A Florida judge accepted the plea deal of a man who killed a couple in their garage and chewed on one of the victims’ faces in 2016. Austin Harrouff (25) pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity on November 28, 2022.
A Judge Accepts Florida Man’s Insanity Plea for 2016 Double Murder Where One Victim’s Face Was Chewed On
The 25-year-old was charged with two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of 59-year-old John Stevens and 53-year-old Michelle Mischcon—along with other offenses. Harrouff’s case was slated to start soon and was expected to last three weeks. Before submitting his plea, Harrouff was looking at the potential of a life sentence.
However, his legal team and the prosecution came to an agreement that will see Harrouff placed into a mental health facility and monitored by the Florida Department of Children and Families until he is deemed to no longer be a threat to society. The families of the victims made their disappointment in the new development known during victim impact statements.
Currently, Austin Harrouff will stay in the Martin County Jail but will be moved to a mental health facility at a future time. The judge added Harrouff can only leave the facility with a court order.
What do you think of the decision to accept the insanity plea? Did Harrouff’s need for psychological help outweigh getting the families justice? Should the prosecution have run the case? Share your thoughts down below.
CHECK IT OUT: Get The Overtimer’s Hottest Stories, Breaking News and Special Features in your email, CLICK HERE!
