Donald Henry "Pee Wee" Gaskins was a notorious American serial killer who operated primarily in the southern United States. Born on March 13, 1933, in Florence County, South Carolina, Gaskins had a troubled childhood, marked by abuse and neglect, which played a significant role in shaping his criminal behavior.

Early Life and Crimes

From an early age, Gaskins was exposed to violence and criminal activities. He was small for his age, earning him the nickname "Pee Wee." This, along with his dysfunctional family background, contributed to a life of crime that began in his pre-teen years. Gaskins frequently ran away from home and, by the age of 13, was involved in theft and burglary. His criminal activities escalated as he grew older, leading to more violent offenses.

Escalation to Serial Killing

Gaskins's crimes reached a new level in the 1960s when he started to commit murder. His victims varied in age, gender, and background, and he often tortured them before killing them. Gaskins described these acts as "coastal kills," which he distinguished from his "serious murders" — the killing of people he knew personally.