Amie Harwick murder: Man accused of killing sex therapist could get death penalty
The man accused of killing Dr Amie Harwick could get the death penalty after being re-arrested on Wednesday and officially charged with her murder.
Dr Harwick’s ex-boyfriend, Gareth Pursehouse, was originally arrested on Saturday, but released on Tuesday on a $2m bond.
In addition to murder, Mr Pursehouse is also charged with first-degree residential burglary, and the special circumstance allegation of lying in wait — this makes him eligible for the death penalty under California law.
He is accused of throwing Dr Harwick off the balcony of her third floor Hollywood Hills apartment, according to a press release from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Mr Pursehouse is not eligible for bail and was due to be arraigned on Thursday.
Dr Harwick, a celebrity therapist and ex-fiancee of comedian Drew Carey, was found by police on the ground below the balcony shortly after 1am on 15 February.
Officers were responding to a call about a woman screaming. She was taken to a hospital where she died.
The investigation revealed possible evidence of a struggle upstairs, according to the Los Angeles Police Department which is handling the case.
Evidence of forced entry by an intruder, and evidence that they left after the murder, was also uncovered.
Dr Harwick had previously filed a restraining order against the 41-year-old suspect but it had expired. They had seen each other as recently as two weeks ago, police said.
Mr Carey has tweeted out a link to a Change.org petition calling on numerous California politicians to make changes to domestic violence and stalking laws that it is felt could have protected Dr Harwick.
Read more
Amie Harwick's friend blasts domestic violence protections
Wendy Williams under fire for joke about Amie Hardwick death
Drew Carey is ‘overcome with grief’ following murder of ex-fiancee
Amie Harwick death shows how restraining orders can fall short
