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Accused Face-Biting Killer Believed He Was 'Half-Man, Half-Dog,' Doctor Says
Authorities say they found Austin Harrouff biting the face of John Stevens, who he allegedly killed along with Michelle Mischon, outside the couple’s Florida home in 2016.
A forensic psychologist says a former college student believed he was "half-dog, half-man" when he fatally attacked a man and woman at their home and was found biting one of their faces.
The Palm Beach Post reports Dr. Phillip Resnick made the conclusion in a 38-page mental health report released this week by the Martin County State Attorney's Office.
Investigators reportedly found Austin Harrouff, now 22, biting 59-year-old John Stevens' face while making growling noises on Aug. 15, 2016.
Harrouff is also accused of killing Stevens' wife, Michelle Mischon, in the same incident, and then attacking the couple’s neighbor Jeff Fisher, who tried to assist them, according to local NBC affiliate WPTV.
“F--king kill me, f--king kill me, shoot me now, I deserve to die,” Harrouff yelled at deputies, according to the 2016 complaint affidavit reviewed by the Miami Herald.
Resnick's report says the fact that Harrouff persisted in biting Stevens "in the presence of police officers, in spite of threats of being shot, being tased and receiving multiple kicks to the head, suggests that Mr. Harrouff was actively psychotic."
Police also speculated Harrouff may have been high on the synthetic drugs Flakka or “bath salts” at the time of the attack, according to The Palm Beach Post. However, the FBI found that was not the case.
Resnick reported that Harrouff suffered from Bipolar I Disorder, WPTV reports. The doctor noted in his report that he conducted a six-hour-plus interview with Harrouff at Martin County jail and looked over the suspect’s journal, as well as his internet searches and videos; he also interviewed several friends and family members, and reviewed an interview conducted by Dr. Phil with Harrouff in 2016.
The suspect’s father, Wade Harrouff, also gave an interview to Dr. Phil, and said his son’s alleged actions were due to untreated mental illness.
“He’s had the symptoms for about two weeks prior,” he said. “I just thought he’d snap out of it.”
Harrouff's attorneys are preparing an insanity defense for the Nov. 4 trial.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
