SCOTRUN, Pa. — The Monroe County Coroner’s Office has released its findings in the deaths of a father and his 3-year-old son found dead inside a guest room at Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos, revealing a significant difference between the autopsy findings and the initial account contained in police documents.
According to a report released Friday, October 16, both Charles Harrison and his young son died from stab wounds to the chest. The coroner’s office ruled both deaths homicides.
The autopsies were completed Thursday, October 15, according to reporting by WBRE/WYOU and WGAL News 8. The coroner’s findings indicate the child suffered multiple stab wounds, while his father had one, the opposite of what was described in the initial police account. The discrepancy has not been publicly explained in the reports reviewed.
The deaths occurred Monday, October 12, at Great Wolf Lodge in Scotrun, in Pocono Township, Monroe County.
Mother Charged in Deaths
Metallica Rose Harrison, 27, of Towanda, is charged with two counts of criminal homicide in connection with the deaths of her husband and son.
According to court documents, Pocono Township police were dispatched to the resort shortly after 3 p.m. Monday following a 911 call from a distressed woman who said she needed help because she was suicidal.
When officers arrived at the room, they encountered Harrison with injuries and subsequently found her husband and son dead on separate mattresses on the floor, according to the criminal complaint.
Investigators said Harrison told officers she wanted to be with her husband and son. She was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital–Monroe Campus for treatment.
Investigators Recovered Two Knives
According to the police affidavit, investigators recovered a large butcher knife from the bathroom floor and a smaller knife from the bathroom sink. Both reportedly had teal-green handles.
Great Wolf Lodge employees told investigators that the resort did not use knives of those types, according to the court documents.
Police also documented medication bottles inside the room as part of their investigation.
Authorities have not publicly established a motive for the killings. The investigation remains ongoing.
Family Had Been Staying at the Resort
Investigators said the family checked into Great Wolf Lodge on September 21 and extended their reservation on October 5. Their scheduled checkout date was October 13, the day after the bodies were discovered.
The case has drawn attention because of the location, a popular family resort known for its indoor water park and family activities.
Pocono Township police previously described the incident as an isolated domestic tragedy and said there was no ongoing threat to the public.
Case Moves Forward
Harrison remains in custody without bail, according to reports published Friday. Her preliminary hearing, initially scheduled for a date in October, has been moved to November 3, according to WGAL.
The homicide charges are allegations, and the case will proceed through the criminal court system.
Newsworking will continue following developments in this investigation
Sources: Monroe County Coroner’s Office findings as reported by WGAL News 8 and WBRE/WYOU; Pocono Township Police Department; publicly reported court documents.
