News Summary
The remains of Martha Ann Dicks, a victim of notorious serial killer Donald Gaskins, have been found at the College of Charleston after nearly 50 years. Dicks vanished in the early 1970s and was later identified after being rediscovered in storage. Her family is now left to make burial arrangements as they seek closure on a case that highlighted societal issues surrounding marginalized communities.
Charleston, South Carolina – The long-lost remains of Martha Ann Dicks, a victim of serial killer Donald “Pee Wee” Gaskins, have been discovered in a closet at the College of Charleston after nearly 50 years. Dicks, who was only 17 years old when she vanished around 1971 or 1972, was murdered by Gaskins, who infamously confessed to multiple murders during his criminal career in South Carolina.
The remains were initially uncovered in 1977 when authorities found her body in a drainage ditch in Sumter County after Gaskins led them to the location. Following the discovery, Dicks’ remains were sent to the Medical University of South Carolina for forensic examination and were later transferred to the College of Charleston for educational purposes. However, the remains remained forgotten in storage for nearly half a century until they were recently rediscovered.
Robbie Baker Jr., the Sumter County Coroner, expressed his surprise upon receiving a box from the Charleston County Coroner’s Office, only to discover that the remains belonged to Dicks, reigniting interest in her case. With the return of Dicks’ remains, her family, including her niece Shawn Miller, now faces the responsibility of making arrangements for a fitting memorial.
Miller’s mother, Minnie Jean Williams, tirelessly urged law enforcement to investigate Dicks’ disappearance for years, yet rarely spoke openly about her sister’s fate. Dicks’ family had reported her missing, deeply troubled by the remains that surfaced in 1977. As a transgender black woman, Dicks’ case underscores the challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly during a time of limited awareness regarding LGBTQ+ issues.
Gaskins, known as South Carolina’s most notorious serial killer, was implicated in numerous fatalities throughout his life, with his brutal acts generating a significant part of the state’s dark criminal history. He was ultimately executed in 1991. His criminal actions included a notorious incident where he blew up a fellow inmate while incarcerated on Death Row, further cementing his infamy.
In recent years, the College of Charleston had transferred Dicks’ remains back to the county coroner’s office for re-evaluation. After extensive examination, the remains were confirmed to belong to Dicks, allowing for a renewed connection to her family. The Sumter County Coroner’s outreach to Dicks’ family played a crucial role in reconnecting them to their heritage, which had been lost following the traumatic events surrounding Dicks’ disappearance.
The return of Dicks’ remains has catalyzed discussions among her surviving relatives concerning arrangements for a proper burial and the closure they seek after decades of unresolved grief. Miller noted that discovering her aunt’s remains has opened opportunities to explore her family history, even as it stirs up painful memories of loss and tragedy.
This incident also highlights broader systemic issues regarding how unidentified remains are managed within the forensic and legal systems. Authorities often conduct thorough re-evaluations upon receipt of skeletal remains, reflecting a continued need for improved practices in handling cold cases.
The story of Martha Ann Dicks interweaves with the broader narrative of cold cases and the impact of unresolved disappearances and violent crimes on families. Her case serves as a reminder of the personal stories behind the statistics of crime and the long-lasting effects it has on communities and loved ones.
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Remains of South Carolina Serial Killer’s Last Victim Found
- The Item: Remains of Pee Wee Gaskins’ Final Victim Found
- Post and Courier: Charleston Serial Killer Remains Found
- Wikipedia: Donald Gaskins
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Donald Gaskins
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The HERE Charleston Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Charleston community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Charleston : Our team includes lifelong Charleston residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Charleston's equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., Charleston Technical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Charleston Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
