Matthew Harrison: Pennsylvania man who allegedly strangled wife told son he had 'murder on brain' in series of messages

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

LANCASTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA: A 48-year-old man from Pennsylvania was charged in connection with the death of his wife. It is claimed that the 49-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in their home before she was strangled to death.

The man allegedly confessed to the crime through a series of texts he sent to his family and colleagues.

Authorities said that Matthew Harrison was taken into custody on Thursday, February 8, and charged with two counts of aggravated indecent assault in connection with the death of Jami Harrison, in addition to one count each of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and strangulation.

Matthew Harrison sent over 100 texts insulting and harassing his wife

Officers from the Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Department responded to a call about a deceased woman at a residence in the 2200 block of E Mount Hope Road in Hanheim at approximately 4.14 pm on Monday, February 5, according to a news release from the Lancaster County District Attorney's Office.

The 11-year-old daughter of Matthew and Jami Harrison made the call reporting the discovery of the body. According to police, the daughter informed the emergency dispatcher that her father was "really mean and hurt" her mother. 

First responders discovered Jami Harrison unconscious in her bed when they arrived on the scene and declared her dead. She had "red marks on her neck and possibly bruising on her forehead," according to the authorities.

Following an autopsy, the Lancaster County Coroner's Office determined that the cause of death was asphyxia from strangulation. The victim's body had evidence of sexual assault, according to the autopsy.

It was quickly discovered by investigators that Matthew Harrison had been lodging at a nearby hotel; however, he had checked out on February 5 at approximately 1.40 pm, a few hours before his wife's body was found, as per Law&Crime.

Following a forensic examination of Matthew Harrison's phone on February 7, police discovered that between February 3 and 4, he sent his wife over 100 texts insulting and harassing her.

Matthew Harrison allegedly said in at least one message dated February 5 that he had to return home to "grab things from home."

Matthew Harrison allegedly told his son he has 'murder on brain'

WGAL reported that Matthew Harrison sent his wife several harassing messages, including the following: “You're not getting away with this,” “If I’m going down you're coming with me,” “How’s that for your marriage,” and “It’s till death do us apart.”

Other concerning texts that Matthew Harrison sent to a coworker on February 7 included, “Dude I’m in a world of s—,” “I won’t be back,” and “The demon in me broke free.”

Furthermore, Matthew Harrison is said to have messaged his son about killing Jami Harrison on February 3.

“Matthew Harrison messages, ‘If I kill her by now I’m cool son.’ (The son) replies, ‘Come on now ol head lol’ and Matthew responds, ‘S— you think kidding,'” according to a probable cause affidavit that police provided to WGAL.

Matthew Harrison responds, “After being told to ‘be cool,’ Matthew Harrison replies, ‘Ever since what happened to you…I’ve been having murder on my brain.'”

Matthew Harrison was found by the authorities on February 8 at a hotel in Pittston, Pennsylvania, approximately 100 miles northeast of the residence where Jami Harrison's body was found.

Prosecutors said that after a brief altercation with police, he was taken into custody.