The former boyfriend of a Hollywood marriage and sex therapist has been found guilty of her murder. Jurors in Los Angeles reached a verdict in the case of Gareth Pursehouse, a 45-year-old man who was convicted for the killing of Dr. Amie Harwick, a 38-year-old therapist who tragically fell from her third-story balcony.
Pursehouse was also found guilty of additional charges, including murder with special circumstances and first-degree burglary of Harwick's home. He now faces a life sentence in prison without the possibility of parole, with his sentencing scheduled for December 6.
District Attorney Gascón expressed satisfaction with the verdict, stating, "Today, justice has been served for Amie Harwick and her loved ones who have endured unimaginable pain throughout this terrible ordeal. Our thoughts and support remain with them as they begin to heal. I want to commend the diligent work and dedication of the prosecution team from the Major Crimes Division who worked to secure this conviction."
The tragic incident occurred on February 15, 2020, in Hollywood Hills.
Police responded to a distress call reporting a "woman screaming" around 1:16 a.m. When they arrived at the scene, they encountered a roommate who had witnessed the victim being assaulted inside her home. The brave roommate had jumped a wall to seek help from neighboring residences.
The suspect, Gareth Pursehouse, was swiftly identified and apprehended by law enforcement. Unfortunately, Dr. Amie Harwick was found severely injured beneath the balcony and was rushed to the hospital, where she ultimately succumbed to her injuries.
Investigations revealed signs of a struggle inside the house, along with evidence of a break-in. Detectives discovered further proof of an intruder entering and leaving the property after the murder had taken place.
Crucially, it was learned that Harwick had previously expressed concerns about her ex-boyfriend, leading her to obtain a restraining order against him. This restraining order had expired, and she had encountered him just two weeks prior to the tragic incident.
Pursehouse who had initially been arrested on the day of the murder, was subsequently released on bond, but was later re-arrested under a no-bail warrant.
During the trial, Pursehouse's defense attorney, Robin Bernstein-Lev, argued that her client had been emotionally overwhelmed after the breakup and had impulsively broken into Harwick's home in an attempt to speak with her.
She contended that Harwick had climbed over the balcony on her own, resulting in her tragic fall.
A former police chief from North Carolina, William Spivey, has been sentenced to serve 11 to 22 years in prison after pleading guilty to 14 felonies and one misdemeanor. See detailed story here
Comments
Post a Comment