Authorities say the Great Wolf Lodge deaths were an isolated family incident, with forensic testing and post-mortem examinations still ahead.
SCOTRUN, Pa. — Investigators are beginning what officials say could be a lengthy examination of evidence after a man and his 3-year-old son were found dead at a Great Wolf Lodge in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains and the man’s wife was charged with two counts of criminal homicide.
Pocono Township police identified the accused woman as Metallica Rose Harrison, 27, of Towanda. Police said officers responding to a distressed caller Monday afternoon found Harrison injured in a guest room and discovered an adult man and a 3-year-old boy dead while checking on the rest of the family. The adult victim was later identified as Harrison’s husband, Charles Harrison. Authorities have not publicly released the child’s full name.
Monroe County District Attorney Mike Mancuso said Tuesday that the charges marked only the beginning of the investigative process. He said additional testing, post-mortem examinations and reviews of physical evidence would be conducted over the coming months. Authorities have not announced a motive, and the homicide charges remain allegations that will have to be addressed through the court system.
Police said the call that brought officers to the lodge came at about 3:13 p.m. Oct. 12. Harrison told emergency dispatchers she needed help because she wanted to die, according to police and the criminal complaint. Officers found her with injuries and transported her to a hospital after locating her husband and son inside the room.
The criminal complaint says investigators recovered two knives from the bathroom of the guest room. Resort employees told police that the knives did not belong to Great Wolf Lodge. Investigators also reviewed surveillance video as they worked to establish the family’s movements before officers arrived. The family had been staying at the resort since Sept. 21 and had extended its reservation, according to the complaint.
Police have not released final autopsy findings. The Monroe County coroner’s office was called in connection with the deaths, and post-mortem examinations were expected as investigators worked to document the causes and circumstances of both deaths. Authorities have emphasized that additional forensic findings could take time.
Great Wolf Resorts said the deaths stemmed from an isolated family incident inside a guest room and that the company was cooperating fully with police. The resort said its thoughts were with the family and loved ones of those affected and referred further questions about the investigation to law enforcement.
Police also sought to reassure visitors and residents that investigators had found no continuing public danger. The department called the case an isolated domestic tragedy and thanked the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, the county coroner, Pennsylvania State Police forensic personnel, emergency medical crews, lodge employees and other agencies that assisted.
Harrison has been charged with two counts of criminal homicide and was hospitalized after officers responded. Pocono Township police said she is expected to face arraignment before Magisterial District Judge Daniel Kresge. No plea was listed in the publicly reported court information available as of Wednesday morning.
The investigation remains open, and authorities have said further conclusions will depend on autopsy results, forensic testing and a review of evidence. Police have not released a motive or a final timeline for the deaths.
Author note: Last updated October 14, 2026.