A tragic scene unfolded in Pennsylvania when a 13-year-old boy returned home from school to a horrifying discovery: his mother had been fatally stabbed and lay lifeless on the bathroom floor. The boy’s stepfather, who police say attempted to take his own life by slashing his throat, survived the incident.

Authorities reported that Violette Pierre, 31, was killed by her husband, Rocheny Clerge, on November 25th in their Harrisburg home. This was confirmed by a press release issued by local police.

When found, Pierre, a mother of three, was beneath Clerge’s body. He had allegedly tried to end his own life following the murder, yet survived his injuries.

As reported by the local NBC affiliate WGAL, the arrest affidavit stated, “Clerge was also covered in a large amount of blood.” A large knife was found near Clerge in a baseboard heater. Officers noticed him moving, pulled him away from Pierre, and administered emergency medical care. Clerge had a severe neck wound and was bleeding profusely.

The boy, in a state of panic, fled the house and sought help from a neighbor, who then called 911, as reported by WGAL. The son later informed police that his parents were frequently in conflict and had been arguing the morning of the incident. He also mentioned that his mother had threatened to leave Clerge the day before the tragic event.

“Clerge was rushed to a local hospital for advanced medical care, and an investigation was initiated,” the affidavit noted. He is expected to survive his injuries.

Home security footage reportedly shows Pierre’s son leaving for school around 8:30 a.m. before returning in the afternoon to find his mom and Clerge. An uncle was captured on video taking Pierre’s two other children to school that morning while she and Clerge were allegedly fighting. The son can be seen “exiting the residence frantically about 10 to 20 seconds after he entered,” according to the affidavit.

“During the course of the investigation, it was determined that Clerge was responsible for the death of the victim,” Harrisburg police said in the department’s press release.

Clerge was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and possession of an instrument of a crime. He is being held without bond with a preliminary hearing set for Dec. 23.