Local
Towanda home searched after fatal stabbing of father and 3-year-old at Poconos resort
Investigators searched the family’s Towanda home and seized knives, a journal and electronics as they investigate the deaths of Charles Harrison and his young son at Great Wolf Lodge. Metallica Rose Harrison, 27, has been charged with two counts of homicide and is being held without bail.
Police searched a Towanda home Tuesday as they investigated the fatal stabbing of a father and his 3-year-old son at Great Wolf Lodge in Scotrun, according to court filings. Investigators said they were seeking evidence that could help establish a motive and connect a knife found at the resort to items at the home.
Charles Harrison and his son, identified in court documents by the initials T.H., were found dead Monday in a guest room at the Pocono Township resort. The criminal complaint says Charles Harrison had multiple stab wounds to his chest and the child had one.
Metallica Rose Harrison, 27, of Towanda, was charged with two counts of homicide. According to the complaint, she called 911 and told the operator she had knives and needed help dying. Police say she also told the operator that her husband and son were dead.
A large kitchen knife and a smaller knife were found in the bathroom, court documents say. Resort staff told investigators the teal-handled knives did not belong to the lodge.
The family had been staying at the resort since Sept. 21 and had extended its visit, with checkout planned for Tuesday, according to the complaint. Investigators’ warrant application said they were also seeking financial records and information about why the family had left home to stay at the resort.
Police seized nearly a dozen teal knives, a safe, a journal, a financial notebook, a laptop and other items from the home, according to a court inventory. The warrant application said investigators were looking for any writings or electronic records that might shed light on the alleged homicide and suicide attempt.
The application also recounted allegations from family members who described Harrison as controlling and said she had isolated her husband and son. One relative alleged she had expressed resentment about becoming pregnant and said the child took away time with her husband. Those claims have not been established in court.
Harrison was denied bail at her arraignment Tuesday and remains in custody. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 21. The online court docket did not list an attorney for her at the time of the report.
Great Wolf Lodge said it was cooperating with local law enforcement and expressed condolences to the family and loved ones of those affected.
Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or concerned about someone else can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support, available 24 hours a day.