A Florida man accused of breaking into a random couple’s home, killing them, and chewing on their faces has been found not guilty by reason of insanity.
Austin Harrouff, 25, will be sent to a mental hospital instead of prison.
Harrouff was facing two counts of first-degree murder and other charges for killing John Stevens, 59, and his wife, Michelle Mishcon Stevens, 53, in 2016.
A neighbor was also seriously injured by Harrouff when they attempted to help the couple.
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“Police reportedly found Harrouff, who was 19 at the time, nearly naked and biting John Stevens’ face, WPLG reported. He did not know his victims and reportedly claimed he believed he was being chased by a demon,” Fox News reports. “In a 38-page mental health report released by the Martin County State Attorney’s Office in 2019, forensic psychologist Dr. Phillip Resnick concluded that Harrouff believed he was ‘half-dog, half-man’ during the attack.”
Harrouff had purchased hallucinogenic mushrooms in the days before the murders, but no traces were found in his bloodstream that day.
Harrouff had been facing life in prison if convicted.
Cindy Mishcon, the sister of Michelle Mishcon and an attorney, adamantly disagreed with the decision.
According to Fox News, Cindy Mishcon said during her victim impact statement that she realized “you don’t care about anyone but yourself,” and that “the only victim you and your family see is you, and the Harrouff name.”
“Is it really so hard for you to understand that you are a cold-blooded murderer and not a victim,” she asked.
Harrouff will remain at a secure mental hospital until doctors and a judge agree that he is no longer dangerous.