Family Vacation Turned Nightmare: Mom Accused of Killing Husband and Little Boy at Great Wolf Lodge

What was supposed to be a fun-filled family getaway at a Pennsylvania water park resort ended in unimaginable tragedy. A father and his 3-year-old son were found dead, and the boy’s mother is now accused of killing them both.

Metallica Rose Harrison, 27, is charged with two counts of criminal homicide after police say she fatally stabbed her husband, Charles Harrison, and their 3-year-old son inside a guest room at Great Wolf Lodge in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains.

The alleged killings occurred Monday, October 12, at the popular indoor water park resort in Scotrun, about 90 miles west of New York City. According to the criminal complaint, Harrison called 911 around 3:13 p.m. and told a dispatcher she needed help because she was suicidal.

When officers arrived at Room 2030, they found Harrison injured. Once inside, they discovered her husband and young son lying dead on separate mattresses on the floor. Charles had suffered multiple stab wounds to his chest, while the child appeared to have suffered a single chest wound, according to investigators.

Police also recovered a large butcher knife and a smaller knife from the bathroom, along with several bottles of medication. Resort employees reportedly told investigators that the knives were not supplied by Great Wolf Lodge.

One of the more perplexing details is how long the family had been staying at the resort. The Harrisons reportedly checked into Great Wolf Lodge on September 21 and extended their reservation on October 5. They were scheduled to check out October 13, the day after the alleged murders.

Surveillance footage reportedly captured the family entering their room Sunday evening. Later that night, Harrison and her husband were seen leaving the room to visit the resort’s arcade. They returned around 11:22 p.m.

Investigators reported no further activity at the room’s entrance before police responded the next afternoon, while authorities have not publicly identified a motive.

According to the criminal complaint, Harrison made emotional statements to emergency personnel as she was transported to the hospital.

“Every day, I work so hard. To be the best person, the best mother, the best wife,” she allegedly said. “It wasn’t supposed to end like this. I was supposed to have my happy family.” Per the criminal complaint reviewed by Los Angeles, Harrison also told Monroe County Control Center (MCC) 911 “that she needed help dying and she was unable to find the vein in her neck to stab.”

The Monroe County District Attorney’s Office has described the killings as a domestic tragedy and stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public. Harrison, who lived in Towanda, Pennsylvania, was arraigned Tuesday, October 13, before Magisterial District Judge Daniel Kresge. Bail was denied, and police confirmed she was placed in the Monroe County Correctional Facility.

Great Wolf Lodge said it was heartbroken by the incident and is cooperating with investigators. The resort described the deaths as an isolated family incident.

Police have not announced when the alleged killings occurred during the family’s final night or the following morning, while the investigation remains ongoing. Per the court docket, the pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Oct. 21.

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