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Face-eating suspect says he fled demon-like figure before killings

Austin Harrouff charged with murder in 2 deaths

Austin Harrouff.

STUART, Fla. – A Florida college student accused of randomly killing a couple and chewing on the dead man's face told TV personality Phil McGraw he had been running from a demon-like figure named "Daniel" before the attack.

In a video released Tuesday by prosecutors, Austin Harrouff, 20, told McGraw he only had vague memories of killing John Stevens and Michelle Mishcon last Aug. 15.

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The video had been scheduled to air on McGraw's "Dr. Phil" television show last October, but it was pulled at the last minute without explanation.

McGraw interviewed Harrouff last fall before the Florida State University student was released from the hospital and arrested.

In the interview, Harrouff was asked what he would say to the victims' family.

"I hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me," Harrouff cried. "And I'm so sorry, and I never wanted this to happen."

When asked by Dr. Phil if he was ashamed of what he did, Harrouff replied, "Yes, yes, yes."

Harrouff is charged with murder in the Aug. 15 deaths of Stevens and Mishcon outside their home.

Detectives said Harrouff also attacked the couple's neighbor, Jeffrey Fisher, 47, who was trying to help them. Fisher was released from the hospital days after the attack.

The couple was attacked shortly after Harrouff stormed out of a dinner with his father and others. His parents said he had been acting strangely.

This story comes from KSAT's sister station WKMG.


About the Author
Daniel Dahm headshot

Daniel started with WKMG-TV in 2000 and became the digital content manager in 2009. When he's not working on ClickOrlando.com, Daniel likes to head to the beach or find a sporting event nearby.

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