Former '16 and Pregnant' star Whitney Purvis charged in man's death
Share this @internewscast.com

A former participant of MTV’s “16 and Pregnant” found herself in legal trouble this past Monday in Georgia. She faces several charges, with involuntary manslaughter being the most serious, after a man succumbed to fentanyl poisoning earlier in the year.

Whitney Purvis, aged 33, is currently detained in the Floyd County Jail, situated in Rome, Georgia, roughly 65 miles (105 kilometers) northwest of Atlanta. The online jail records show that she is being held without bond. It’s unclear if she has legal representation to respond to these charges, as no attorney information is listed.

ROME, GEORGIA – JULY 07: In this handout photo provided by the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office, former “16 & Pregnant” TV personality Whitney Purvis is seen in a police booking photo after being arrested for felony involuntary manslaughter involving a fatal overdose on July 7, 2025 in Rome, Georgia. (Photo by Floyd County Sheriff’s Office via Getty Images)

The arrest is tied to the February death of a man named John Mark Harris.

According to his obituary, John Mark was a person who never considered anyone a stranger and was known for his kindness and generosity. “Whether it was bandaging a wound, trips to the airport, or providing a place for someone to stay temporarily, he was always ready to offer help,” it states, adding, “He loved intensely and was always willing to do anything for his friends.”

An arrest warrant accuses Purvis of giving Harris a combination of xylazine and fentanyl known as “Tranq” that led to an overdose, according to TMZ.

Purvis was arrested by the Drug Enforcement Administration and local officers, according to a statement from the federal agency. The investigation is ongoing, the DEA said.

“DEA reminds the public that nearly 70% of all drug-related deaths involve synthetic opioids, like fentanyl,” said Jae Chung, DEA acting special agent in charge of the Atlanta office. “Two milligrams of fentanyl is a potentially deadly dose.”

The arrest comes a month after Purvis, who appeared on the reality show “16 and Pregnant” in 2009, lost her eldest son Weston Jr. on June 2 when he died of natural causes, according to Deadline.

In a Facebook post, Purvis said Weston Jr. suffered from diabetes, Addison’s disease and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and alleged that he wasn’t receiving proper medical care. Before his death, the teen had been living with his father, who has reportedly denied Purvis’ claims.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Mega Millions: Jackpot soars to $900 million after no winner in latest drawing

Mega Millions Jackpot Skyrockets to $900 Million Following Recent Drawing Results

The Mega Millions prize has climbed to an impressive $900 million after…
Tariffs push US wine industry into uncertain territory: 'Really creates a challenge'

Navigating the Storm: How Tariffs Are Reshaping the US Wine Industry Landscape

NAPA, Calif. – The U.S. wine industry is grappling with the far-reaching…
UPDATED: Supreme Court Issues Stay in Response to Trump Admin Emergency Appeal of SNAP Case

Supreme Court Halts SNAP Case Amid Trump’s Emergency Appeal: Latest Updates

UPDATE [9:44 PM Eastern]: On Friday night, the U.S. Supreme Court implemented…
Teen saw ‘devil in disguise’ John Wayne Gacy before her friend disappeared forever

Teen Encounters John Wayne Gacy, Infamous ‘Devil in Disguise,’ Prior to Friend’s Disappearance

Kim Byers vividly remembers the unsettling encounter with a peculiar contractor at…
4 dead, 11 injured after speeding car plows through crowd in Ybor

Tragic Florida Crash: Speeding Car Leaves 4 Dead, 11 Injured in Devastating Crowd Incident

A tragic incident unfolded in the early hours of Saturday morning in…
'Unforeseen circumstances': Why Jimmy Kimmel's show was postponed Thursday

Unexpected Delay: The Real Reason Behind Jimmy Kimmel’s Show Postponement on Thursday

The taping of “Jimmy Kimmel Live” scheduled for Thursday was unexpectedly canceled,…
Jacksonville Fair, law enforcement assure safety amid viral 'Fair Takeover' concern

Jacksonville Fair Boosts Security Measures in Response to ‘Fair Takeover’ Buzz

The Jacksonville Fair, a beloved local tradition known for its thrilling rides,…
UN under fire as USAID investigators probe Hamas diversion of aid to Gaza

UN Scrutinized: USAID Investigates Alleged Hamas Misappropriation of Gaza Aid

As the truce between Israel and Hamas unfolds, the USAID Office of…
North Carolina police officer killed in line of duty during emergency room shooting incident

Tragic Loss: North Carolina Officer Fatally Shot Amid ER Chaos – A Community Mourns

Tragedy struck a North Carolina hospital early Saturday morning when a police…
Chicago crime: Walter Johnson pleads guilty after police sergeant who witnessed fatal shooting shot in West Garfield Park in 2020

Chicago Crime Unveiled: Walter Johnson Admits Guilt in 2020 Fatal Shooting of Police Sergeant in West Garfield Park

In a recent development from Chicago, Walter Johnson, a man implicated in…
Bringing the Cold War back to schools

Reviving Cold War Tactics: Schools Reintroduce Historical Lessons for Modern Education

President Donald Trump has stirred the political pot by labeling New York’s…
Creator of AI ‘actress’ Tilly Norwood has plans for ‘universe’ of characters

AI Innovator Behind Tilly Norwood Set to Launch a Dynamic Universe of Virtual Characters

The creator of the AI “actress” Tilly Norwood is planning to develop…