Purvis was arrested in connection with the death of John M. Harris in 2025

NEED TO KNOW

• Whitney Purvis was arrested in connection with John M. Harris’ death in July 2025
• The arrest came one month after her 16-year-old son Weston’s death
• Purvis pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, illegal use of a communication facility, and the sale of a controlled substance, which was noted to be fentanyl, on Nov. 6

Whitney Purvis has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and other charges in connection with the death of John M. Harris.

The former 16 and Pregnant star was arrested in connection with Harris’ death in July 2025, one month after her 16-year-old son Weston’s death.

Court records reviewed by PEOPLE showed Purvis pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, illegal use of a communication facility, and the sale of a controlled substance, which was noted to be fentanyl, on Nov. 6

By pleading guilty to three of the seven charges she faces, Purvis entered an Alford plea, which, according to CourtTV, means a defendant “Registers a formal admission of guilt towards criminal charges while the defendant maintains their innocence toward those same charges.”

Purvis also entered a waiver of the right to withdraw the guilty plea, court records show.

On the same day of her arrest, Jae W. Chung, then-Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Atlanta Field Division, confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE that the agency was also investigating the incident. PEOPLE reached out to the department for an update.

“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.

Harris died on Feb. 17, 2025, according to his obituary. He was 37.

Purvis allegedly “distributed a substance presented as ‘Tranq,’ commonly known as Xylazine and Fentanyl, to the victim, which directly contributed to the victim’s death due to a toxic overdose,” according to the arrest affidavit previously obtained by PEOPLE.

“John Mark never met a stranger and had a way of caring for those who crossed his path,” Harris’ obituary read. “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.” 

A date for Purvis’ sentencing has not been announced.

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PEOPLE has reached out to her attorney for comment.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

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