney Dick Harpootlian has prosecuted, one in particular haunts him. Donald “Pee Wee” Gaskins, serial killer and master manipulator.
Pee Wee murdered acquaintances, friends, family members, and strangers. Yet within his North Charleston 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…
The ruthless SC prosecutor and lawyer of Alex Murdaugh, faces the most haunting case of his career- Pee Wee Gaskins. Buried secrets rise, forcing him to confront corruption and power in a small town...
Date: Friday, February 20th 2026
Location: 21 Main Events- 719 North Beach Blvd North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
Time: 10:45AM-1:00PM
Your ticket includes an author presentation, book signing, a delicious lunch, dessert, beverages, complimentary seating, table service, private dining, and the opportunity to purchase the event book.
Refund Policy- Thank you for signing up for an event at Litchfield Books! Cards will be charged upon time of ticket purchase. We will refund your ticket, excluding our merchant banker convenience fee and credit card reversal fee. Cancellations are accepted up until seven days prior to the event date. If the cancellation is past the seven days you will not be offered a refund but you will be offered the signed copy of the event book.