Great Wolf Lodge homicide in Pennsylvania: Woman kills husband and 3-year-old son, police say

POCONO TOWNSHIP, PA. —

A Bradford County woman is accused of killing her husband and 3-year-old son in a guest room at the Great Wolf Lodge in Monroe County.

Metallica Harrison27, of Towanda, was charged with two counts of criminal homicide in the death of her husband, Charles Harrisonand his son, whose name has not yet been released.

Police enter room after 911 call

According to the probable cause affidavit, Pocono Township police officers went to a room at Great Wolf Lodge around 3:13 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 12, after Metallica called the Monroe County Control Center.

Police said Metallica told the 911 dispatcher she needed “help to die” and was “unable to find a vein in her neck to stab.”

Officers encountered Metallica in the doorway of the room and saw his wrist bleeding and superficial wounds around his neck, according to the affidavit. Investigators said Metallica told officers that “she wanted to be with her husband and son.”

Her husband and son found stabbed to death, police say

Officers entered the room while checking on Metallica’s family and found Charles and his son dead on separate mattresses on the floor, according to investigators.

Police said Charles suffered multiple stab wounds to the chest. The child appeared to have been stabbed in the chest, authorities said.

Statements made during a 911 call

Investigators reviewed the recording of Metallica’s 911 call. According to the affidavit, Metallica told the dispatcher, “I’m too weak to stab myself in the neck” and “I need the police.”

When the dispatcher asked if she had any weapons, Metallica said she had knives and added, “That’s what I use and it doesn’t work,” according to the documents.

When asked if she was alone, Metallica replied, “My husband and son have already left in the bed in the living room,” the affidavit states. “They’ve already left. I’m sorry,” she said later.

Investigators said Metallica did not ask for help for her husband or son at any point during the call.

Statements made during an ambulance ride

Police say Metallica was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital – Monroe Campus in Stroudsburg for treatment of her injuries. A Pocono Township police officer accompanied her during the transport.

During the ambulance ride, police said Metallica repeatedly said she “wasn’t supposed to be here.” According to the affidavit, Metallica said, “I don’t care, I don’t care. I just needed energy and strength.”

Investigators said Metallica wondered why there wasn’t “an easier way” and asked emergency medical personnel how deep the vein in her wrist was so she would know “for next time.” According to police, Metallica also said she had taken medication to thin her blood and expressed frustration with her blood clotting.

“Every day I work very hard. To be the best person, the best mother, the best wife,” Metallica said, according to the affidavit. “It was not supposed to end this way. I was supposed to have a happy family. This is what I envisioned since I was a child,” the documents state.

Two knives recovered at scene, police say

According to investigators, a large butcher knife was found on the bathroom floor and a smaller knife was found on the bathroom sink. Police said both knives had teal green handles. Great Wolf Lodge employees told investigators the knives were not the type maintained by the resort, according to the affidavit.

Police also reported finding several medication bottles in the room. Investigators said a plastic container on the floor and a trash can in the bathroom contained a brownish-red liquid that could be blood.

Surveillance video shows family’s latest movements

Great Wolf Lodge security staff told investigators that Charles, Metallica and the 3-year-old arrived at the resort on September 21. The family extended their reservation on Oct. 5 and was scheduled to leave on Oct. 13, according to the affidavit.

Police reviewed surveillance video showing the entire family entering the room at 6:53 p.m. on Oct. 11, according to investigators. Around 8:12 p.m., Metallica left the room and used a microwave in a sales area and returned at 8:16 p.m., the affidavit states.

Metallica and Charles left the room around 10:43 p.m., went to the complex’s arcade and returned around 11:22 p.m., according to investigators.

Police said a review of surveillance revealed no additional activity at the room’s door after the couple returned from the arcade.

Investigators obtain search warrants

Police said search warrants were obtained for the hotel, Metallica and Charles’ vehicle, which was parked in the resort’s parking lot.

Investigators met with Metallica at the hospital, informed her of her Miranda rights and asked what led to her hospitalization, officials said. Police said Metallica responded that she was “suicidal, not stupid” and refused to speak to them.

Detectives said they took a mouth swab for DNA testing.

Authorities noted that aside from lacerations to his left wrist and a puncture wound to his neck, Metallica had no other injuries, bruises or apparent defensive wounds.

Police said that based on the evidence, Metallica has been charged with two counts of criminal homicide and is awaiting arraignment.

Police call deaths an ‘isolated domestic tragedy’

The Pocono Township Police Department said the investigation remains active.

The department described the case as “an isolated domestic tragedy” and said there was no threat to the community.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones affected by this tragedy,” Pocono Township police said.

Statement from Great Wolf Resorts

Great Wolf Resorts shared the following statement with WGAL, saying:

“We are deeply saddened and heartbroken by a tragic domestic incident that occurred yesterday at a guest room at our Pocono Mountains resort. This was an isolated domestic incident and we are fully cooperating with local law enforcement as they conduct their investigation. Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of those involved.

“Out of respect for those involved, as well as the integrity of the investigation, we ask that any additional information regarding this matter be directed to the Pocono Township Police Department.

“I can tell you that law enforcement assessed the situation yesterday, determined that this was an isolated domestic incident and verified that there were no ongoing safety concerns.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health concerns, please call 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifebuoy to 988 (or 1-800-273-8255) to get in touch with a qualified advisor. You can also text TALK to 741741.