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Dr. Phil interview with face-biting suspect Austin Harrouff could be released Tuesday

Unless an appellate court steps in
Posted at 3:21 PM, Feb 24, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-24 17:40:59-05

MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. Unless an appellate court steps in, an interview between TV personality Dr. Phil and accused murderer Austin Harrouff will be released to the media and public next week.

That was the result of a ruling Friday in Martin County after Harrouff’s attorneys asked for more time to appeal Wednesday's decision. 

That's when WPTV went to court to request public access to the never-before seen interview. The judge sided with NewsChannel 5.

RELATED: More coverage of the case

Harrouff is charged with killing Tequesta couple, Michelle Mishcon and John Stevens. He also is charged with attempted murder for attacking Jeff Fisher, a good Samaritan who allegedly tried to stop the attack, and survived.

While Harrouff was hospitalized he gave an interview to Dr. Phil. The interview happened just days before he was released from the hospital and arrested.

Dr. Phil decided at the last minute not to air the interview.

While details of the content discussed in the interview have not yet been made public, WPTV went to court to request access to it.

It has been filed as discovery evidence.

Defense attorneys for Harrouff unsuccessfully argued that releasing the interview could hurt Harrouff’s right to a fair trial.

The state indicated that it would release the interview Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. if an appellate court does not take action.