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A Plan to Kill, titled Love, Death, and Obsession in Hollywood, the premiere episode, airs on Oxygen on October 27, 2024, at 7/6c. The show looks into the detailed investigation of the death of famous Hollywood therapist Amie Harwick.
The 10-episode series dives into the disturbing details of killers who carefully plan their murders, with real-life investigators and friends of victims recounting the tragic events.
The first episode is all about the death of Amie Harwick on February 15, 2020. Gareth Pursehouse, with Harwick's ex-boyfriend killing her. This episode shows everything that happened before and during the investigation of the crime.
The cast of A Plan to Kill includes Amie’s roommate Michael Herman, who recounts his experience, and Detective Scott Masterson, the lead investigator. The episode also features testimony from friends and family members, painting a real picture of the case.
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A Plan to Kill: Looking into the details of the murder of Amie Harwick
Background
A Plan to Kill explores the meticulous planning behind murders, with Amie Harwick’s case being the first. Harwick was a renowned Los Angeles-based therapist, previously engaged to Drew Carey, host of The Price Is Right. Her murder in her Hollywood Hills home in 2020 immediately got attention.
Harwick had a restraining order against her ex-boyfriend, Gareth Pursehouse, due to his violent behavior. Unfortunately, the order expired, and Pursehouse's obsessive behavior escalated, leading to Harvick's death.
About the Crime
Amie and a group of friends went out on February 14, 2020, at approximately 7 p.m. Prosecutors assert that Pursehouse initiated the preparations to murder Amie on Valentine's Day. It's possible that he intended to make a statement by killing her on Valentine's Day.
The crime took place on February 15, 2020, after Amie had got home from a night out with friends. Early that evening, Gareth Pursehouse broke into her house while she was away. When she got there, there was a fight. Pursehouse choked Harwick and then threw her off the balcony of her third-floor flat.
Michael Herman, her flatmate, heard her screams and tried to call for help. But by the time the police arrived, Amie had already been seriously injured and died soon after being taken to hospital.
Investigation
The investigation revealed clear signs of a violent struggle. Police found blood near a shattered window, confirming a break-in.
Gareth Pursehouse quickly became the prime suspect after DNA evidence linked him to the scene. His obsessive behavior and prior history of violence toward Harwick made him the focus of the investigation.
Surveillance footage from nearby properties showed Pursehouse near Harwick’s home on the night of the crime. That, combined with his erratic behavior after the murder, confirmed his involvement.
Resolution
Within 24 hours of the murder, Gareth Pursehouse was caught. The DNA and video footage shown at his trial in 2023 made it clear that he was guilty. He was given a life sentence in prison without the chance of parole, for killing Amie Harwick.
Pursehouse's defense team tried to say that what happened was an accident, but the strong evidence, including the fact that the attack was violent, led to a conviction for first-degree murder.
Aftermath
The murder of Amie Harwick led to conversations about domestic violence laws, especially when restraining orders ran out. Friends, family and activists asked that these laws be changed to better protect victims of domestic violence. The tragedy also showed how dangerous obsessive and stalking behavior can be.
After Harwick's death, many of her friends and coworkers pushed for more people to know about domestic violence and how important it is to follow through on restraining orders.
Final thoughts
A Plan to Kill season 1 episode 1 provides a comprehensive and poignant look at the murder of Amie Harwick. The episode elucidates the meticulous planning and fixation that culminated in this tragic crime.
First-hand accounts from friends, family and investigators provide viewers with insight into the complexities of the case and the extensive repercussions of Harwick's death.
Justice for Amie Harwick
The trial of Gareth Pursehouse delivered justice for Amie Harwick and provided closure for her family.
The case revealed deficiencies in the legal framework concerning domestic violence safeguards. By imposing a life sentence without the possibility of parole on Pursehouse, the court ensured that he wouldn't inflict harm upon anyone again.
The legacy of Amie Harwick endures through the reforms her case prompted. Legislators and advocates persist in advocating for enhanced legal safeguards for victims of domestic violence, ensuring that restraining orders remain in effect and implementing more comprehensive safety protocols for at-risk individuals.
A Plan to Kill, episode Love, Death, and Obsession in Hollywood, airs on Oxygen on October 27, 2024, at 7/6c.
