Whitney Purvis was released from jail two weeks after she was arrested on suspicion of felony involuntary manslaughter in Floyd County, Georgia. The arrest had come a month after her 16-year-old son suddenly passed away in June.
Purvis, who was a 16 and Pregnant Alum, was first granted a bond on July 17. She was permitted to return to her house after 14 days of jail time at the Floyd County Correctional Institution. According to online records viewed by PEOPLE Magazine, the bond came with conditions that the 33-year-old needs to adhere to, including not using drugs or alcohol, not directly or indirectly contacting the victim’s family, adhering to a curfew from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., and more.
Whitney Purvis was charged with alleged distribution of a controlled substance and use of a communication device to commit a felony involving controlled substances. There was also suspicion of felony involuntary manslaughter charges, as mentioned in the police records.
According to Jae W. Chung, who is the acting Special Agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration's Atlanta field division,
“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.”
The drug that, as per the police, “directly contributed to the victim’s death due to a toxic overdose,” was “tranq,” which is a mixture of fentanyl and Xylazine. The victim, identified as John Mark Harris, passed away in February after Whitney Purvis allegedly gave him the drugs.
Whitney Purvis's son passes away
Purvis's son Weston's passing was announced by her on June 2. She then posted a tribute on her Instagram for him with the caption,
"I will always cherish our memories together, the songs you use to love, your laugh, the phases you would go through, the little dolphin noise you use to do when you were younger, your smile, your jokes, the first day of school, playing with you, your first time swimming, making crafts, how you would dance in your crib to the law and order svu theme song, being a great big brother, the first time I held you and the last hug I gave you. I love you, Weston more than words could ever describe. Rest in peace, my beautiful boy."
While in custody, she was kept under suicide watch while also going through a drug detox and experiencing withdrawal.
Love movies? Try our Box Office Game and Movie Grid Game to test your film knowledge and have some fun!