Charles Harrison’s life “centered around his wife and child” before his wife, Metallica Rose Harrison, allegedly killed him and their 3-year-old son, Tristan, during a family trip to Great Wolf Lodge, according to his grieving family.
Charles, 36, known to loved ones as Chaz, was fatally stabbed inside a hotel room at the Pocono resort on October 12, 2026, alongside his toddler son. Metallica has been charged with two counts of criminal homicide in connection with the deaths. Here’s what we know about the man his family describes as a devoted husband and father.
Charles Harrison’s Sister Remembers Him as Devoted to His Family
Charles’s sister, Melissa Rivera, launched a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses for her brother and nephew.
“I’m raising funds for my brother, Chaz, and his son after our family lost them on October 12, 2026. Their passing was sudden, and we are heartbroken trying to come to terms with losing two people we loved so dearly,” Rivera wrote on the fundraiser page.
She added that her brother “was a good guy whose whole life was centered around his wife and child.”
“He meant so much to our family, and the pain of losing both him and my nephew so unexpectedly is hard to put into words,” Rivera continued. “We are grieving together and trying to find strength in one another while facing the reality of making final arrangements for them.”
Rivera explained the funds “will help cover the expenses of putting Chaz and his son to rest, including a proper viewing and cremation.”
“More than anything, we want to give them the dignified, loving farewell they deserve and the chance for family and loved ones to say their final goodbyes with love and respect,” she wrote. “If you are not able to give, sharing this fundraiser and keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers would also be deeply appreciated. Thank you for helping us honor Chaz and his son and give them the farewell they deserve.”
Charles Harrison’s Stepmother-in-Law Called Him a ‘Fantastic Husband’
Metallica’s stepmother, April Thetga, echoed Rivera’s sentiments in an interview with the New York Post, describing Charles as a loving partner and father to Tristan.
“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.”
Thetga added that the Harrisons were “a loving family” and said she was “shocked as everybody else” by the killings. “We’re not evil people. We want answers. They were always happy,” she said.
Thetga also recalled a video call with Metallica the day before the murders, during which nothing seemed amiss.
“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 Trip to Great Wolf Lodge Was Funded by His 401(k)
Thetga alleged that Metallica drained Charles’s 401(k) retirement account to pay for the family’s three-week stay at Great Wolf Lodge in Scotrun, Pennsylvania. The getaway she said was meant as an early Christmas present for Tristan. According to Thetga, Metallica also used her husband’s money for a kitchen remodel and other expenses.
The family checked into the resort on September 21, 2026, and extended their reservation on October 5, 2026, with plans to check out on October 13, 2026.
“It was definitely odd, but they’d taken their 401(k) out. … There was nothing we could do about that,” Thetga said of the financial decision.
She added that she did not know whether the couple had borrowed against the retirement account or withdrew the money outright.
Metallica Rose Harrison Was Hit With a $12K Civil Judgment Months Earlier
Us exclusively reported that Metallica was ordered to pay nearly $12,000 to Capital One in a civil judgment that closed just two months before the killings.
Capital One filed a civil complaint against Harrison on May 14, 2026, claiming she owed the company $11,824.36, according to a civil docket viewed by Us.
Harrison filed an intent to defend on May 27, 2026. Three months after the initial filing, Magisterial District Judge Todd Carr ordered Harrison to pay the full amount on August 17, 2026.
Police records and reports noted that Metallica’s family was facing severe financial strain in the months leading up to the killings.
Charles Harrison and Son Tristan Were Killed Inside Their Hotel Room
Authorities say Metallica called 911 around 3 p.m. on October 12, 2026, telling dispatchers she wanted to die and that her “husband and son are already gone.”
When police arrived at the Great Wolf Lodge, they found Charles and Tristan dead inside the hotel room. Charles had been stabbed multiple times in the chest, while the 3-year-old had been stabbed one single time in the chest. Metallica was found suffering from wounds to her wrist and neck.
Investigators searched the room and recovered two knives that resort staff confirmed were not from the hotel. Officers also reported finding several bottles of medication and two containers of what appeared to be blood at the crime scene.
As she was taken into custody, Metallica reportedly told officers she “wanted to be with her husband and son.” She also told EMS personnel that she worked “so hard” every day “to be the best person.”
“It wasn’t supposed to end like this. I was supposed to have my happy family. That’s what I envisioned since I was a child,” Metallica allegedly said, according to an affidavit obtained by WNEP.
It is not currently clear if Metallica has entered a plea or retained legal counsel following her arrest. The investigation into the case remains ongoing.
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This story was compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.
