Whitney Purvis, who became known for appearing in the first season of MTV’s 16 and Pregnant, was arrested and is currently being held in the Floyd County Jail in Georgia. The arrest is connected to several charges, including involuntary manslaughter, as well as making and selling illegal drugs. There is also an additional charge accusing her of using a phone or other communication device to help carry out a drug-related crime.
As found by TMZ, Purvis is being kept in the jail’s medical unit and has not been granted bond. The involuntary manslaughter charge is linked to the death of John Mark Harris, who was found dead from a drug overdose on February 16, 2025. Police claim that Purvis knowingly gave Harris a dangerous drug mixture called “Tranq,” which contains both Fentanyl and Xylazine, and that this caused him to overdose.
Officers reported seeing what appeared to be drug-related items at the scene where Harris died. Purvis was arrested about a month after the death of her own son, Weston Owen Gosa Jr., who died at age 16 on June 2, 2025. Before this arrest, Purvis had been arrested in the past, though for less serious offenses, and even denied access to her son’s funeral. Her previous charges included stealing a pregnancy test, breaking electronics, and not paying child support.
16 and pregnant star arrested for death of John Harris
Purvis shared the news of her son’s death on social media, calling it a heartbreaking loss. Weston Gosa Jr. was born in April 2009, and his birth and early life were shown on “16 and Pregnant.” Reports say that Weston had multiple health problems, including diabetes and Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. His stepmother mentioned that the family was waiting for autopsy results to find out exactly how he died, adding that he was discovered unresponsive.
16 and Pregnant alum Whitney Purvis was arrested on July 7 for involuntary manslaughter in Georgia according to local arrest records. https://t.co/UWN8vkY2c8 pic.twitter.com/6YKTRjdAkV
— E! News (@enews) July 7, 2025
Purvis was one of the original participants in 16 and Pregnant, which first aired in 2009. She was 16 years old when she appeared in the fifth episode, which focused on the money struggles and social challenges of being a teenage parent. The episode followed her pregnancy, the birth of her son, and her attempts to handle the responsibilities of motherhood.
In 2024, reports stated that Purvis had lost legal custody of both of her sons. The charges she now faces are much more severe than her past legal troubles. More information about Purvis’s case is expected to come out as the legal proceedings move forward.
