41. The Halloween Night Candlestick Murder of Jack Dobbins

Halloween night, 1958. Charleston, South Carolina.  Beneath the veneer of old money and polite society,  company executive Jack Dobbins was forced to navigate the dangerous reality of living as a closeted gay man in the conservative South.  After a night out at a local mixed bar, Jack invited a 18-year-old Air Force airman into his historic Queen Street home.  The next morning, Jack was found brutally bludgeoned to death in his parlor. ​This week, we kick off our October spooky season marathon by stepping over the threshold of that Queen Street home.  We are untangling a web of 1950s prejudice, a chillingly calculated confession, and a justice system that put a murder victim on trial.  This is the tragic history of the Jack Dobbins murder and the devastating legacy of the "gay panic" defense. ​Research & Sources • ​The Real Rainbow Row: Explorations in Charleston's LGBTQ History by Harlan Greene • ​Archival issues of the News and Courier and the Evening Post (November - December 1958) • ​Historical court summaries: State of South Carolina vs. John Mahon ​Support the Show The absolute best way to help keep the episodes coming is by joining our brand new Patreon! Get access to exclusive content, behind-the-scenes production updates, and ad-free episodes. 🔗 https://linktr.ee/HomocidalTendency ​Follow Us on Social Media Check out the archival photos of the Queen Street house, Club 49, and case visuals we discussed in today's episode. • ​Instagram: @HomocidalTendency • ​Bluesky: @HomocidalTendency • ​TikTok: @HomocidalTendency https://linktr.ee/HomocidalTendency Send us Fan Mail (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2593502/fa...) Support the show (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2593502/su...)