Whitney Purvis, a former star of MTV’s 16 and Pregnant, has been released from jail two weeks after being arrested on suspicion of felony involuntary manslaughter in connection with a fatal overdose.
Purvis, 33, was taken into custody on July 7 in Floyd County, Georgia, nearly a month after the sudden death of her 16-year-old son, Weston. According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, a judge approved her bond on July 17, and she was officially released on July 21 after spending 14 days at the Floyd County Correctional Institution.
Bond Conditions and Charges
Purvis’ bond was set at $15,000 and comes with strict conditions. She must continue treatment, abstain from drugs and alcohol, undergo monthly drug screenings, follow a 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew, and have no contact with the victim’s family—directly or indirectly.
Despite the bond being granted days earlier, a public information officer for the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office had noted at the time, “Just because someone is granted a bond does not mean they will bond out.”
Purvis faces multiple charges, including:
- Felony involuntary manslaughter
- Distribution of a controlled substance
- Use of a communication device to facilitate a felony involving drugs
An arrest affidavit alleges that Purvis supplied a substance described as “Tranq” (a combination of Xylazine and Fentanyl) to 37-year-old John M. Harris, who later died from a toxic overdose. Authorities say her alleged actions “directly contributed” to his death.
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Tragedy Follows Tragedy
The arrest came just weeks after Purvis publicly shared that her teenage son, Weston, had passed away. In a heartbreaking Facebook post on June 2, she wrote:
“This is so hard to write. My beautiful son, Weston has passed away. 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.”
Jail Time and Suicide Watch
Following her arrest, Purvis was placed in the jail’s medical unit and put on suicide watch, according to TMZ. Reports say she was experiencing drug withdrawal and had made suicidal statements behind bars.
Though she is now out of custody, Purvis will remain under strict supervision while her legal case proceeds.
