A 27-year-old woman has been accused of committing a double homicide at a family resort in the Poconos Mountains, Pennsylvania, where she allegedly killed her husband and their 3-year-old son in a hotel room before attempting to take her own life, as per court records.
A Towanda resident, identified as Metallica Rose Harrison, has been charged with two crimes related to the deaths of Charles Harrison and a child, whose initials are T.H. The victims' bodies were discovered on October 12 in a room at the Great Wolf Lodge in Scotrun, Pocono Township.
A 911 emergency call initiated by Harrison prompted an investigation, as outlined in the criminal complaint. During the call, she reportedly expressed a need for assistance with her own death, also stating that her husband and son were deceased.
Monroe County Attorney Michael Mancuso characterized the case as a violent domestic tragedy during a Tuesday announcement of charges against the woman.
A complaint alleges that Pocono Township Police responded to a call at approximately 3:13 p.m. on Monday, reporting to the resort's 2030 room, following a report of suicidal intentions expressed by Harrison.
A woman involved in a communication incident claimed to possess knives, however, stated they were malfunctioning. She also indicated that she was not alone, citing the deaths of her husband and son, who she said had passed away in their bed.
Upon entering the room, law enforcement officials discovered Harrison with lacerations on her left wrist and minor injuries to her neck. She reportedly expressed a desire to be reunited with her husband and son, as stated in the accompanying court records.
A 12-year-old boy, identified as Charles Harrison, was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds to his chest. The complaint also states that the boy had a gunshot wound in the same area, indicating a possible second shot.
A female patient was subsequently transported to the Monroe campus of St. Luke's Hospital in Stroudsburg for further medical treatment.
Harrison likely experienced frustration during the ambulance transfer due to the blood's clotting, which he attributed to the medications he had taken in an attempt to thin it.
A man expressed deep regret over the circumstances of his situation, stating that he had dedicated himself to being a devoted family member and had envisioned a life filled with the happiness of his loved ones since childhood.
Court records indicate that investigators discovered a substantial kitchen knife and a smaller knife in the bathroom.
Staff at the Great Wolf Lodge informed authorities that the knives discovered did not match the type of cutlery typically used by the resort. An investigation also revealed the presence of several scattered medication bottles in the room.
A family had initially checked in at the resort on September 21 and subsequently extended their stay on October 5. Their scheduled departure date was set for Tuesday, October 13.
Security footage revealed that a family of three entered the room on Sunday evening at approximately 6:53 p.m. Later, Harrison and her spouse departed to the complex's video game area and returned to the room at around 11:22 p.m., as stated in the complaint.
Evidence collection efforts are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatalities. A scheduled autopsy by the Monroe County forensic pathologist is anticipated to take place.
Harrison has been formally charged with two counts of murder and is being held without the option for bail pending a preliminary hearing. According to officials, at the time of the latest update, no attorney had been listed in the court records as representing her.
Prosecutor Mancuso characterized the case as a complex double homicide, emphasizing that ongoing investigation efforts are focused on collecting and analyzing evidence to shed further light on the circumstances surrounding the events.
The official emphasized that the accused is entitled to the presumption of innocence and that the burden of proof lies with the Prosecutor's Office to demonstrate her guilt to a level that eliminates any reasonable doubt.
The Pocono Township Police Department characterized the incident as a singular, isolated family tragedy, emphasizing that there was no indication of a broader threat to public safety within the community.
Great Wolf Lodge has issued a statement expressing regret for the incident and confirming its full cooperation with law enforcement. Resort officials reported that responding officers swiftly assessed the situation and determined there was no ongoing threat to the safety of other guests.
Individuals experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts in the United States can access free and confidential support by dialing or sending a text message to 988, a service available 24 hours a day.
