A family vacation at one of Pennsylvania’s most popular resort destinations ended in tragedy Monday night, when a mother allegedly took the lives of her young son and husband inside their guest room. The incident has shaken the Pocono Mountains community and prompted an ongoing investigation by local and county authorities.
Pocono Township Police have confirmed that a double homicide took place Monday evening at the Great Wolf Lodge in Scotrun, Pennsylvania — a well-known resort and indoor waterpark in Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains region.
According to court documents, Metallica Harrison, 27, of Towanda, Pennsylvania, is accused of stabbing her husband, Charles Harrison, multiple times and fatally stabbing her 3-year-old son once in the chest. Following the attack, Harrison called dispatchers and told them she wanted to die to be with her husband and son. She was transported to a hospital for self-inflicted injuries and now faces two counts of criminal homicide.
What Investigators Are Saying
Authorities have stressed that this was not a random act of violence. Police characterized the event as an isolated domestic tragedy and confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public or to other guests at the resort.
Monroe County District Attorney Mike Mancuso cautioned that the legal process is only beginning, telling reporters:
“There’s a lot more testing. There are post-mortem examinations yet to be conducted. There’s a review of various items of evidence. All of that will be unfolding over the course of the next several months, so this is only the first stage in a long process.”
Resort Responds
Great Wolf Resorts issued a formal statement through Jason Lasecki, vice president of corporate communications, expressing grief over the incident and confirming full cooperation with law enforcement.
Lasecki said:
“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.”
He added:
“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 the Pocono Township Police Department.”
The investigation remains active. Authorities say forensic testing, post-mortem examinations, and evidence review will continue in the months ahead as the case moves forward through the legal system.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, help is available. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or call 1-800-273-8255 to speak with a trained counselor. You can also text TALK to 741741.