Was convicted of the murder of Hollywood therapist Amie Harwick and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Here’s an overview of the evidence that led to his conviction.
Gareth Pursehouse’s Arrest
On February 15, 2020, LAPD officers captured the arrest of Gareth Pursehouse near his residence.
In the afternoon of the same day, Pursehouse was apprehended for the murder of Amie Harwick, despite their relationship ending nearly a decade ago.
Following Pursehouse’s trial in 2023, LAPD investigators unveiled a substantial amount of evidence.
Urgent Call for Assistance
A security camera footage from a neighboring home depicts Michael Herman seeking help by knocking on the neighbor’s door, which went unanswered.
Amie Harwick’s roommate was awakened by a chilling scream in the early morning hours of February 15, 2020. Sensing that Harwick was under attack, Herman, unable to locate his phone, made the difficult choice to leave in search of help. Despite his attempts at the neighbor’s door, he received no response. Eventually, Herman found someone on the street and used their phone to contact 911.
Penny and Tom Harwick, Amie’s parents, commended Herman for his quick thinking and actions.
Police Body Camera Footage
Footage from an LAPD body camera captured Michael Herman speaking to the authorities outside Amie Harwick’s residence on February 15, 2020.
Upon arriving at Harwick’s home, the police were met with a chaotic scene as Herman informed them about the attack he had heard but not witnessed.
Initial Observations Inside Amie Harwick’s Residence
During the initial search of the house that night, no signs of forced entry were evident. However, Harwick’s belongings, including her purse, were found scattered on the floor.
Discoveries in Amie Harwick’s Home
Harwick’s jacket and broken necklace were discovered on the floor of her TV room. Detectives noted that beads from her shattered rosary necklace led from the TV room through the bedroom and onto the balcony.
Unusual Findings
A syringe containing a suspicious yellowish-brown substance was found on Harwick’s third-floor balcony. Subsequent testing revealed the presence of a lethal dose of liquid nicotine.
Break-in Point
Investigators identified a broken glass panel on the French doors as the probable point of entry for the perpetrator.
Blood Traces
Next to the broken French doors, a bloodstain was discovered on the floor. DNA analysis confirmed a match to Gareth Pursehouse.
Disturbing Scene
Detective Scott Masterson noted the peculiar sight of Amie’s otherwise tidy home, with the exception of her unmade bed, which he believed Pursehouse had occupied.
Surveillance Footage
Security footage captured Pursehouse trespassing through the neighbor’s yard and entering Harwick’s backyard by scaling a fence.
Attempted Concealment
Pursehouse was recorded trying to obscure the neighbor’s security camera with a gloved hand, prompting prosecutors to suggest he was attempting to evade detection.
Key Witness Testimony
During his police interview on February 15, 2020, Michael Herman mentioned Harwick’s ex-boyfriend, whose name he couldn’t recall. Another acquaintance identified Gareth Pursehouse as the individual in question.
Signs of Struggle
Upon his arrest, Pursehouse displayed physical injuries, including a black eye and a bite mark, indicating a fierce struggle during the incident.
The details surrounding Amie Harwick’s tragic demise continue to unfold as the investigation progresses.