Nov. 23, 2016: In hundreds of pages of court documents released by the 19th Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office, a toxicology report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation says no designer drugs were found in Austin Harrouff's system, only trace amounts of marijuana. Aug. 15, 2018: Two years after her father and stepmother's deaths, Ivy Stevens spoke with The Post about learning to cope with the loss. Harrouff is conscious at St. Mary's Medical Center, but remains in the hospital for several more weeks as he recovers. A surveillance video released Friday, shows Harrouff walking calmly as he leaves Duffy's restaurant in nearby Jupiter about 45 minutes before the attack. The television station said that authorities tried everything from a stun gun to a K-9 and manpower to get Harrouff off the victim but called it a struggle. It took three deputies to subdue Harrouff, said The New York Daily News. Its a hard thing to imagine., RELATED: COUPLE REMEMBERED AS DELIGHTFUL, QUIET, He shared a harsh reality. Officials said it looked like the husband tried to fight back., WPTV quoted a police official as saying, Both victims sustained massive trauma on multiple portions of their body. ProsecutorBrandon Whitevoiced sympathy for the families. My dad and Michelle, they were great people, and we were super close, said Stevens, a former Marine who now lives outside Kansas City. November 30, 2022 / 7:27 PM file a notice of intent to use the insanity defense during his first-degree murder trial. Stevens died from multiple stab wounds and blunt trauma, and he had serious stab wounds to his head, neck and chest, Snyder said an autopsy shows. More than 500 people attended John Stevens and his wife, Michelle Mishcon's memorial service in Fort Lauderdale Friday. What they are really angry about is the law, he said of Stevens and Mishcons loved ones. Aug. 23, 2016: Austin Harrouff's father, Wade, tells The Palm Beach Post his son remains in the hospital and his organs are failing. The "false narrative advanced by the State that the homicides were the result of" her client "ingesting Flakka, or bath salts, was debunked repeatedly," King said in a statement to CNN. Harrouff was found not guilty by reason of insanity in the killings of John Stevens, 59, and his wife Michelle Mishcon Stevens, 53, according to his attorney Nellie L. King. Sadly, their lives would be cut short in a bizarre rampage where there were more . Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Michelle Mishcon Stevens and Jeff Mishcon. Toxicology results are still pending, though officials have said there has been no confirmation of Flakka in his system as of yet. Two mental health experts, one hired by the defense and another by prosecutors, examined Harrouff and found he suffered an acute psychotic episode during the attack, and couldn't distinguish between right and wrong. All of your favorites, now on Zeno. Oct. 3, 2016: After weeks in recovery, Austin Harrouff leaves the hospital and is booked into the Martin County jail on two counts of first-degree murder, attempted murder and burglary. The very garage that a Florida couple transformed into a neighborhood hangout for friends and family became the place they'd spend their last moments. "Not only did defense experts refute this theory, but the State sent evidence specimens to two different drug testing facilities on three different occasions only to have negative results tendered each time," according to King. One of my amazing coworkers, We love you Michelle! Their loved ones were experiencing a lot of pain and hurt. Attack killed his father and stepmother Tuesday. I love you to the deep blue and beyond. Judge Bauer in court defended the Harrouffs team, prosecutors, and the expert witnesses from criticism voiced in court. (Facebook/Michelle Mishcon Stevens). People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals sent a letter to the Martin County Sheriff's Office asking that the teen be put on a vegan diet while in jail. Aug. 7, 2018 Michelle Mischon's family files a wrongful-death lawsuit against Austin Harrouff. Chris Harris. All rights reserved. He also spoke about the garage where they were attacked. Michelle Mishcon Stevens and John Stevens are the Jupiter, Florida couple killed in a face-eating attack allegedly by fraternity member Austin Harrouff. Investigators say they are still trying to determine what drove Harrouff to allegedly kill John Stevens III, 59, and his 53-year-old wife, Michelle Mishcon. (Facebook/Michelle Mishcon Stevens). "Sure, he looked sad and disheveled. 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On Monday, victim impact statements were read in the courtroom, a court manager told CNN. which led to more court hearings fighting over the release of all footage, The State Attorney's Office in Martin County releases Austin Harrouff's jail calls. Thank you, she said, sardonically. Join the New Times community and help support In a prosecution that has stretched over six years, Harrouff, 25, is accused of killing John Stevens III, 59 and Michelle Mishcon, 53, during a brutal attack Aug. 15, 2016 at their home on . The Herald said toxicology tests for more unique synthetic drugs are still pending and Harrouff is hospitalized. According to Local 10 News, former North Miami Beach Mayor Jeff Mishcon says Michelle Stevens was his daughter. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, South Florida Sports Headlines Newsletter. Sheriff: Assailant kills Florida couple, bites victim in face. One Friend wrote on Facebook, God has gotten another angel today. RIP never forget xoxo.. The 22-year-old Harrouff is charged with murdering 59-year-old John Stevens III and 53-year-old Michelle Mishcon in 2016 and attacking their neighbor, Jeff Fisher, who tried to intervene in the . TCPalm staff writers Laurie K. Blandford, Will Greenlee and Melissa E. Holsman contributed to this report. In many of the 80 calls made one week in January and obtained by WPBF 25 News, Harrouff talked about his upcoming trial for the deaths of John Stevens III and Michelle Mishcon. According to his son, Michelle had worked for Stevens at Prudential Securities. In the weeks, months and now years that have followed, the case garnered international attention, a couple of first-degree murder charges and a diagnosis of clinical lycanthropy delusions, also known as werewolf syndrome. 'Learn.' Inside the garage of the home on Southeast Kokomo Lane, just north of the Palm Beach County line, deputies found 53-year-old Michelle Mishcon, beaten, bloodied and unresponsive. Did you throw the drugs out? You didnt answer yes, Mishcon said. The Miami Herald said deputies found the 19-year-old suspect crouched over the bleeding body of the man, biting chunks of his face off.. Its crazy how someone could be there one moment and gone the next, she says. I hope you never find happiness for the rest of your life, she said. You have not only destroyed the memory of them for me, but you have caused me to live in a constant state of fear. Michelle Mishcon Stevens. First published on November 28, 2022 / 5:29 PM. Harrouff was found not guilty by reason of insanity for killing John Stevens III, 59 and Michelle Mishcon, 53, during a brutal attack Aug. 15, 2016 at their home on Southeast Kokomo Lane in . He said that prosecutors and the defense agreed that Harrouff had not formulated mental intent in the attack on the couple in their garage; doctors determined he suffered a psychosis during a manic episode of bipolar disorder. June 17, 2019: Bauer denies Austin Harrouff's defense attorneys' motion to find Florida's insanity defense law unconstitutional. Their garage was set up with a TV and a bar and a stereo and couches, and they welcomed everybody in the community and it was a place where people could connect and relax after a day of work.. crime. schedules a Nov. 4 trial date for Austin Harrouff. On Monday night about 9:20 p.m., John Stevens and his wife, Michelle Mishcon, died after an attack. Thank you Michelle Mishcon Stevens for always believing in me and being a great role model. They were generous and giving people., Andersen describes Mishcon as a very special person and called Stevens one of the sweetest, mild-mannered men youd ever meet.. Not only did defense experts refute this theory, but the State sent evidence specimens to two different drug testing facilities on three different occasions only to have negative results tendered each time, according to King. When Martin County Sheriffs Office deputies arrived, they used a Taser on Harrouff, kicked him in the head and used a law-enforcement dog to remove him from Stevens body. That's because he's accused of entering private property to initiate the attack. Attorney Robert Watson, who said he's representing Harrouff, told TC Palm that the student's parents saw "indications of odd and unusual behavior" in him recently, but he declined to elaborate on possible mental health issues. The couple have two children, a daughter named Ivy Stevens and a son also named John Stevens after his father. 3:34PM. John Leavitt Stevens (August 1, 1820 - February 8, 1895) was the United States Minister to the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893 when he was accused of conspiring to overthrow Queen Liliuokalani in association with the Committee of Safety, led by Lorrin A. Thurston and Sanford B. Dole - the first Americans attempting to overthrow a foreign government under the auspices of a United States government . The couple was attacked,stabbed and bitten in the garage and driveway of their home near Jupiter, Florida. His father identified the neighbor as Jeff Fisher, 47, said WPTV. and help keep the future of New Times, Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our, two days after suffering an unexpected heart attack. Thats when Johns dad was going to meet his new granddaughter. The Miami Herald said multiple weapons of opportunity were used to beat, slash and attack the couple, including a switchblade the suspect was known to carry. Do you know what you said to him? Michelle, you were loved and respected by so many, wrote a friend on Facebook. appreciated. Harrouff, who attended Florida State University before the attack, will be committed to a secure mental health facility until doctors and a judge agree that he is no longer dangerous. Harrouff was found not guilty by reason of insanity in the killings of John Stevens, 59, and his wife Michelle . [8] They had an open-door policy and they had their garage set up like a living room, their friend, 54-year-old Denise Andersen, tells PEOPLE. However, mixed in with their unimaginable heartbreak is outrage. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. It was almost like happy hour in somebodys garage and they cooked all these lobster tails for everybody. Martin County Sheriff William Snyder said evidence shows Austin Harrouff, 19, a Florida State University student whose father lives near the slain couple, killed them. G-D help their neighbor who tried to intervene & was injured by the assailant.. He declined further comment to The Associated Press on Friday. "And then I think about how I'm going to have to explain this to her one day.". (Facebook/John Stevens). He talked about his Dad and Michelle's love of boating and fishing and their chocolate labs. In July, Michelle wrote of John on Facebook, Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary John Stevens. Palm Beach Gardens homicide puts 'gang . "We want justice for Michelle and John," Jodi Bruce, Michelle Mishcon's sister, read from a written statement outside the Martin County Courthouse. I just want to see the prosecutor ask for the death penalty. All rights reserved, Humane Society of Broward County Kicks Off VCA Walk for the Animals in Fort Lauderdale, BSO Searching forMissing 11-Year-Old Girl From Pompano Beach, Miami-Dade Mayor, State Attorney Announce New Measures to Protect HOA Residents, Check Your Change! Col. John Stevens, III (June 26, 1749 - March 6, 1838) was an American lawyer, engineer, and inventor who constructed the first U.S. steam locomotive, first steam-powered ferry, and first U.S . The couple lived together in a home in Tequesta, Florida a suburb of West Palm Beach, Florida. Michelle Mishcon Stevens is the wife of Joseph John Stevens III. Bleeding from his injuries, he ran back to his home and called 911. This is what wakes me up in the middle of the night as I lay in bed for hours picturing the way that they died, she said. "My hope is that one day, when I think of them, I can veer my focus off the brutality of their murders and have happy memories instead," she said in an interview with The Palm Beach Post, the first she has given since their deaths. At one point, deputies say the former Florida State University student even told deputies to just kill me.. On Monday night about 9:20 p.m., John Stevens and his wife, Michelle Mishcon, died after an attack. Dec. 5, 2017: Austin Harrouff's attorneys, Robert Watson and Nellie King, file a notice of intent to use the insanity defense during his first-degree murder trial. June 2017: The State Attorney's Office in Martin County releases Austin Harrouff's jail calls. Feb. 28, 2017: The 19th Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office released 22 minutes of unedited video of Austin Harrouff's interview with Dr. Phil McGraw after weeks of court hearings battling over its release. "(Harrouff) will pay for what he has done. Okay, he said. He was super excitedso thats made it that much more hard for us.. Harrouff purchased hallucinogenic mushrooms a few days before the attack, investigators have said, but they found no traces of the drug in his blood that night, according to CNN affiliate WPLG. Martin County Sheriffs officials say Harrouff will be charged with multiple counts, including first degree murder for the deaths of both Mishcon and Stevens, once he is released. Andersen held back tears as she spoke about the couple who took her elderly, widowed father under their wing until the day he died. John Stevens was a retired owner of landscaping business Greensmart Lawn and Garden, which state record show was established in 2013 and was operated out of his home, said The Tallahassee Democrat. Craig Trocino, a University of Miami law professor, said that finding Harrouff not guilty by reason of insanity would effectively be a life sentence because "it's highly unlikely" that they would risk releasing a killer as notorious as Harrouff. Authorities said they even found Harrouff biting Stevens face. Every share was with a BIG Smile, from their boat, having been out on the water. Harrouff remains hospitalized in stable but critical condition. Did you encounter any technical issues? He said that he believes there's more to this violent behavior than drugs. Create Discover. Phil.'. Austin was a 19-year-old college student at FSU with good grades, a gentle demeanor, a penchant for working out, and no prior criminal record. John Stevens, 59, and his wife Michelle Mishcon, 53, often spent warm nights in the garage of their Tequesta, Florida, home with the door open. Mishcon read numerous bizarre conversations Harrouff had via text message leading up to the killings, directing them at Harrouff in court, WPLG reported. By. John Joseph Stevens III, 59, was a retired owner of landscaping business Greensmart Lawn and . Florida Judge Sherwood Bauer, of the 19th Judicial Circuit, found Harrouff not guilty by reason of insanity and ordered him to be sent to a mental hospital after the prosecution and the defense reached an agreement to avoid trial, according to court documents. ", "There are no words we can offer to give any real comfort for this tragic loss," the statement says. The-CNN-Wire & 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Hours later, authorities responded to the Stevens home and found the teen stabbing the couple to death and then biting John Stevens face, CNN has reported. 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WPTV quoted a police official as saying, Once he got to the hospital, he was making animal-like sounds and was somewhat incoherent, adding that Harrouff lived with his mother nearby. Mason Mishcon made a similar demand. To date, it's unknown what Harrouff ingested. He also seriously injured a neighbor who tried to help them. WPTV said his parents called police because they were so worried and his fraternity brothers went looking for him. Local 10 News said former Mayor Mishcon was barely able to speak after the death of his eldest daughter. A local athletic field is named after his wife, who died in 1997 of a heart attack, the TV station said. ("Austin) must have some psychological break. But in the video, he seems calm as he passes other diners and a waiter on the way out. March 2, 2017: Harrouff's interview with Dr. Michelle Mischon's family files a wrongful-death lawsuit against Austin Harrouff. Friends and family later tell The Post that John Stevens III and Michelle Mishcon spent most of the time in their garage, entertaining guests and relaxing. "The Harrouff family loves Austin as they know the Stevens and Mishcon families loved John Stevens III and Michelle Mishcon," the statement reads. Michelle Mishcon Stevens and John Joseph Stevens III are the married couple murdered in a horrific face-eating attack by a Florida college fraternity student, police say. Austin Harrouff: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know. John Stevens was born into a wealthy family in New York City in 1749. He has claimed he was fleeing a demon when the attack happened. Very proud of him! Many of his photos revolved around deep-sea fishing. Austin Harrouff, 25, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to two counts of first-degree murder and other charges for the 2016 slayings of John Stevens, 59, and his wife, Michelle Mishcon Stevens, 53. Did you throw the drugs out?' (Facebook/Michelle Stevens). On Facebook, Michelle says she worked at Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, lived in Jupiter, Florida, was married, and was from North Miami Beach. Florida Judge Sherwood Bauer, of the 19th Judicial Circuit, found Harrouff not guilty by reason of insanity and ordered him to be sent to a mental hospital after the prosecution and the defense reached an agreement to avoid trial, according to court documents. Student accused of killing couple in Martin County claimed he had super powers, Student accused of killing couple in Martin County improving in Palm Beach County hospital. John Stevens posted on Facebook about fatherhood. In the hours and days after the fatal attacks, law-enforcement officers said they believed a reaction to a designer drug such as bath salts or flakka prompted the attacks. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. The two were killed outside their home in Tequesta by 19-year-old Austin Harrouff, according to investigators. Four words come to mind: white, rich boy justice, Mishcon said, according to WPLG. Austin murdered Joseph John Stevens III and his better half, Michelle Mishcon Stevens, on August 15, 2016, before eating Joseph's face. Ivy Stevens, who is Johns daughter and Michelles stepdaughter, described in detail the absence and trauma Harrouff created. I love you tons and tons.. "You can't even look at me?" Funeral services were held in Fort Lauderdale for Michelle Mishcon, 53, and husband John Stevens III, 59. You knew exactly what you were doing, Bruce said. The company used his Kokomo Lane address. Four words come to mind: white, rich boy justice," Mishcon said, according to WPLG. Discussing Bruces criticism of the advocate and of being kept in the dark about the lack of a potential death penalty, White said he could not speak to that because he was only on the case recently. The 19-year-olds internet searches gave more insight into what he was thinking in the days and hours before the homicides. The crime was particularly horrific because the suspect, Florida State University student Austin Harrouff, is accused of trying to bite off the face of John Stevens, 59. The victims' families did not buy that Harrouff was insane when he beat and stabbed their loved ones to death on Aug. 15, 2016. Michelle Mishcon Stevens & J. Stevens loved life like no other couple I know! Harrouff was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the killing John Stevens III, 59 and Michelle Mishcon, 53, during a brutal attack Aug. 15, 2016 at their home on Southeast Kokomo Lane in . In a relatively short but visceral statement, she acknowledged that like the defendant, she previously abused drugs and alcohol, But Hailey said that during this low point, the only person she wanted to harm was herself. An autopsy on Mishcon is scheduled for Wednesday, Snyder said. Feb. 6, 2019: Martin County Circuit Judge Sherwood Bauer schedules a Nov. 4 trial date for Austin Harrouff. Michelle posted a video story on her life on Facebook: A co-worker wrote of Michelle, Will always remember this incredible person, always smiling and happy. Its a sad case. and is booked into the Martin County jail on two counts of first-degree murder, attempted murder and burglary. released 22 minutes of unedited video of Austin Harrouff's interview with Dr. Phil McGraw. All Rights Reserved. Discover; Podcasts; The Minds of Madness - True Crime Stories; Austin started to mentally decompensate in the weeks, days, and moments leading up to the incident. The-CNN-Wire 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. local news and culture, Jerry Iannelli Harrouff was found not guilty by reason of insanity for killing John Stevens III, 59 and Michelle Mishcon, 53, during a brutal attack Aug. 15, 2016 at their home on Southeast Kokomo Lane. Austin Harrouff, 25, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to two counts of first-degree murder and other charges for the 2016 slayings of John Stevens, 59, and his wife, Michelle Mishcon . Harrouff took off some of this clothes during the attack, The Palm Beach Post said. Michelle Karen Mishcon, 53, retired after working in the financial industry, according to the Martin County Sheriff's Office. Stevens, John (1749-1838) Inventor. He'llalso be charged with burglary, the statement said. Updated August 17, 2016 I didnt know you could brutally murder two people, attempt to murder another and not even have a trial. she asked Harrouff, who was sitting at the defense table, wearing a red and white striped prison uniform and glasses. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. If the trial had gone forward, Harrouff could have faced life in prison. Deputies encountered Harrouff biting off the face of Stevens in the driveway of the couples home around 9:20 p.m., said CBS 12. In a newly released clip from the upcoming interview, Dr. Wade Harrouff says he was with his son, Austin Harrouff, at dinner on Aug. 15 just before Austin allegedly attacked John Stevens III. Married 19 years, they were lovers of deep-sea fishing near their affluent Florida community. Michelle Mishcon met Stevens, a divorced father of two, in Miami in the late 1990s. I am SO sorry that a crazy person had to unleash his anger on them! Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. He is a former high school athlete. Not his parents. A neighbor heard screams and ran out to help, but was stabbed as well. Jodi Bruce, one of Michelles sisters, said she learned from the news not from prosecutors or the victim advocate about the death penalty not being an option in this case. "Your dad asks you on the afternoon before you killed my sister, 'Did you throw the drugs out? Andersen recalled a huge dinner of lobster tails the couple once threw in their garage for the community. She said 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.". Cindy Mishcon, the sister of Michelle Mishcon and an attorney, laid out a methodical case of why she does not believe that Harrouff was insane when the killings occurred. Married 19. Its an awful case, he said, adding that no one is losing sight of the death and injuries in the case. told The Post he doesn't believe Austin Harrouff's crocodile tears in the Dr. Copyright 2016 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Please enter valid email address to continue. South Florida Sports Headlines Newsletter. Everyone just wants to get this over with, so Austin can get a slap on his wrist and go home and go on with the rest of his life. Austin Harrouff, the 25-year-old accused of stabbing a Florida couple to death and biting the face of the male victim in 2016, will be sent to a mental hospital instead of prison, according to court documents. John Stevens IV, Stevens son, told the Sun Sentinel, It is not super important to me what his mindset was. Who'd Once Dated Victim's Wife, N.Y. denies Austin Harrouff's defense attorneys' motion to find Florida's insanity defense law unconstitutional. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? It is in that garage and their driveway that Harrouff killed the couple. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. The unthinkable violence happened in this case not by choice, intention, or with an identifiable motive, but because Austin has a mental disease., Have a tip we should know? It was a place they loved that John says they called it their "Garage Mahal.. That was news to me. Why did the 19 year-old suspected killer suddenly and without reason attack his parents? he said he ate something bad. They said they will ask for the death penalty in any future case.