The ex-boyfriend of Amie Harwick, a renowned Hollywood sex therapist who was once engaged to comedian Drew Carey, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. This decision was announced on Wednesday by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.
Gareth Pursehouse, 45, was convicted of murder in September 2023 after he brutally murdered Harwick by throwing her over a balcony at her Hollywood Hills home in February 2020. He was also found guilty of first-degree residential burglary.
Authorities believe Pursehouse became obsessed with Harwick after their relationship ended a decade prior. In an interview with PEOPLE magazine, Deputy District Attorney Victor Avila stated, "The evidence showed he was obsessed with Amie Harwick. He felt entitled to her."
Prior to the murder, Harwick had obtained two protective orders against Pursehouse, but they had expired in 2015. Despite this, Pursehouse continued to stalk and harass her.
Harwick's friends revealed that she channeled her difficult experiences into helping other women. She became a successful therapist and teacher, using her knowledge and empathy to guide others.
Tragically, Harwick had a chance encounter with Pursehouse a month before her death at an adult industry awards show in Los Angeles. According to Avila, Pursehouse became enraged during this encounter and told Harwick that she had "ruined his life."
The brutal murder unfolded on Valentine's Day in 2020. Harwick returned home after a night out with friends, unaware that Pursehouse was waiting for her inside. He attacked her around 1 a.m., strangling her in the bedroom. When he heard Harwick's roommate approach, he threw her over the third-floor balcony in a desperate attempt to escape.
Harwick sustained severe injuries from the fall and died two hours later at the hospital. The medical examiner determined that her death was a homicide caused by blunt force trauma and manual strangulation.
Drew Carey, Harwick's ex-fiancé, spoke out about her death in an episode of "The Talk @ Home." He expressed his grief and shared how forgiveness helped him heal. "After Amie's murder, I really took some time to focus on myself," Carey said. "I really try to practice instant forgiveness and unconditional love."
Harwick's friends and family described her as a bright and compassionate soul who was passionate about helping others. Her best friend, Robert Coshland, told PEOPLE, "She was an outspoken advocate for women. It's just doubly, triply tragic that this happened to her."
Harwick's story serves as a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence. Her life was tragically cut short, but her legacy as a caring and courageous woman will continue to inspire others.
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