Police Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Suspect Found Biting Pieces of Man's Face Off at Murder Scene

When the first deputy arrived, she found Harrouff on top of the male stabbing victim who was lying in the driveway. The sheriff said Harrouff was biting the victim on the face, removing the victim's flesh with his teeth.

August 16, 2016
Suspect Found Biting Pieces of Man's Face Off at Murder Scene

Photo: Twitter

2 min to read


The Martin County (FL) Sheriff's Office is trying to piece together an extremely gruesome and violent attack on a married couple at a home near Tequesta, FL, reports WPEC.

Authorities say the suspect is 19-year-old Florida State University student Austin Harrouff. The victims have been identified as 59-year-old John Joseph Stevens III and 53-year-old Michelle Karen Mishcon.

Ad Loading...

Deputies were called to the 9000 block of Kokomo Lane around 9:20 p.m. Tuesday in reference to a stabbing.

Sheriff William Snyder said the caller, a neighbor, had been stabbed after trying to intervene and stop the violent attack between the teen and Stevens.

When the first deputy arrived, she found Harrouff on top of the male victim (Stevens) who was lying in the driveway of the home. The sheriff said Harrouff was biting the victim on the face, removing the victim's flesh with his teeth.

It took multiple deputies, use of a stun gun, and a K-9 to pry Harrouff off of Stevens. Sheriff Snyder said Harrouff was "grunting and growling," and "making animal noises."

John Joseph Stevens III was pronounced dead at the scene. His wife, Michelle Karen Mishcon, was found dead inside of the home's garage, the sheriff said.

Ad Loading...

Fisher, the Good Samaritan who called 911 and tried rescuing Stevens from the violent attack, was airlifted to St. Mary's Trauma Center where he underwent emergency surgery for multiple stab wounds to the upper part of his body, family members said.

The motive of the attack remains under investigation. Sheriff Snyder is calling the attack random and says it may have been brought on by drugs. Medical Staff are testing Harrouff for drugs including bath salts, spice, and flakka.

More Patrol

flashlight turn un and submerged in puddle with rain falling.
PatrolApril 30, 2026

Olight Releases 2 New Baton Variants & the ArkPro Ultra Onyx Black

Olight has added two new lights to the Baton Series, the Baton 4 and the Baton Ultra. One new Baton features up to 1,600 lumens on turbo, and the other 1,800.

Read More →
Black tactical helmet with bright explosion behind it to the left, Team Wendy logo top right, and headline Recon Tactical Bump Helmet
PatrolApril 30, 2026

Team Wendy Reveals New RECON Tactical Bump Helmet

Team Wendy’s new RECON Tactical bump helmet is configurable by color, retention, and accessories for rescue, tactical, and military mission needs. It features Zorbium foam pads, shell vents, and lattice cooling pads that balance impact absorption, airflow, and long-wear support.

Read More →
Black military style leather boot against a blue cobblestone background with a white Garmont Tactical logo.
PatrolApril 30, 2026

Garmont Tactical Introduces the T8 Specter LE Zip for LE Professionals

Garmont Tactical has a new 8-inch duty boot with a side zipper, the T8 Specter LE Zip. The boot is available now and features ankle support in a standard duty profile with polishable leather.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Streamlight searchlight and a scene light on a tripod set against a darkened street scene and Streamlight logo across the top.
PatrolApril 30, 2026

Streamlight Launches LiteBox 1Million & Portable Scene Light III

Streamlight has launched the Portable Scene Light III (PSL III), which delivers up to 10,000 lumens, and the LiteBox 1Million, a one-million-candela long-range search light.

Read More →
Two camo magazine puches against a blue tinted police background and a logo for Tasmanian Tiger.
PatrolApril 22, 2026

Tasmanian Tiger Introduces the TT SGL Mag Pouch Clamp M4

Tasmanian Tiger has launched the TT SGL Mag Pouch Clamp M4, an open magazine pouch engineered for M4/AR-15 platforms that integrates a plastic clamping device for secure retention and fast magazine deployment.

Read More →
Police officer in a darkened hallway holding a flashlight and headline 5 Things to Know When Buying Patrol Lights, and POLICE logo.
PatrolApril 16, 2026

5 Things to Know When Buying Patrol Lights

Whether it’s time to buy a personal patrol light or make the decision for the next department-issued patrol light, what do you need to know? How do you weigh the different variables and make the best choice?

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Group of men and women seated in a circle around a room as one woman stands and leads discussion.
PatrolApril 9, 2026

Warriors Heart’s Mission to Serve America’s Veterans and First Responders

Warriors Heart works closely with federal and community partners to expand treatment options for veterans and first responders. By combining specialized clinical care with a peer-driven recovery environment, the program helps warriors rebuild strength, restore relationships, and rediscover purpose.

Read More →
Black background with police card lights and logo for POLICE, with headline in yellow: How are LE Boots Different for Women
Patrolby Wayne ParhamApril 9, 2026

How are LE Boots Different for Women?

Boots fit differently for men and women, so how are law enforcement boots for women designed differently from those worn by men? In this video, Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, shares all the details.

Read More →
Man standing in desert talking on radio.
PatrolApril 9, 2026

Motorola Solutions Extends Resilient, Mission-Critical Communications and AI with T-Satellite from T-Mobile

A collaboration between Motorola Solutions and T-Mobile helps deliver uninterrupted situational awareness and access to AI wherever the mission leads, enabled by satellite connectivity for Motorola Solutions' APX NEXT smart radios.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Las Vegas skyline at dusk with headline 2026 Vision FirstNet Users Summit, dates for the event, and diagonally at bottom right words Registration Open.
PatrolApril 9, 2026

Registration Now Open for 2026 Vision FirstNet Users Summit

Registration is now open for the 2026 Vision FirstNet Users Summit. The Summit is an opportunity to connect with local and federal leaders, specifically the FirstNet Authority, which is hosting a track at the event this year.

Read More →