Whitney Purvis, best known for appearing on MTV’s 16 and Pregnant, has been arrested in Georgia one month after the death of her 16-year-old son, Weston. The 33-year-old was taken into custody in Floyd County on Monday, July 7, and is facing multiple serious charges, including felony involuntary manslaughter, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and use of a communication device to facilitate a felony involving controlled substances. TMZ was first to report the arrest.
According to the affidavit for arrest obtained by People, Purvis allegedly “distributed a substance presented as ‘Tranq,’ commonly known as Xylazine and Fentanyl, to the victim, which directly contributed in the victim’s death due to a toxic overdose.”
The victim is identified as John M. Harris. His obituary described Harris as someone with deep compassion and a giving spirit: “John Mark never met a stranger and had a way of caring for those who crossed his path… 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.”.
What Happened to Whitney Purvis?
The arrest comes just one month after Purvis publicly shared the devastating news of her son Weston’s death on Facebook. The teen passed away on June 2 at the age of 16: “This is so hard to write. My beautiful son, Weston has passed away. He was only 16 years old,” she wrote in the emotional post. “Life is so cruel and unfair. I just don’t understand. Oh my baby is gone and I don’t know what to do with myself.”
She continued, “He was so perfect. This is really my worst nightmare come true. How do you go on in life after losing a child? I’m in disbelief, this cannot be happening… Rest in Peace, my angel. You are gone too soon. April 2, 2009 – June 2, 2025.”
In an interview with People shortly after Weston’s death, Purvis spoke about the state she found herself in.
“I can’t distract myself. It’s going through my mind constantly. I hate to even pick up my phone. When I’m not crying, I’m just staring at the ceiling. I never wanted to go through something like this… I just can’t even imagine a future now. I can’t imagine going on after this.”
The legal case now facing Purvis adds another heartbreaking layer to an already devastating time. Though the charges relate to a different case and victim, the arrest happening just weeks after her son’s death casts a tragic shadow over the reality TV alum’s life. As the case unfolds, fans of 16 and Pregnant — and those who remember Whitney’s journey as a teenage mother on the show’s fourth episode — are watching a sad story turn even darker.
Source: People