A shocking murder in Gateway, Arkansas, reveals the dark side of a former police chief, Grant Hardin. Despite his past of threatening citizens, he becomes infamous for his brutal crime against utility worker James Appleton. The gripping manhunt that follows his escape from prison raises fears in the community. The narrative dives into the implications of outdated laws and the complexities of local accountability. Throughout, the dynamic of community response is explored as residents grapple with fear and relief in the aftermath of violence.
01:06:17
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Murder and Dinner
Grant Hardin murdered James Appleton on a rural road and then went to dinner with his family.
Witnesses saw Harden speeding away and identified his car, with blood found in his vehicle afterward.
insights INSIGHT
Clear Motive Behind Murder
The so-called "motiveless" murder has a clear motive: Harden hated Appleton.
The two men had a history of animosity and conflict prior to the killing.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Abuse of Power
Harden was removed as police chief because he abused power and harassed civilians.
He pulled guns on people and acted like the king of Gateway both on and off duty.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Northwest Arkansas 2017 - a former Police Chief murders a man in cold blood then takes his family out for a nice dinner. Grant Hardin, a man who was relieved of his duties as Police Chief for harassing and threatening the civilians of Gateway, Arkansas was arrested for the murder of James Appleton. Later and to everyone’s surprise, Grant Hardin was charged with another violent crime from 20 years prior. Grant's evil deeds and ways earned him the name “The Devil in the Ozarks.” Grant Hardin was due to likely spend the rest of his natural life behind prison walls but that all changed in May of 2025 when the Devil himself walked out and away from the Arkansas Department of Corrections’ North Central Unit in Calico Rock. 30 minutes later a national fugitive manhunt ensued.
Beer of the Week - Mothman Double Imperial New England Style IPA from Ogopogo Brewing
Garage Grade - 4 out of 5 bottle caps
More True Crime Garage can be found on Patreon and Apple subscriptions with our show - Off The Record. Catch dozens of episodes of Off The Record plus a couple of Bonus episodes and our first 50 when you sign up today.
True Crime Garage merchandise is available on our website’s store page. Plus get True Crime Garage Pod art that you can post on your socials on our Media page.
Follow the show on X and Insta @TrueCrimeGarage / Follow Nic on X @TCGNIC / Follow The Captain on X @TCGCaptain
Thanks for listening and thanks for telling a friend. Be good, be kind, and don’t litter!
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
True Crime Garage