SCOTRUN, Pa. —
A woman accused of killing her husband and her 3-year-old son at the Great Wolf Lodge in Pennsylvania called 911, telling dispatchers, “My husband and son are already gone,” according to investigators.
Metallica Harrison, 27, was charged with two counts of criminal homicide in the deaths of her husband, Charles Harrison, and her son, whose name has not yet been released.
She is accused of killing them inside a guest room at the Great Wolf Lodge in Monroe County.
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Police respond to lodge room after 911 call
According to the affidavit of probable cause, Pocono Township police officers responded to a Great Wolf Lodge room around 3:13 p.m. on Monday after Metallica called 911.
Police said Metallica told the 911 dispatcher that she needed “help dying” and was “unable to find a vein in her neck to stab.”
Officers encountered Metallica in the room’s doorway and saw her wrist bleeding and superficial puncture wounds around her neck, according to the affidavit. Investigators said Metallica told officers that “she wanted to be with her husband and son.”
Husband, son found stabbed to death, police say
Officers entered the room while checking on Metallica’s family and found Charles and her son dead on separate mattresses on the floor, according to investigators.
Police said Charles had suffered multiple stab wounds to the chest. The child appeared to have suffered one stab wound to the chest, according to authorities.
Statements made during 911 call
Investigators reviewed the recording of Metallica’s call to 911. According to the affidavit, Metallica told the dispatcher, “I’m too weak to stab my neck” and “I need police.”
When the dispatcher asked whether she had any weapons, Metallica said she had knives and added, “That’s what I’ve been using, and it’s not working,” according to the documents.
When asked whether she was alone, Metallica responded, “My husband and son are already gone in the bed in the living room,” the affidavit stated. “They’re already gone. I’m sorry,” she later said.
Investigators said Metallica did not request assistance for her husband or son at any point during the call.
Statements made during ambulance ride
According to police, Metallica was taken in an ambulance 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 stated several times that she was “not supposed to be here.” According to the affidavit, Metallica said, “I f—– up, I f—– up. I just needed energy and strength.”
Investigators said that Metallica questioned why there was not “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 stated she had taken medication to thin her blood and expressed frustration that her blood was clotting.
“Every day, I work so hard. To be the best person, the best mother, the best wife,” Metallica said, according to the affidavit. “It wasn’t supposed to end like this. I was supposed to have my happy family. That’s what I envisioned since I was a child,” the documents stated.
Two knives recovered from the 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 that the knives were not the type maintained by the resort, according to the affidavit.
Police also reported finding several medication bottles throughout the room. Investigators said a plastic container on the floor and a garbage can in the bathroom held a brownish-red liquid believed to be blood.
Surveillance video shows family’s last movements
Great Wolf Lodge security personnel told investigators that Charles, Metallica and the 3-year-old checked into the resort on Sept. 21. The family extended its reservation Oct. 5 and was scheduled to check out Oct. 13, according to the affidavit.
Police reviewed surveillance video that showed the entire family entering the room at 6:53 p.m. on Oct. 11, according to investigators. At approximately 8:12 p.m., Metallica left the room and used a microwave in a vending area and returned at 8:16 p.m., the affidavit stated.
Metallica and Charles left the room at approximately 10:43 p.m., went to the resort’s arcade and returned at approximately 11:22 p.m., according to investigators.
Police said the surveillance review showed 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’s vehicle, which was parked in the resort’s lot.
Investigators met with Metallica at the hospital, advised her of her Miranda rights and asked what had led to her hospitalization, according to officials. Police said Metallica responded that she was “suicidal, not stupid” and declined to speak with them.
Detectives said they collected a buccal swab for DNA testing.
Authorities noted that other than the lacerations to her left wrist and a puncture wound to her neck, Metallica had no other injuries, bruising or apparent defensive wounds.
Police said based on the evidence, Metallica was charged with two counts of criminal homicide and awaits 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.
Great Wolf Resorts statement
Great Wolf Resorts shared the following statement with sister station WGAL, saying:
“We are deeply saddened and heartbroken by a tragic domestic incident that occurred yesterday in a guest room at our resort in the Pocono Mountains. It was an isolated family incident, and we’re cooperating fully with local law enforcement as they conduct their investigation. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of those affected.
“Out of respect for those involved, as well as the integrity of the investigation, we ask that any further information regarding this matter be directed to Pocono Township Police Department.
“I can tell you law enforcement assessed the situation yesterday, determined it was isolated family incident and verified there was no ongoing security concerns.”
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About Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge operates more than 20 family-oriented resorts across North America featuring indoor water parks maintained at 84 degrees year-round. Its properties offer lodging, dining, children’s activities and other attractions.
The Pocono Mountains location opened in October 2005 as the company’s sixth resort and is about 90 minutes west of New York City and two hours north of Philadelphia.
