Police search suspect's home for motive after double homicide at Poconos resort

Key points

• Metallica Rose Harrison, 27, of Towanda, PA, was charged with two counts of criminal homicide for the deaths of her husband, Charles Harrison, and their 3-year-old son at the Great Wolf Lodge in Scotrun on October 12.
• Harrison called 911 at 3:13 p.m. stating she needed help dying and could not find a vein in her neck to stab. She told dispatchers her husband and son were already dead in the room.
• Officers found Charles Harrison with multiple stab wounds to the chest and his son with a single stab wound to the chest. Harrison had self-inflicted injuries to her wrist and neck.
• Police searched Harrison's home in Towanda on October 14, seizing teal-handled knives, a journal, a financial notebook, and a laptop to determine motive and link the weapons to the crime scene.
• Harrison was denied bail on October 13 and is awaiting a preliminary hearing on October 21. No attorney is currently listed for her in court records.

Background

This incident follows earlier reports confirming the charges against Harrison and the description of the event as an isolated domestic tragedy. The family had been staying at the resort since September 21, extending their stay until October 13.

How outlets are covering it

ABC News emphasized the police search of the suspect's home to uncover a motive, noting that family members described Harrison as 'dominant' and 'controlling' and that she had isolated the victims. WGAL provided detailed accounts of Harrison's statements during the 911 call and ambulance ride, including her expressions of regret and questions about suicide methods. NBC News focused on the immediate response to the 911 call and the recovery of the knives, highlighting the resort's statement that the incident was an isolated family matter with no ongoing security threat. All outlets agreed on the basic facts of the homicide and suicide attempt but differed in their emphasis on motive, suspect statements, and resort response.

Why it matters

The case highlights the severity of domestic violence and the importance of suicide prevention resources. It also underscores the role of law enforcement in investigating motive through physical evidence and digital records, as well as the need for public awareness of crisis support services like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

What to watch

Harrison will face a preliminary hearing on October 21. The investigation may continue as police analyze seized items, including the journal and financial records, to determine motive. No attorney has been appointed or hired for her as of October 15.