As Amie Harwick’s close friends later told CBS News, there was one name that came to mind when speculating on who the therapist’s murderer could be. That name was Gareth Pursehouse, an ex-boyfriend of Harwick whom she first met in 2008 at a photoshoot while she was working as a model. The relationship appeared normal to Harwick’s friends, with Pursehouse appearing like a loving partner who showered Harwick with attention. But behind closed doors, Harwick faced abuse from her new partner, including physical attacks.
Read Related Also: Who Inherited Olivia Newton-John's Fortune After She Died?
With the support of her close friends, Harwick eventually left Pursehouse, who grew more obsessive and continued to try and invade Harwick’s life. Four years after the break-up Harwick was burgled, and she suspected Pursehouse was behind the break-in. She also believed that he was responsible for numerous abusive messages that were posted about her online after her engagement to the comedian Drew Carey became public knowledge. Pursehouse’s unpredictable behavior was so disturbing that Harwick filed two restraining orders against him. However, Harwick had bumped into Pursehouse about a month before her murder, and he remained a dangerous person in her life.