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Family of Face-Biting Attack Austin Harrouff Suspect Offers Condolences

A Florida couple were killed Monday after a 19-year-old allegedly attacked them without provocation, and the suspect bit the dead man's face.
Austin Harrouff, left, is accused of killing John Joseph Stevens and Michelle Karen Mishcon.
Austin Harrouff, left, is accused of killing John Joseph Stevens and Michelle Karen Mishcon.NBC Miami

The family of a Florida college student accused of killing a couple at random and biting the dead man’s face in a gruesome attack has offered its condolences to the families of the victims.

"The Harrouff family expresses their deepest sympathy for the pain and suffering caused by Austin Harrouff," the statement released Friday said. “The Harrouff family loves Austin as they know the Stevens and Mischon families loved John Stevens III and Michelle Mischon.”

"There are no words we can offer to give any real comfort for this tragic loss,” the statement said.

Related: Authorities to Test for 'Flakka' in Florida Face-Biting Attack

Austin Harrouff, 19, attacked and killed Michelle Mischon, 53, and John Stevens III, 59, as the couple sat in their garage in Tequesta on Monday, in what police said appears to be a random and unprovoked attack.

Harrouff remained in a hospital in critical condition Friday but he is stable, the sheriff's office said. Once he is released he will be arrested and charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, burglary and resisting police, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office said.

Martin County Sheriff William Snyder has said Harrouff appeared to be in a delirious state that is similar to those caused by the synthetic drug flakka, but tests have not come back that could indicate whether the drug was involved.

A neighbor who tried to intervene was stabbed. He was released from the hospital Thursday, the sheriff’s office said.