A Pennsylvania mother is facing two counts of criminal homicide after she allegedly stabbed her husband and 3-year-old son to death inside a Great Wolf Lodge hotel room. The fatal attack took place on a trip her in-laws claimed was paid for by draining her husband’s retirement account.
Metallica Rose Harrison was arrested on October 12, 2026, after authorities responded to the resort in Scotrun, Pennsylvania, located in the Pocono Mountains. Her husband, Charles Harrison, and their son, Tristan, were pronounced dead at the scene. Metallica called 911 around 3 p.m. that afternoon to report that she wanted to die and that her “husband and son are already gone.”
In the days since, Charles’ family has come forward with disturbing claims about Metallica’s relationship with her child and her alleged financial decisions in the weeks leading up to the killings.
Metallica Rose Harrison Called 911 From the Great Wolf Lodge
When officers arrived at the hotel room on October 12, 2026, they found Charles stabbed multiple times in the chest and Tristan with a single stab wound to the chest. Both father and son were pronounced dead at the scene.
Metallica was found suffering from wounds to her wrist and neck. According to the affidavit, she allegedly told 911 dispatchers that she was “too weak to stab my neck” and that she “needed help dying.”
Investigators searched the hotel room and recovered two knives, which Great Wolf Lodge staff members confirmed were not from the resort. Authorities also reported finding several bottles of medication and two containers of what appeared to be blood at the scene.
When Metallica was taken into custody, she reportedly told officers she “wanted to be with her husband and son.”
Metallica Rose Harrison Allegedly Drained Charles Harrison’s 401(k) for the Trip
Charles’ stepmother, April Thetga, told the New York Post that Metallica had tapped her husband’s retirement account to pay for the family’s three-week stay at Great Wolf Lodge. The trip, Thetga said, was intended as an early Christmas present for Tristan.
She added that Metallica had allegedly used Charles’ money for other expenses as well, including a kitchen remodel.
“It was definitely odd, but they’d taken their 401(k) out. … There was nothing we could do about that,” Thetga said of the family’s recent financial decisions. She didn’t know whether the couple had borrowed against the retirement account or withdrew the money outright.
The family arrived at the resort on September 21, 2026. They extended their reservation on October 5, 2026, and were scheduled to check out on October 13, 2026, the day after the killings.
Despite the unusual financial move, Thetga said the family wasn’t especially worried about the trip. She recalled video-chatting with Metallica the day before the murders.
“She had called, and we’re video-chatting, and then she says she loved us very much, just like she normally would,” Thetga said.
Charles Harrison’s Family Says Metallica Rose Harrison Resented Her Son
Investigators spoke with Charles’ relatives on the night of the killings.
According to a search warrant obtained by WGAL, family members told police that the couple had been experiencing relationship issues.
Charles’ sister, Melissa Rivera, claimed that Metallica resented Tristan and “never wanted to get pregnant.” Metallica also allegedly complained that her son took away her “one-on-one time” with Charles.
The family further described Metallica as “dominant” and “controlling,” claiming that she had isolated her husband and son from the rest of Charles’ family after the couple married.
Meanwhile, Thetga described Charles as a devoted father and husband while speaking to the New York Post.
“He was a fantastic husband. She definitely got lucky when it came to him. He just was good. He was a good father,” Thetga said. “I don’t think I’ve ever even seen him fight.”
She added that the Harrisons were “a loving family” and that she was “shocked as everybody else” by the killings.
“We’re not evil people. We want answers. They were always happy,” Thetga said.
What’s Next for Metallica Rose Harrison?
Metallica is facing two counts of criminal homicide in connection with the deaths of Charles and Tristan. It is not currently clear whether she has entered a plea or retained legal counsel following her arrest.
She is next scheduled to appear in court for a hearing on October 21, 2026. The investigation into the case remains ongoing.
The killings have shaken Charles’ extended family, who continue to express disbelief at the circumstances. The couple appeared outwardly happy in the days leading up to the trip, Thetga said, and had given no outward sign that the stay at Great Wolf Lodge would end in tragedy.
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This story was compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.
