Podcast Summary: Going West: True Crime - Episode 467: Amie Harwick

Podcast Information:

• Title: Going West: True Crime
• Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman
• Episode: Amie Harwick // 467
• Release Date: January 10, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 467 of Going West: True Crime, hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve into the tragic and harrowing murder case of Amy Harwick, a prominent sex therapist in Los Angeles. Despite Amy's significant contributions to her field and her vibrant personal life, her untimely death in 2020 remained under the radar, possibly overshadowed by the burgeoning COVID-19 pandemic. This episode meticulously examines the events leading up to Amy's murder, her relationship with Gareth Pursehouse, the investigation, and the subsequent trial that culminated in Gareth's conviction.

Amy Harwick: A Life of Passion and Purpose

Background and Early Life (00:03:19 - 00:05:27)

Amy Harwick was born on May 20, 1981, in Sellersville, Pennsylvania, and was adopted at 11 months old by Penny and Tom Harwick. Growing up in Lansdale, she graduated from North Penn High School in 1999, developing a fervent love for heavy metal music, live concerts, horror movies, and taxidermy. Amy's diverse interests and eccentric personality made her a beloved figure among friends and family.

Academic and Professional Journey (00:05:27 - 00:06:38)

Amy pursued higher education with unwavering dedication, earning multiple degrees:

• Undergraduate Degree: California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in San Luis Obispo.
• Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology: Pepperdine University, Malibu.
• Doctorate of Human Sexuality: Institute of Advanced Study of Human Sexuality.

Beyond academia, Amy modeled for various brands, posed for Playboy, and cultivated a passion for photography. However, her true calling lay in helping others. As a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in sex therapy, Amy fervently supported marginalized women, including sex workers and victims of sexual exploitation. Her commitment extended to volunteering for Pineapple Support, a nonprofit offering counseling services to those in the adult entertainment industry. Amy's impactful work was encapsulated in her 2014 book, The New Sex Bible: The Complete Guide to Sexual Self-Awareness and Intimacy.

Personal Life and Relationships (00:06:38 - 00:14:25)

Amy's personal life was marked by both triumphs and tribulations. After a brief marriage to drummer Tommy, Amy faced a challenging divorce, prompting her to immerse herself in her career. Her relationship with comedian Drew Carey was a whirlwind romance, culminating in an engagement in Paris in early 2018. Despite their deep connection, Amy ended the engagement later that year, leading Drew to reflect on their once-in-a-lifetime love.

However, Amy's past relationships, particularly with Gareth Pursehouse, cast a dark shadow over her life. Amy and Gareth met in 2009, and their two-year relationship was marred by Gareth's abusive behavior. Multiple restraining orders were filed due to Gareth's physical assaults, including choking, suffocating, and striking Amy, leading to severe injuries like a bloody nose. Despite the restraining order, Gareth's obsession persisted, culminating in Amy's tragic murder in 2020.

The Unfolding of Amy Harwick's Murder

Gareth Pursehouse: The Obsessive Ex-Boyfriend (00:14:25 - 00:20:05)

Gareth Pursehouse, a 41-year-old software engineer with side gigs as a photographer and comedian, appeared charming but harbored a deep-seated obsession with Amy. Friends described Gareth as loud and fun, but his inability to move on after their breakup led to repeated physical assaults on Amy. Despite the restraining order, Gareth's intrusive behavior escalated, including breaking into Amy's home multiple times, vandalizing her property, and sending unsolicited nude photographs that jeopardized Amy's professional opportunities.

The Valentine's Day Confrontation (00:20:05 - 00:43:45)

On January 16, 2020, Amy's fears materialized when she unexpectedly encountered Gareth at an awards ceremony hosted by XBIZ. The public confrontation was intense, with Gareth berating Amy for "ruining his life," causing her immense distress. Despite Amy's attempts to de-escalate the situation, Gareth's aggression persisted, eventually leading him to track down Amy's phone number and bombard her with obsessive text messages and voicemails.

The tragic culmination occurred on February 14, 2020, Valentine's Day. Amy was preparing to attend a burlesque show when Gareth infiltrated her Hollywood Hills home, brutally attacking her. Amy's roommate, Michael Herman, initially unaware of the severity of the situation, eventually called 911 after hearing Amy's screams. Emergency responders found Amy with injuries from both the assault and the subsequent fall from her balcony. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Amy succumbed to her injuries approximately two hours later.

Investigation and Evidence

Initial Investigation (00:43:45 - 00:35:35)

Police quickly identified Gareth as the primary suspect due to his history with Amy and the physical evidence found at the scene. Despite his initial attempts to feign ignorance, including lying about his alibi and the source of his injuries, forensic evidence, such as Gareth's DNA under Amy's fingernails and blood spatters matching his DNA on the balcony, solidified the case against him.

Gareth's Arrest and Trial (00:35:35 - 00:43:45)

Gareth was arrested shortly after Amy's murder, initially released on a $2 million bail before being detained again on a no-bail warrant. His behavior during detention and interactions with friends showcased his disturbed state of mind, as he concocted illogical plans and made absurd jokes from prison. During the trial, Gareth's defense team attempted to shift blame onto Amy, suggesting she provoked the confrontation. However, the overwhelming evidence and Gareth's own admissions led to his conviction on September 27, 2023. On December 6, 2023, Gareth was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole at the age of 45.

Impact and Reflections

Community and Personal Reactions (00:37:11 - 00:43:45)

The murder of Amy Harwick sent shockwaves through her community, drawing condolences and support from friends, family, and former associates like Drew Carey. Amy's parents and friends expressed deep frustration and sorrow over the systemic failures that allowed Gareth's obsession to persist unchecked for nearly a decade. The case highlighted significant issues related to domestic abuse, stalking, and the challenges victims face in securing protection against relentless abusers.

Legacy of Amy Harwick (00:43:45 - End)

Amy Harwick's legacy endures through her impactful work as a sex therapist and advocate for marginalized women. Her dedication to helping others and her vibrant personality left an indelible mark on those who knew her. The tragic circumstances of her death serve as a poignant reminder of the dangers posed by obsessive and abusive individuals, emphasizing the need for effective protective measures and support systems for victims.

Notable Quotes

• Daphne Woolsoncroft (00:00:47): "This story has everything. It has Hollywood success, stalking, and the extremely untimely murder of a well-known figure in LA."

• Heath Merryman (00:02:31): "A lot of these guys are not threatened by that piece of paper. They will play the system. They'll wait until they have their opportunity and then they'll do whatever they feel they need to do to seek revenge."

• Gareth Pursehouse (20:21:02): "Hello, everybody. All right, let me spin around this..."

• Daphne Woolsoncroft (29:45): "He was waiting in her house for four hours."

• Heath Merryman (39:01): "He's completely insane."

• Deputy District Attorney Catherine Mariano (35:35): "Gareth wanted to make a statement. A statement by murdering Amy on Valentine's Day."

Conclusion

Episode 467 of Going West: True Crime masterfully unravels the complexities and dark nuances of Amy Harwick's murder case. Through detailed narratives, emotional reflections, and compelling evidence, hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman shed light on a story of love, obsession, and tragic loss. Amy Harwick's life and untimely death underscore the critical need for vigilance and support in cases of domestic abuse and stalking, leaving listeners both informed and profoundly moved.

Follow-Up and Resources:

• Social Media: For additional content, photos, and video clips related to Amy and Gareth, listeners are encouraged to follow Going West on Instagram and Facebook.
• Upcoming Episodes: Stay tuned for new episodes released every Tuesday and Friday, exploring more true crime stories from the West.

This summary captures the essence and detailed proceedings of Episode 467, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the podcast.