MANHEIM, Pa. — Update, 9:30 a.m. (Feb. 8): The Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office approved charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, strangulation, and two counts of aggravated indecent assault against suspect Matthew Harrison, who remains wanted.
Northern Lancaster County Regional Police also released additional details on the case.
Police began investigating Monday at 4:14 p.m., when officers were dispatched to the Harrisons' home on the 2200 block of E. Mount Hope Road after an 11-year-old juvenile found the body of Jami Harrison, 49.
The juvenile told police that Matthew Harrison was “really mean and hurts” the victim, according to police.
Responding officers found Jami Harrison lying deceased in her bed with red marks on her neck and possible bruising on her forehead.
The Lancaster County Coroner’s Office ruled the manner of death homicide with the cause being death by asphyxia due to strangulation. The autopsy also showed signs of sexual assault to the victim’s body, according to police.
Further information collected by officers showed:
- The suspect had been staying at a Manheim hotel, which he had checked out of on Monday, and was gone by 1:40 p.m.
- A forensic search on the victim’s phone showed text messages on Feb. 3 and Feb. 4, of the suspect insulting the victim and mentioning he needed to grab things from the home on Monday. He allegedly sent more than 120 messages to the victim before she answered.
- Text messages extracted from the suspect’s phone include him telling a coworker “I won’t be back” and “the demon in me broke free” and a family member “I’ve been having murder on my brain” on Monday.
Police are still searching for Matthew Harrison.
Previously
Police are searching for a homicide suspect in Lancaster County.
Northern Lancaster County Regional Police said Wednesday they are trying to locate Matthew S. Harrison, 48, of Penn Township.
Harrison's wife, 49-year-old Jami A. Harrison, was found dead in the couple's home Monday on the 2200 block of East Mount Hope Road in Penn Township at 4:12 p.m., NLCRPD said.
Due to evidence observed at the scene, police regarded her death as suspicious and began an investigation, according to NLCRPD. An autopsy determined Jami Harrison died of asphyxia due to strangulation, and her manner of death was ruled a homicide.
A warrant has been issued for Matthew Harrison's arrest. According to online court documents, he has been charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, strangulation, aggravated indecent assault without consent and two counts of aggravated indecent assault- forcible compulsion.
He should be regarded as a dangerous person, according to NLCRPD. Harrison is believed to have ties to areas of Lancaster and York County, police said.
Matthew Harrison is described as a white male, 5 feet, 7 inches tall and 170 pounds. He has hazel eyes, according to police. He is believed to be driving a black 2017 Chevy Silverado K1500 four-door pickup truck with PA registration ZND7298.
Anyone who sees Harrison or his vehicle should call 911 immediately, according to NLCRPD.
Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to call NLCRPD at (717)733-0965 or Lancaster County Crime Stoppers at (800) 322-1913. Tipsters can also submit their information online.