WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
Investigators say a Florida college student accused of randomly killing a couple and biting the dead husband’s face has regained consciousness.
Martin County sheriff’s spokeswoman Trisha Kukuvka said Friday that Austin Harrouff is responsive, but has not provided a statement.
The 19-year-old Florida State University student had been heavily sedated since the Aug. 15 stabbings of John Stevens and Michelle Mishcon outside their home. Sheriff William Snyder says the former high school football player and wrestler will be charged with murder once he’s released from the hospital.
Investigators say Harrouff almost cut off his thumb during the attack and had suffered bruises and other injuries while being subdued. Harrouff’s father said his son’s liver was malfunctioning. The sheriff said he may have ingested caustic chemicals in the couple’s garage.
