Tragic Endings In Tinseltown: The Murder Of Amie Harwick

Relationship Turmoil and Threats

Hollywood's allure isn't always about glitz and glamour – sometimes it's a backdrop for darker tales. Amie Harwick, a well-known therapist in the sex and family therapy scene, was tragically murdered by her ex-boyfriend, Gareth Pursehouse. Their tempestuous relationship, which lasted from 2009 to 2011, was rife with threats and violence. Harwick claimed that Pursehouse, who also worked as a nightlife photographer, subjected her to physical abuse, including suffocation and assault. Police records noted his chilling threats that "things will get worse." Despite Harwick's attempts to protect herself with restraining orders in 2011 and 2012, they expired long before the fatal attack eight years later.

A Professional and Personal Journey

After splitting from Pursehouse, Harwick pursued a fulfilling career, focusing on helping others in Hollywood's high-stakes environment. Her colleague, Coshland, recalls how Harwick rarely mentioned her past, preferring to live in the moment. "Until he murdered her, I didn't even know his last name," Coshland revealed. Harwick described unsettling incidents where she believed Pursehouse broke into her apartment and sent compromising photos to her employer, costing her her job. Despite these adversities, she excelled in her career, using her experiences as a motivation to become a sex therapist.

A Chance Encounter and Fatal Fallout

The story took a dark turn on January 16, 2020, at an LA awards event where Harwick unexpectedly encountered Pursehouse. He confronted her aggressively, blaming her for his life's woes. "She was really unsettled by that, and I was concerned about her safety, because he seemed so insane," Coshland shared. Tragically, just weeks later, on the eve of Valentine's Day, Pursehouse broke into Harwick's Hollywood Hills home, leading to her brutal murder. Harwick's roommate heard the commotion and alerted neighbors, but it was too late.

Justice Served, But at a Cost

Police swiftly identified Pursehouse as the suspect, supported by DNA, surveillance footage, and Harwick's own documentation of their last encounter. He was initially released on bail, but re-arrested and later convicted of first-degree murder and burglary. The September 2023 conviction ensured he would spend life behind bars without parole. Coshland's somber reflection echoes a chilling truth: "Would I have liked to see him tormented to death and eaten alive by ants? Yes, but this is the best you can hope for in California." Harwick's tragic end serves as a grim reminder of the dangers lurking in the world of dating, even in the city of angels.