Teen indicted on murder charges in face-biting attack

STUART, Fla. – A Florida college student accused of killing a couple and chewing on the dead man’s face has been indicted on first-degree murder charges.

A Martin County grand jury formally charged 19-year-old Austin Harrouff on Tuesday with two murder counts, attempted murder and burglary.

Harrouff was initially charged with second-degree murder in the Aug. 15 attack on 59-year-old John Stevens, and his wife, 53-year-old Michelle Mishcon, outside their Tequesta home. The indictment enables prosecutors to seek the death penalty against Harrouff.

Deputies say they found the former high school football player and wrestler in his underwear, making animal noises and biting Stevens’ face as he pinned his victim’s body to the driveway. Authorities say Harrouff also stabbed a neighbour, 47-year-old Jeff Fisher, who tried to help the couple.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.

Leave a Reply

The Associated Press

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.