Conviction: Gareth Pursehouse Found Guilty in Amie Harwick’s Murder
Tragic Conviction: Gareth Pursehouse Found Guilty in Amie Harwick’s Murder Case
In a tragic and heart-wrenching turn of events, justice has finally been served for the late Amie Harwick, a renowned sex therapist who once shared her life with comedian Drew Carey. On Thursday, Gareth Pursehouse, a 45-year-old man, was convicted of her murder, bringing closure to a horrifying chapter that unfolded in the Hollywood Hills back in February 2020.
The verdict, delivered by a jury, found Gareth Pursehouse guilty on one count of murder, alongside a first-degree residential burglary charge that came with a special circumstance allegation of lying in wait. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced this landmark decision, marking a significant step towards healing for Amie Harwick’s loved ones.
Amie Harwick, known not only for her former status as a Playboy model but also for her passionate advocacy for sex workers and her unwavering support for a non-profit that provided mental health care for performers in the adult entertainment industry, tragically lost her life in a shocking manner.
The autopsy results were chilling and revealed the primary cause of Amie Harwick’s death to be blunt force injuries to her head and torso, resulting from a fall following a violent altercation. In a grim twist, evidence of “manual strangulation” was also discovered, underscoring the brutal nature of her passing.
Gareth Pursehouse now faces the grim possibility of spending the rest of his life behind bars, with a maximum life sentence in state prison without the possibility of parole. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office made this clear in a news release, emphasizing the gravity of his actions.
The sequence of events that led to this heartbreaking conclusion began with Amie Harwick’s decision to file a restraining order against Gareth Pursehouse, a move prompted by her concerns about her safety. However, the restraining order had tragically expired by the time of the incident.
It was a horrifying Valentine’s Day when LAPD officers received reports of a “woman screaming.” Rushing to the scene, they encountered Amie Harwick’s roommate in the street, who informed them that Harwick was being assaulted inside their home. What they discovered was a scene of unimaginable horror – Harwick was found beneath a third-story balcony, gravely injured and unresponsive. Forced entry into the home and signs of a violent struggle upstairs painted a grim picture.
Amie Harwick’s life had taken a poignant turn when she became engaged to Drew Carey, the host of “The Price is Right,” in 2018. Unfortunately, their love story was cut short less than a year later, and they went their separate ways. At the time of her untimely death, Carey shared his heartfelt sentiments, saying, “Amie and I had a love that people are lucky to have once in a lifetime. She was a positive force in the world, a tireless and unapologetic champion for women, and passionate about her work as a therapist.”
The conviction of Gareth Pursehouse in this tragic case underscores the importance of protective orders and the need for stronger stalking laws in our legal system. Amie Harwick’s life was cut short in a violent and deadly attack, but her legacy as a passionate advocate for women and mental health care lives on. While we remember her on red carpets and at Hollywood events, let us also remember her dedication to her work, her personal struggles, and her unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. May she rest in peace, and may her loved ones find solace in the knowledge that justice has been served.
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
