The ex-boyfriend of a renowned marriage and sex therapist has been found guilty of first-degree murder for throwing her from the third-floor balcony of her Hollywood Hills home. Gareth Pursehouse, 45, from Playa del Rey, was convicted by a downtown Los Angeles jury after deliberating for two days. The killing of 38-year-old Amie Harwick occurred on February 15, 2020. The jury also found him guilty of first-degree burglary and a special-circumstance allegation of murder while lying in wait. Pursehouse faces a sentence of life in prison without parole, with the sentencing scheduled for December 6.
Deputy District Attorney Victor Avila expressed his satisfaction with the verdict, stating, “I think there was strong evidence to convict the defendant and I think the amount of time they spent shows that it was a thoughtful consideration and they held him fully accountable to all of the charges.” Fellow prosecutor Catherine Mariano described the verdict as “absolutely just,” highlighting the malicious intent and premeditation exhibited by the defendant.
Mariano also addressed the defense’s attempt to portray Harwick as climbing over the balcony on her own, calling it an implausible theory given the contrary evidence. One of Pursehouse’s attorneys argued that Harwick’s death was an unintended consequence of a confrontation that occurred after he broke into her home. The defense asserted that Pursehouse’s emotional instability impaired his judgment and prevented the premeditation required for a first-degree murder conviction.
However, Bernstein-Lev, Pursehouse’s lawyer, argued that her client never intended to cause Harwick’s death. She also emphasized that the prosecution failed to prove that Harwick did not attempt to climb over the balcony to escape. Bernstein-Lev pointed to a photograph showing Harwick posing on the balcony as evidence of her independent actions. She further stated that the syringe found on the balcony, alleged to contain a lethal dose of nicotine, was not intended as a weapon and that her client was placed on suicide watch following his arrest.
The prosecution contended that Harwick was caught off guard by Pursehouse, who had broken into her home and waited for her return. Avila argued that Pursehouse had resolved to end Harwick’s life on Valentine’s Day and that she was unaware of the danger awaiting her. Avila painted Pursehouse as an obsessed individual who refused to move on from the relationship. He cited an email and text messages in which Harwick expressed fear of Pursehouse after encountering him randomly at an event.
According to the deputy district attorney, Pursehouse broke into Harwick’s home and attacked her, subjecting her to a prolonged assault before ultimately throwing her off the balcony. Avila dismissed claims of depression, emphasizing that Pursehouse’s actions were driven by anger and a desire for revenge. Pursehouse and Harwick had previously dated for 18 months, during which Harwick obtained a restraining order against him in 2012.
Following the announcement of the guilty verdict, Harwick’s friends expressed relief and satisfaction with the outcome. They emphasized the need for justice to be served in such cases and expressed their support for Harwick throughout the trial. Harwick, a published author who was briefly engaged to comedian Drew Carey, was mourned by her loved ones and remembered for her love and compassion.
Pursehouse was initially arrested on the day of Harwick’s death but was released on a $2 million bond. He was re-arrested four days later and has been held without bail since then. The sentencing will take place at a later date.
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