Harrisburg, Pennsylvania — A quiet neighborhood in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was shaken when a 13-year-old boy returned home from school and discovered his mother fatally stabbed, with his stepfather lying on top of her and covered in blood.
According to police, the horrifying scene unfolded on November 25, leaving a family devastated and raising urgent concerns about ongoing domestic conflict inside the home.
Teen Discovers Disturbing Scene After School
Authorities say 31-year-old Violette Pierre, a mother of three, was found dead in the family’s bathroom after being stabbed by her husband, Rocheny Clerge. When her son walked inside the home that afternoon, he immediately encountered the violent aftermath.
Pierre’s body was positioned underneath Clerge, who appeared to have attempted suicide moments earlier by cutting his throat.
An arrest affidavit states:
“Clerge was also covered in a large amount of blood. A large knife was located to the right of Clerge in a baseboard heater.”
Officers arriving at the home found Clerge still alive despite a deep laceration to his neck. They moved him off Pierre and performed lifesaving measures before transporting him to a hospital, where he is expected to survive.
A History of Ongoing Domestic Conflict
During interviews with detectives, Pierre’s 13-year-old son described frequent arguments between his mother and stepfather. He told police the couple had been fighting that morning before he left for school and claimed Pierre had threatened to leave Clerge the day before the attack.
According to investigators, home security footage supports much of the timeline. Video reportedly shows Pierre’s son leaving for school around 8:30 a.m., and later capturing his panicked exit just seconds after returning home in the afternoon.
Footage also shows an uncle taking Pierre’s two younger children to school earlier that day while she and Clerge were allegedly in the midst of a heated argument.
Husband Determined to Be Responsible for Killing
Harrisburg police said that the investigation quickly pointed to Clerge as the person responsible for Pierre’s death. Evidence at the home, the placement of the knife, witness statements, and surveillance footage all contributed to the determination.
Clerge has been charged with first-degree murder and possession of an instrument of a crime. He is being held without bond, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for December 23. Authorities confirm that Pierre’s two younger children were not home at the time of the attack and are now under the care of relatives.
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Community Left in Shock as Investigation Continues
The violent killing has left neighbors and community members reeling. Pierre, remembered as a loving mother, leaves behind three children now navigating an unimaginable loss. Police continue to review evidence and interview witnesses to fully understand the events that led up to the fatal encounter.
Authorities stress the importance of reporting domestic violence early, noting that escalating patterns of conflict often precede deadly outcomes.
Share Your Thoughts
What actions do you believe communities should take to better protect families facing repeated domestic conflict? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
