On New Year’s Day 2021, investigators responded to a home invasion call from a residence in Canton, Georgia. at the scene, Morgan Metzger Her wrists were zip-tied and she was found with facial injuries.
Morgan Metzger after the attack on her home. / Credit: Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office
Morgan Metzer said the intruder was wearing a mask to hide his identity.
Her ex-husband, Rod MetzerHe told investigators he found her on the back porch and called 911.
A disclosure search warrant
The zip ties that the attacker used to bind Morgan Metzer’s wrists. / Credit: Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office
When questioned, Morgan Metzer told investigators that she suspected the intruder was actually her ex-husband.
Investigators executed a search warrant at Rod Metzer’s apartment and found a bag of zip ties with a section of zip ties.
A perfect match
At the crime lab, part of a zip tie—essentially a tail—is found in Rod Metzer’s apartment, lined up with one of the more heads on Morgan Metzer’s contraptions. / Credit: Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office
Investigators hoped to determine if part of a zip tie found in Rod Metzer’s apartment matched the zip tie found on Morgan Metzer’s wrist. At the crime lab, they were able to confirm a match.
“7 Ways to Be Her Hero”
the book
In Rod Metzer’s apartment, investigators also found a book called “7 Ways to Be Her Hero.” Researchers believe this spoke to Rod Metzer’s motives.
Morgan Metzer told investigators he was trying to win her back.
Rod Metzer’s Criminal Browsing History
Screenshot from Rod Metzer’s internet search history. / Credit: Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office
Rod Metzer’s Internet searches stood out to researchers, among them: “How to change the tone of your voice” and “How to get sympathy from your ex.”
A fake diagnosis
Another alarming discovery in his Internet history was: “Cancer letter from the hospital.”
Rod Metzer, right, being questioned by Cherokee County investigators. / Credit: Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office
Rod Metzer told Morgan Metzer he had pancreatic cancer before the attack. Investigators discovered that Rod Metzer created a fake email account to create a cancer diagnosis letter that appeared to Morgan. Det. Dakota Livers confronted Rod Metzger about it. Rod Metzger did not respond to Livers, instead replying, “I don’t know if I should be talking to you guys anymore. I’m starting to feel really bad . . .”
A revealing barcode
A search of Rod Metzer’s apartment turned up a bag of zip ties. / Credit: Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office
Rod Metzer refused to have a zip tie in his house. Using Lowe’s app on his phone, Sgt. Robert Howe scanned the UPC code on the zip tie bags and discovered that they were carried by Lowe’s. After searching local transactions, investigators discovered that Rod Metzer had purchased the type of zip ties used to block Morgan Metzer from her debit card.
Lowe’s surveillance footage
Rod Metzer, right, is seen in a security video image buying zip ties at a Lowe’s store on Dec. 30, 2020. / Credit: Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office
Investigators obtained surveillance footage from Lowe’s showing Rod Metzer purchasing zip ties on Dec. 30 — about 36 hours before the attack.
“Overwhelming” evidence against Rod Metzer
Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Rachel Ashe said her team has enough evidence to prove Rod Metzer’s guilt. In her interview with “48 Hours,” she said, “It’s a prosecutor’s dream” because the evidence was “overwhelming.”
On August 4, 2021, Rod Metzer pleaded guilty to a total of 14 counts related to the assault on his ex-wife and the photos found on her phone. / Credit: Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office
Rod Metzer pleaded guilty to 14 counts related to the assault of Morgan Metzer and the photos found on her phone that were considered an invasion of privacy. He was sentenced to 70 years in prison – 25 years in prison followed by 45 years of probation.
A survivor’s story
Morgan Metzer shares her story
Morgan Metzer says she is dedicated to helping women who find themselves in situations similar to her own. He is also focused on raising children.
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