ROME, Ga. (Court TV) — A former reality TV star will face sentencing after pleading guilty to multiple crimes in connection with a Georgia man’s death.
Whitney Purvis (Instagram)
Whitney Purvis, 34, entered an Alford plea to charges of illegal use of a communication facility, sale of fentanyl and involuntary manslaughter in the death of John Mark Harris, 37. An Alford plea allows a defendant to plead guilty, acknowledging the weight of the evidence against them, while still maintaining their innocence.
In an affidavit for Purvis’ arrest, investigators said that on Feb. 16, 2025, Purvis intentionally distributed a drug known as “Tranq” to the victim, causing a toxic overdose. Investigators described “Tranq” as a combination of the opioid fentanyl and xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer.
Among the evidence prosecutors detailed in filings reviewed by Court TV were text messages between Purvis and Harris discussing drug transactions. The texts, investigators said, introduced the idea of the drug to the victim, discussed potential effects and pricing and even described “how to ingest said substance by using aluminum foil.” One text allegedly included a photo verifying delivery of the drugs to Harris’ home.
Purvis appeared on the first season of MTV’s reality series “16 and Pregnant” in 2009. The episode showed Purvis living with both her mother and grandmother as she struggled to plan for the birth of her son. Her child, Weston Owen Gosa Jr., was born that April.
In 2025, months after Harris’ death, Purvis revealed that her son died at age 16, ABC News reported. “This is so hard to write. My beautiful son, Weston, has passed away,” Purvis posted on social media at the time. “He was only 16 years old. Life is so cruel and unfair. I just don’t understand. Oh, my baby is gone, and I don’t know what to do with myself. He was so perfect. This is really my worst nightmare come true. How do you go on in life after losing a child?” Purvis’ post noted that the teen had suffered multiple medical problems, including Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, diabetes and Addison’s disease, People reported.
Documents recording Purvis’ Alford plea indicate the charges carry a potential maximum sentence of 44 years in prison. The state did not immediately recommend a sentence, and no sentencing date has been scheduled.
