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'16 and Pregnant' star Whitney Purvis pleads guilty to involuntary manslaughter
Whitney Purvis, who rose to fame on the reality show 16 and Pregnant back in 2009, entered a guilty plea in connection with a man's fatal drug overdose.
The former reality TV star pleaded guilty to three charges on November 6 following the death of 37-year-old John Mark Harris in Rome, Georgia.
According to People, Purvis entered an Alford plea to involuntary manslaughter, illegal use of a communication facility, and the sale of a controlled substance, which was noted to be fentanyl.
Purvis could face up to 44 years in prison
Purvis entered her plea to three of the seven charges she faced. She also entered a waiver of the right to withdraw the guilty plea, court records show.
With the guilty plea, she could face a maximum sentence of up to 44 years in prison, although the number could be reduced depending on sentencing considerations and recommendations from prosecutors.
Officials have not said when Purvis will be sentenced.
Her arrest in July 2025 followed an investigation involving local law enforcement and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
At the time, Jae W. Chung, then-Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Atlanta Field Division, confirmed the agency's involvement.
"Today, DEA Atlanta and local law enforcement arrested Whitney Purvis in Floyd County, GA on charges of involuntary manslaughter due to fentanyl poisoning. This investigation is ongoing," the DEA’s July 2025 statement read.
Victim was remembered for his kindness and generosity
Purvis was first arrested in July 2025 after police accused her of giving Harris a combination of fentanyl and xylazine known as Tranq. Authorities stated the substance caused him to suffer a toxic overdose.
According to his obituary, Harris died on February 17, 2025, at the age of 37.
"John Mark never met a stranger and had a way of caring for those who crossed his path," his obituary read, per People. "Whether it was bandaging a wound, trips to the airport, or a place to lay their heads for a time, he was willing to lend a hand.
"He loved fiercely and would do anything he could for one of his friends. John Mark gave the best hugs and had the most infectious smile most had ever seen," the obituary continued.
"He loved entertaining and the goal of his gatherings was to spend quality time and strengthening the relationships with his friends."
Arrest came weeks after Purvis lost her teenage son
Purvis was arrested just weeks after she mourned the death of her 16-year-old son, Weston Jr.
She gave birth to her late son during Season 1 of 16 and Pregnant alongside then-boyfriend Weston Lewis Gosa Sr. The couple later welcomed a second son, River, in 2014 before splitting up.
The mom lost custody of both sons and was arrested in 2024 for failing to make child support payments, while Weston Sr. has faced multiple legal issues himself, including arrests for driving on a suspended license.
Both parents were previously arrested in 2012 for smashing electronics.
The 16-year-old, who was living with his father at the time of his death, reportedly died of natural causes.
Purvis said her child’s father blocked her from attending Weston’s funeral.