Pennsylvania Teen Finds His Mother Fatally Stabbed at Home After Violent Domestic Attack, Police Say
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA — A horrific domestic violence incident unfolded inside a Harrisburg home on Nov. 25, leaving a 31-year-old mother dead and her husband hospitalized after a failed suicide attempt, police said. The tragedy was discovered by the woman’s 13-year-old son, who came home from school to find his mother mortally wounded on the bathroom floor and his stepfather lying on top of her, both covered in blood.
Boy Returned From School to a Grisly Discovery
According to a police affidavit and a statement released by the Harrisburg Police Department, Violette Pierre, a mother of three, was found stabbed to death shortly after her son arrived home in the afternoon.
The teen immediately ran from the residence “frantically,” yelling for help from neighbors, who called 911, according to local reporting from WGAL. Home security footage obtained by investigators confirmed the timeline: the boy left for school around 8:30 a.m., returned later in the day, and fled within seconds after making the discovery.
Inside the home, officers found Pierre lying on the bathroom floor beneath her husband, Rocheny Clerge, who was still alive but suffering from a deep self-inflicted laceration to his neck.
A “large knife” was found beside him, police said.
Police: Husband Attempted Suicide After Killing Wife
Responding officers pulled Clerge off Pierre and immediately began lifesaving measures. He was rushed to a local hospital for advanced trauma care and is expected to survive, authorities said.
Police allege the violent incident followed ongoing tension inside the home. Pierre’s son reportedly told investigators his parents “fought all the time” and had argued that morning before he left for school. He also said Pierre threatened to leave Clerge the day before the attack.
Footage reviewed by detectives also showed an uncle taking Pierre’s two younger children to school that morning as the couple continued to argue.
Clerge Now Charged With First-Degree Murder
After a full investigation, Harrisburg police determined Clerge was responsible for the fatal stabbing. He was formally arrested and charged with:
- First-degree murder
- Possession of an instrument of a crime
He is being held without bond, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 23.
Authorities have not released additional details about the surviving children or custody arrangements following the tragedy.
A Community Shaken by Domestic Violence
The killing has sparked grief and outrage in the Harrisburg community, where friends and neighbors described Pierre as a loving mother and dedicated caregiver. Advocates say the case highlights the urgent, ongoing need for early intervention in households struggling with escalating domestic violence.
Local officials encourage residents experiencing relationship conflict, threats, or escalating behaviors to seek help from crisis hotlines, shelters, or law enforcement before violence turns deadly.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, confidential help is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
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