Murder With My Husband: Episode 238 - The Stalking of Amie Harwick

Host/Author: OH NO MEDIA
Release Date: October 14, 2024
Podcast Description: A true crime podcast that ventures into the darkest crimes with a wife who loves it and a husband who hates it.

Introduction

In Episode 238 of "Murder With My Husband," hosts Peyton and Garrett Moreland delve into the harrowing true crime case of Amie Harwick, exploring the intricate details of her life, the stalking she endured, and the tragic circumstances that led to her untimely death.

Background of Amie Harwick

Amie Harwick was a compassionate and dedicated counselor based in Los Angeles, specializing in mental health support for sex workers and adult film performers. Her commitment to helping the most vulnerable members of society earned her respect and a growing following, including a successful YouTube channel and impending book deals.

Amie's early life was marked by instability, growing up in foster homes before being adopted. This background fueled her passion for supporting others who felt marginalized or misunderstood.

The Incident on Valentine's Day 2020

On the night of Valentine's Day 2020, Amie was partnered with Michael Herman in her Beverly Hills home. Michael, who was staying with her as a roommate, noticed unusual sounds coming from the third floor where Amie resided.

Peyton (07:24):
"On the night of Valentine's Day 2020, Michael Herman was asleep in his bedroom and he lived with his friend Amy Harwick, and she had kindly let him stay in her spacious three-story house in Beverly Hills."

Initially, Michael dismissed the sounds as Amie dropping a plate while preparing dinner. However, as the night progressed, the disturbances escalated into screams and the unmistakable sounds of a struggle. Realizing that an intruder might be harming Amie, Michael frantically searched for his phone to call 911 but failed to locate it in his panic.

Peyton (11:56):
"Michael immediately is like, me and Amy are not in this house alone. Not only had someone probably broken in, they were hurting his roommate Amy."

Desperate for help, Michael exposed himself in the hallway, hoping to deter the attacker, but the situation worsened. Unable to secure immediate assistance, he eventually found a passing pedestrian to call emergency services. By the time police and paramedics arrived, Amie had already fallen from her third-story balcony, sustaining fatal injuries from strangulation.

Investigation and Evidence

The crime scene revealed a house in disarray, with personal belongings scattered and a trail of rosary beads leading to the balcony. Notably, a syringe filled with liquid nicotine was discovered, indicating a possible premeditated attempt to poison Amie.

Garrett (15:21):
"It's creepy, she was targeted."

Further investigation uncovered shattered glass from French doors that the perpetrator had expertly broken, avoiding detection by tampering with a neighbor's ring camera.

Despite extensive efforts, including reviewing security footage and analyzing trace evidence, the case remained unsolved until investigators looked into Amie's past and relationships.

The Suspected Killer: Gareth Purse House

Amie's ex-boyfriend, Gareth Purse House, emerged as the prime suspect. Their relationship ended in 2012 due to Gareth's abusive and controlling behavior, leading Amie to file multiple restraining orders against him. Despite legal protections, Gareth's obsession with Amie persisted, manifesting in stalking behaviors such as unauthorized break-ins, harassment, and online attacks.

Peyton (28:13):
"Gareth wasn't willing to accept that things between them were actually over. So he began stalking Amy."

At the X Biz Awards, where Amie was a guest, Gareth intentionally worked as a photographer, allowing him to confront Amie in a public setting. His outburst at the event, where he berated Amie and incited a scene, marked the culmination of his obsessive behavior.

Garrett (37:00):
"It's so dangerous. It's insane."

The investigation linked Gareth to the crime scene through DNA evidence and similarities in the syringes found at both properties. Despite his defense claiming he had no intention to harm Amie and that another intruder was responsible, the jury found his testimony unconvincing.

Trial and Verdict

During the trial, Gareth's defense focused on his psychological state, suggesting his actions were driven by a desire to end his own life rather than to harm Amie. However, the prosecution presented compelling evidence of his premeditated actions to punish Amie for rejecting him.

Peyton (45:29):
"The prosecution argued that Gareth had killed Amy to punish her for rejecting him. He just couldn't handle the word no."

Ultimately, the jury convicted Gareth Purse House of first-degree murder, sentencing him to life in prison without the possibility of parole on September 23, 2023.

Conclusion and Reflections

The tragic story of Amie Harwick underscores the devastating impact of stalking and the lengths to which obsession can drive an individual. Despite Amie's unwavering commitment to helping others, her past relationship with Gareth culminated in a fatal confrontation that robbed the world of her invaluable contributions.

Garrett (48:55):
"It's so tragic. So much to say. It's just, yeah, stalking, like I said earlier, very hard to deal with. Heartbreaking."

Peyton and Garrett close the episode by honoring Amie's legacy, advocating for greater awareness and support for victims of stalking, and emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing such behaviors before they escalate to violence.

Peyton (48:55):
"I think that Amy should definitely be remembered for all of the good that she did. And I hope that we can honor her for that today."

Notable Quotes

• Peyton (07:24):
  "Michael immediately is like, me and Amy are not in this house alone. Not only had someone probably broken in, they were hurting his roommate Amy."

• Peyton (11:56):
  "Michael immediately is like, me and Amy are not in this house alone. Not only had someone probably broken in, they were hurting his roommate Amy."

• Garrett (15:21):
  "It's creepy, she was targeted."

• Garrett (37:00):
  "It's so dangerous. It's insane."

• Peyton (45:29):
  "The prosecution argued that Gareth had killed Amy to punish her for rejecting him. He just couldn't handle the word no."

• Garrett (48:55):
  "It's so tragic. So much to say. It's just, yeah, stalking, like I said earlier, very hard to deal with. Heartbreaking."

• Peyton (48:55):
  "I think that Amy should definitely be remembered for all of the good that she did. And I hope that we can honor her for that today."

Final Thoughts

"The Stalking of Amie Harwick" serves as a poignant reminder of the hidden dangers that can lurk in personal relationships and the profound consequences of unchecked obsession. Through meticulous storytelling, Peyton and Garrett shed light on Amie's inspiring life and the tragic end that underscores the critical need for vigilance and support for victims of stalking.

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