16 and Pregnant alum Whitney Purvis has been released from prison after being arrested on suspicion of felony involuntary manslaughter.
Purvis, 33, reportedly returned home on Monday, July 21, two weeks after she was placed in police custody. According to People, a judge ordered Purvis’ bond to be modified. The order noted that Purvis could return to her house after 14 days in custody at the Floyd County Correctional Institution in Georgia.
Per the order, the rest of Purvis’ bond conditions “shall remain in effect.” The conditions include Purvis continuing treatment, not using drugs or alcohol, submitting monthly drug screenings, not contacting the victim’s family directly or indirectly and adhering to a curfew from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Purvis was arrested earlier this month in connection to the death of John Mark Harris. She was charged with involuntary manslaughter, distribution of a controlled substance and use of a communication device to commit a felony involving controlled substances. Authorities alleged that Purvis supplied Harris with a sedative often used in veterinary medicine.
“Today, DEA Atlanta and local law enforcement arrested Whitney Purvis in Floyd County, GA on charges of involuntary manslaughter due to fentanyl poisoning. This investigation is ongoing,” Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Atlanta Field Division, said in a statement. “DEA reminds the public that nearly 70 percent of all drug-related deaths involve synthetic opioids, like fentanyl. Two milligrams of fentanyl is a potentially deadly dose.”
Harris died in February at age 37 following an overdose. Purvis posted a tribute in Harris’ honor after his death, which resurfaced after her arrest made headlines.
“Thank you for being such a great friend to me and always making me feel beautiful and cared for,” Purvis wrote via his obituary website. “You’ve came to my rescue on many occasions and saved me over the years. We bonded over being chefs, our love of cooking and our struggles. I could tell you anything and you always knew what to say or give me your honest opinion and advice.”
She continued: “I don’t want it to be true. I’ll miss sitting outside, smoking camel crush cigs w/ you … Most of all, I’ll miss you, a truly good hearted & one of a kind man, John Mark. I’ll never forget you. Rest in peace and my condolences to your family and friends. I pray they are able to find some kind of comfort during this tragic time. I love you forever, John Mark. Love, Whitney.”
Purvis was granted a $15,000 bond on July 17. Her legal issues came one month after the death of her son Weston Jr., who was 16 years old.
“This is so hard to write. My beautiful son, Weston has passed away,” she wrote via Facebook in June. “He was only 16 years old. Life is so cruel and unfair. I just dont 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? I’m in disbelief, this cannot be happening. I don’t want it to be real. I would do anything just to hold him. Words just can’t describe the pain I am feeling.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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