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
Mexico to beef up security at tourist sites after shooting at pyramids in lead up to World Cup

Mexico Enhances Tourist Site Security Ahead of World Cup: Measures Tightened After Pyramids Shooting

The Mexican government has announced plans to enhance security at popular tourist…
Behind-the-scenes of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's air traffic upgrades

Inside the Air Traffic Transformation Led by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy

WASHINGTON — At a summit held at the Department of Transportation’s headquarters…
Australian surfer miraculously survives attack from ‘world’s most venomous animal’

Surfer Defies Odds: Survives Attack by World’s Deadliest Sea Creature

An Australian surfer had a close brush with death after an encounter…
Democrat Xavier Becerra surges in California governor race

Xavier Becerra’s Meteoric Rise: The Democrat Shaking Up the California Governor’s Race

In a surprising turn of events, a California Democrat who recently seemed…
Top MAGA influencer Emily Hart revealed to be AI — created by a guy in India

AI-Generated MAGA Influencer ‘Emily Hart’ Unmasked: Indian Developer Behind Viral Persona

An intriguing revelation has surfaced about a popular Instagram personality known for…
NYC parents outraged at new 2026-27 school calendar — with kids in latest-ever return this fall

NYC Parents Express Concerns Over 2026-27 School Calendar with Historically Late Fall Start

Parents of public school students in New York City are expressing dissatisfaction…
Chicago Bears stadium news: Illinois lawmakers expected to vote Wednesday on bill

Illinois Legislators Scheduled to Cast Votes on Chicago Bears Stadium Bill This Wednesday

In a significant move for Illinois sports fans, state lawmakers are poised…
LIVE: Opening statements begin in trial for 4 suspects charged in Jacksonville rapper Foolio's murder

Live Coverage: Opening Statements Unfold in High-Profile Trial of 4 Accused in Jacksonville Rapper Foolio’s Murder

The courtroom drama unfolds in Tampa, Florida, as the trial begins for…
Guards at 'Alligator Alcatraz' beat, pepper-sprayed detainees, lawyer says

Appeals Court Upholds Operation of ‘Alligator Alcatraz,’ Dismisses Federal Environmental Review Appeal

The controversial immigration detention facility, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” located in the Florida…
Joseph 'Troubles' Matos wanted: $50,000 reward in connection to 2021 murder of Chicago National Guardsman Chrys Carvajal: FBI

FBI Offers $50,000 Reward for Information on Joseph ‘Troubles’ Matos in 2021 Chicago National Guardsman Murder Case

CHICAGO — Authorities continue their search for Joseph Matos, a suspected member…
Two women Trump called for Iran to spare alredy released on bail, rights group says

Rights Group Confirms Bail Release of Two Women Trump Urged Iran to Free

When former President Donald Trump publicly called for the Islamic Republic of…
Homeowners in leafy enclaves hit by burglars zeroing in on high-end homes for smash-and-grab scores

Luxury Homes in Quiet Neighborhoods Targeted in Recent Smash-and-Grab Burglaries

In Los Angeles County, a surge in residential burglaries has set off…