Suvechha Sarkar
Morgan Metzer never imagined that the early hours of January 1, 2021, would turn into a nightmare for her in her home in Canton, Georgia. Her house was broken into, and she was brutally assaulted. Fortunately, she survived the incident and helped the officials in catching her attacker. CBS’s ’48 Hours: The ‘Batman’ Intruder’ focuses on her survival story and how investigators found overwhelming evidence that pointed to the perpetrator. It also features interviews with the detectives who worked on the case, Morgan herself, and her best friend.
Morgan Metzer’s Early Hours of the New Year Turned Into a Fight For Survival
Morgan Metzer was sleeping at her home in Canton, Georgia, at approximately 12:30 am on January 1, 2021. She suddenly woke up to find a man standing in her doorway, wearing a black hoodie, pants, and black gloves. Morgan stated that he had a handgun, and she was reportedly attacked by him and strangled twice. Court records state that the attacker then assaulted her before taking her phone. During the ordeal, Morgan’s hands were reportedly bound with makeshift handcuffs made with zip ties. In her statements, she said that the attacker then put a pillowcase over her head, before taking her to the back deck, and allegedly threatening to shoot her if she moved.
Fortunately, the attacker left, and after about 40 minutes, Morgan’s recently divorced ex-husband, Rodney Metzer, AKA Rod, rescued her. After the authorities arrived, they first spoke with Morgan, who informed them that she suspected Rod. According to reports, for the past week, Rod crashed at her place because he claimed he had pancreatic cancer, which allegedly made him anxious. Morgan claimed that during that entire time, he tried to get back together with her, with his last attempt being on December 31. However, Morgan reportedly sent him away after rejecting him. Investigative reports state that when Rod was questioned at the scene, he claimed that someone knocked on his window while saying Morgan’s name threateningly, before he went to bed.
Overwhelming Evidence Against Rodney Led to His Arrest and Guilty Plea
Reports state that Rod claimed he rushed to Morgan’s house since he was unable to reach her. When officials checked his phone, they discovered nude pictures of Morgan and images of her texts with another man. Rod was arrested on the same day because the pictures constituted an invasion of privacy. A search warrant was executed at his home, where detectives found a bag of zip ties and a portion of another zip tie. Experts reportedly discovered that the cut portion of the zip tie was identical to the modified part of the handcuff used on Morgan.
Rod’s browser history reportedly uncovered searches like “How long it takes to choke someone unconscious” and “How to get sympathy from your ex.” According to police records, investigators found that Rod searched for a fake cancer diagnosis letter from a hospital and sent it to himself through a fake email ID that he had created. The bar code on the zip tie bag led officials to Lowe’s, where CCTV footage captured him buying them with his debit card on December 30, 2020. When Rod was questioned again on January 3, 2021, he admitted to having no medical issues but denied purchasing the zip ties.
Based on the overwhelming amount of evidence, Rod was charged with 14 counts, including kidnapping, home invasion, first-degree burglary, armed robbery, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, invasion of privacy (multiple counts), and sexual battery and battery. On August 4, 2021, he pleaded guilty to all 14 counts against him. On August 6, 2021, Rod was sentenced to 25 years in prison and 45 years of probation. The court also barred him from contacting Morgan or their children. His maximum possible release date is set on December 31, 2045.
Morgan Metzer Focuses on Empowering Women and Working on Her Venture
During Rod’s sentencing, Morgan took the stand to deliver the victim impact statement. She read, “The last four years being married to you was like living with a monster that constantly tried to break me down and fence me in. It was a blessing in disguise. I can now walk with confidence knowing the pain you have given me is turned into power.” Morgan explained her feelings while walking away that day, stating, “I walked off that stand with a thousand pounds off of my shoulders. It felt so good. It felt empowering. And I got the last word.” Following that, in September 2021, Morgan decided to explore the world of TikTok. She revealed how it would become her voice to raise awareness on relationships that are narcissistic and involve gaslighting.
However, Morgan’s career began long before that. She completed her initial education at Roswell High School in 2006. In 2016, she was serving as a workout coach before announcing the opening of her own boutique, LuLaRoe Morgan Metzer Boutique, in October of the same year. Simultaneously, in 2017, Morgan decided to explore a completely different path with her new interior design business, Shiplap and Sugar, LLC. On the show, she shared how the venture eventually took off. In May 2020, she excitedly announced that her interior design business received the Readers’ Choice Award in Canton by Aroundabout Local Media. Currently, Morgan has continued to work diligently on that business. However, it remains unclear if she is still running her boutique.
Morgan Finds Healing in Motherhood and the Unwavering Love of Family
Despite the tragedy she had to endure, Morgan never lost her strength, mainly due to the presence of her son and daughter, Mills and Mason. Her face lights up with joy and laughter whenever she spends time with them. She gives it her all to ensure they have the best life they deserve. Morgan frequently takes her kids to parks for playtime, goes on long drives, or often spends their weekends outdoors. From celebrating Christmas and Halloween with them to cheering them on at every milestone of their lives, Morgan always showers her children with love and affection. However, she had faced a major heartbreak on April 2, 2011, when she lost her first son, Kevin Metzer. He was born on March 15, 2011, earlier than his due date, with a congenital heart defect.
Unfortunately, Morgan was only able to spend 18 days with her beloved son. However, she has not let the grief overcome her and has continued to work on the path of healing. She also maintains a close bond with her father, whom she describes as her “biggest supporter.” She always makes him feel special by celebrating his birthday and expressing her love for him. Another big part of Morgan’s life is her furry pups, including Bob and Frank. She often loves cuddling with them in her free time. Additionally, friendship is her most significant pillar of support, which is evident from the loyalty she receives from her best friend, Nichole Stabasefski. Her best friend is also currently working with her at her interior design venture. As of writing, Morgan carries her past with grace while building a life rooted in healing, purpose, and hope.
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