Cops Panic When They Realize He’s Not Hallucinating | The Case of Amie Harwick

The Murder of Amie Harwick

The video recounts the murder of Amie Harwick, a 38-year-old Los Angeles family therapist, and the investigation that initially focused on her roommate, Michael Herman.

Police found Harwick critically injured in the backyard after she fell from her home’s balcony. Herman had blood on his hands and scratches on his body, which made him appear suspicious. He said he had heard her being attacked and had run outside for help.

The Investigation

Investigators found signs of a break-in: a smashed French door, blood near the entrance, and Harwick’s bedroom ransacked. Neighboring camera footage supported Herman’s account of seeking help. It also showed an unidentified man entering the property hours earlier, covering the camera, and wearing gloves.

Police later identified the man as Gareth Pursehouse, Harwick’s ex-boyfriend. Blood at the scene and injuries on Pursehouse—including what appeared to be a bite mark—also connected him to the attack.

History of Abuse and Stalking

Harwick’s friend Robert Coshland told police that she had feared Pursehouse for years. After their relationship ended, Harwick documented threats and injuries, obtained a five-year restraining order, and experienced suspected break-ins and ongoing harassment. She told Coshland that if anything happened to her, Pursehouse was responsible.

The Attack and Trial

According to investigators’ reconstruction, Pursehouse broke into Harwick’s home, hid in her bedroom, and attacked her when she returned from a night out. Harwick fought back, but Pursehouse pushed her over the balcony and fled. She died at the hospital on February 15, 2020.

Pursehouse was arrested later that day. At his 2023 trial, prosecutors presented crime-scene DNA, surveillance footage, evidence of the history of abuse and stalking, and a letter Harwick had written shortly before her death describing a disturbing encounter with him.

The jury found Pursehouse guilty of first-degree murder. He received life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Harwick’s Legacy

The video closes by emphasizing Harwick’s work helping others and her friends’ efforts to honor her through advocacy around stalking and domestic-violence laws.

Presenters and Contributors

• Robert Coshland
• Michael Herman
• Unnamed police investigators, friends, and family members