EPISODE 240: "The Peril of the Peddler": The Murder of Abram Surasky

On Halloween Night 1958, two strangers met at a late night bar in Charleston, SC. As the night went on, the two bar hopped before eventually ending up at one of their posh Queen St. home. Winthin an hour one man lay dead and the other fled. While the murder sounded like something straight out of the board game "Clue", it was the trial and media coverage that made this case more than noteworthy.

For over 180 years, a 200 acre plot of land was home to the South Carolina State Hospital that went through many name changes. Intent on being a humane way to treat and house the mentally ill, it was for some the last stop before a cruel death. We will examine testimony, stories from former employees and patients, give an overview of the history, and the cruelty that occurred in the heart of our capitol city.

In 2017, a beloved young man who had a remarkable comeback story was the victim of an evil trap. What he thought would be an innocent meet up with a young lady did not go as planned. His loving family frantically searched for him until the sinister plan was discovered.

In a case that captured national attention in 1929, a beautiful young schoolteacher went missing one Friday afternoon. Her husband was ill and in bed all day, at least according to him. This week we cover the scandal that spurred legend, lore, and facination for the past century in York County.

At the turn of 20th century, a sucessful peddler in Aiken county was well liked and respected by most, but not all. A customer on his route developed a deep seeded and irrational hatred for the man and acted on it one fateful day in 1903. The episode is chock full of changing stories, alternative narratives, and an unbelievable trial.

In 1993, an elderly couple along with their adult son lived peacefully in Spartanburg County. The mother, Mary, served as a care taker and was beloved in her small community. That's why it was all the more shocking when tragedy befell their household.

What started as a getaway to Florida for one Virginia businessman ended in drunken tragedy for two men after hitchhikers were introduced to the equation. A rolling party, complete with drugs and debauchery turned fatal and the trip to The Sunshine State was traded for a trip to South Carolina's Death Row.

In September of 2020, Jasper County 911 received a disturbing call from a local motel. A young girl was found shot while propped up in the bed. Conflicting narratives, extra "detailed" alibis and mind games led authorities to the party responsible after a quick investigation.

In 2011, a young lady made a shocking report to N. Charleston Police detailing how she had been kidnapped and attacked. As shocked as they were, the real surprise came when they realized who the suspect was. Charges ramped up when more women showed the courage to come forward to create a picture of a serial offender.

Straight out of the Tiger King, we discuss the crimes and recent convictions of Myrle Beach resident Dr. Bhagavan Antle. We examine his beginnings, zoological parks, "medical" training, his infatuation with young ladies, and his eventual fall from grace.