The case against Austin Harrouff, accused of brutally killing John and Michelle Stevens in their garage in Jupiter, Fla., in 2016, has come to a conclusion. Harrouff pled not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder by reason of insanity. A judge accepted the plea deal on Monday, Nov. 28.
Police reported that nineteen-year-old Harouff was found naked and chewing on the face of John Stevens. He also seriously injured a neighbor that had come to the couple’s aid. Harrouff told police he believed he was being chased by a demon and he was “half-dog, half-man.”
Before the attack, he had been eating dinner at a restaurant with his parents. He got up and left without explanation.
Investigation revealed that Harrouff had purchased hallucinogenic mushrooms days before the attack. However, authorities found no trace of the drug in his system on the night of the murders. He did, however, drink an unnamed chemical during the attack, from which he suffered critical injuries.
Harrouff will stay in the Martin County Jail until he is transported to a secure DCF mental health facility. Harrouff will not be permitted to leave without a court order.
