Ex-Boyfriend Convicted of Murder in Tragic Case Involving Hollywood Sex Therapist
In a chilling case that shocked many, Gareth Pursehouse, the former boyfriend of Hollywood sex therapist Amie Harwick, who was once engaged to comedian Drew Carey, was found guilty of murder on Thursday for throwing Harwick from her third-floor balcony in 2020.
A Los Angeles jury deliberated for nearly eight hours before reaching their verdict, finding Pursehouse guilty of murder while “lying in wait” and first-degree burglary. As a consequence, he faces a life sentence without the possibility of parole when he is sentenced on December 6.
At a press conference, prosecutor Catherine Mariano revealed, “There was a lot of evidence that really indicates the malicious intent of the defendant in wanting to kill Amie Harwick and punishing her. I do believe this was an absolute desperate act.”
Amie Harwick, a 38-year-old sex therapist, had dated Pursehouse, 45, around 2010. After their relationship ended two years later, he became obsessed and relentless. Harwick obtained two restraining orders against him, as testified during the trial.
A chance encounter in January 2020 reignited Pursehouse’s fixation when they met at an awards event for adult film stars. At the event, he confronted her in front of witnesses, becoming emotional and confrontational.
Harwick, fearing for her safety, blocked Pursehouse’s number and confided in friends about her concerns. On Valentine’s Day, Pursehouse unlawfully entered her Hollywood Hills residence and waited for hours for her return.
When Harwick ascended the stairs to her bedroom just after 1 a.m., she discovered her ex waiting for her. A struggle ensued, culminating in a tragic act of violence, during which he strangled and beat her.
The sound of Harwick’s screams alerted her roommate on the first floor, who promptly called the police.
Prosecutors asserted that, in a state of panic, Pursehouse threw her injured body over the balcony and fled. The fall resulted in a shattered pelvis and severe brain and liver damage, leading to her death later that day at the hospital. Subsequently, Pursehouse was arrested.
Tragically, Pursehouse left behind a syringe filled with a deadly dose of nicotine in her home. Prosecutors argued that he had intended to kill her for ending their relationship that night.
Pursehouse’s defense countered that he merely wished to talk to her, and the deadly concoction was intended for himself. However, the jury rejected this argument.
Drew Carey, Amie Harwick’s former fiancé, revealed that she had been terrified of Pursehouse, even during their relationship. Despite their 2018 breakup, they remained friends, and Carey expressed his continued love and remembrance of her.
In the end, this deeply troubling case serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing domestic violence and the devastating consequences it can bring.