Whitney Purvis Manslaughter Explainer: What Happened to John Mark Harris

Former 16 and Pregnant star Whitney Purvis rose to fame after cameras documented her foray into motherhood as a high school student — but it’s her legal troubles that have kept her in the spotlight.

Purvis was booked in a Georgia jail in connection with the overdose death of John Mark Harris on July 7, charged with felony involuntary manslaughter, distribution of a controlled substance and use of a communication device to commit a felony involving controlled substances.

“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,” Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Atlanta Field Division, said in a statement. “DEA reminds the public that nearly 70% of all drug-related deaths involve synthetic opioids, like fentanyl. Two milligrams of fentanyl is a potentially deadly dose.”

According to authorities, Purvis allegedly gave Harris the narcotics that contributed to his overdose death.

The arrest comes one month after the unexpected death of Purvis’ teenage son Weston, who she shared with ex Weston Gosa, Sr. According to the child’s father, he died of natural causes. The arrest is also another example of the many lows the young reality star has experienced since her time on reality TV.

Here is a look at everything to know about Whitney Purvis’ involuntary manslaughter arrest.

Whitney Purvis’ arrest

Purvis was arrested on July 7, 2025, on charges related to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and involuntary manslaughter. The latter charge is in connection with the death of John Mark Harris, who overdosed on tranq — a sedative often used in veterinary medicine — allegedly supplied by the reality star.

In Georgia, a charge of involuntary manslaughter can result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

John Mark Harris’ death

According to an online obituary, Harris died on February 17, 2025, at his home in Rome, Georgia. Harris, who was born in Athens, Georgia, was the son of Chandler Ray Harris, Jr., and Lisa Cornett Harris, and was 37-years-old at the time of his death.

“John Mark never met a stranger and had a way of caring for those who crossed his path. 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,” his obituary reads. “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. He loved entertaining and the goal of his gatherings was to spend quality time and strengthening the relationships with his friends.”

Purvis wrote an obituary for Harris

Purvis appeared to leave a lengthy comment on the obituary on March 3. “John Mark, I hate that I found out what happened today and missed your funeral. I wish I could’ve found out sooner and attended your celebration of life,” she wrote.

“Thank you for being such a great friend to me and always making me feel beautiful and cared for,” Purvis continued. “You’ve came to my rescue on many occasions and saved me over the years. We bonded over being chefs, our love of cooking and our struggles. I could tell you anything and you always knew what to say or give me your honest opinion and advice.”

“I don’t want it to be true,” Purvis also wrote. “I’ll miss sitting outside, smoking camel crush cigs w/ you … Most of all, I’ll miss you, a truly good hearted & one of a kind man, John Mark. I’ll never forget you. Rest in peace and my condolences to your family and friends. I pray they are able to find some kind of comfort during this tragic time. I love you forever, John Mark. Love, Whitney.”

John Harris’ family spoke out

Also on July 7, Harris’ mother Lisa spoke about her son’s death and Purvis’ arrest.

“She did this, and as a result, my son is dead,” Lisa told TMZ. Lisa added that she is “glad nobody else must go through this because of her actions.”

“The whole thing is so heartbreaking,” Lisa continued. “I feel sorry for her — not because she got arrested, but because her life got to a point of dealing drugs.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).