True Crime Vault: Til Death Do Us Part

Summary

20/20 Podcast Episode Summary Episode: True Crime Vault: Til Death Do Us Part
Host: ABC News
Release Date: July 29, 2025

Introduction

In the True Crime Vault: Til Death Do Us Part episode of ABC News' 20/20, host Bob Ruff delves into one of America's most perplexing true crime cases—the brutal murder of Jim Melgar by his wife, Sandy Melgar. This episode explores the intricate details of the crime, the subsequent trial, and the ongoing quest for justice through a crowdsourced investigation spearheaded by Ruff and his dedicated audience.

Background of the Melgar Family

The story revolves around Jaime Estuardo Melgar, known as Jim Melgar, and his wife Sandy Melgar.

Jim Melgar: An IT specialist, Jim was admired for his dedication to family and his professional life.
Sandy Melgar: A nurse battling multiple health issues including lupus, epilepsy, and later, hyperthyroidism. Despite her ailments, Sandy was known for her loving and nurturing nature.

Their daughter, Liz Melgar, fondly recalls her parents' strong bond and the loving environment they fostered:

Liz Melgar: "I always had a lot of love and attention, and I think I might have taken that for granted as a teenager when, you know, you go through your rebellious years."
Aunt Marissa Campos: "Sandy and Jim were just very loving towards each other, respectful. You can just tell they always had each other's back."

The Melgars were active members of the Jehovah's Witnesses, a Christian sect known for its strict behavioral codes.

The Crime: April 2012, Houston

On a foggy night in Houston in April 2012, Sandy and Jim Melgar were celebrating their 32nd wedding anniversary. The evening began with a dinner at their favorite Mexican restaurant, followed by a stop at a local CVS to purchase drink mixers.

After returning home, the couple settled into their jacuzzi for a relaxing evening. Their four dogs began barking, prompting Jim to step out to attend to them, leaving Sandy alone in the tub.

Key Moments Leading to the Tragedy:

[05:32] Sandy Melgar: Describes their evening: "They got home, they started getting drinks ready. They got into the jacuzzi in their bathroom. They were just, you know, they spent a few hours in there..."
[06:14] The dogs' incessant barking leads Jim to exit the jacuzzi, while Sandy continues to soak for an additional 5 to 15 minutes.
[07:06] Upon returning, Jim discovers his wife tied up in the master bathroom closet and finds his own body in the master bedroom closet, brutally stabbed and beaten to death.

Crime Scene Details:

Violent Injuries: Jim sustained 17 stab wounds, 14 cutting wounds, and 20 blunt force injuries.
Evidence: A bloody knife was found in the tub, bloodstains on a chair, a loaded gun above Jim's head, and signs of a possible staged home invasion with ransacked drawers and scattered personal belongings.

Notable Quote:

[10:04] Sandy Melgar: "It's my opinion that the assault and his death occurred in the closet."

Initial Investigation and Suspect: Sandy Melgar

Despite being the sole witness, Sandy's account raised suspicions among law enforcement due to inconsistencies and lack of motive.

Sandy's Testimony:

[14:32] Sandy claims to have no recollection of the attack, attributing her memory loss to a seizure caused by her epilepsy.
[16:11] Sandy Melgar: "I couldn't move because I had a seizure, and so I usually can't move anyway."

Detectives' Skepticism:

Law enforcement was unconvinced by Sandy’s explanation, leading to her becoming the primary suspect.

Notable Quotes:

[17:19] Sandy Melgar: "What the hell happened? I don't know if I was supposed to say that, but. But that's what I was thinking."
[17:33] Sandy Melgar: "No. No, I did not. Would you tell me if you did?"

The Trial

Five years after the murder, Sandy Melgar faced trial in 2017. Prosecutor Colleen Barnett presented a case portraying Sandy as a "black widow" who murdered her husband to escape an impending divorce and avoid social ostracization from the Jehovah's Witnesses community.

Prosecutor's Theory:

Motive: Sandy sought divorce but feared rejection by her religious community.
Method: Sandy allegedly tied Jim with a telephone cord during a supposed intimate moment, then attacked him with a kitchen knife.

Defense Arguments:

Lack of Motive: The Melgars had a seemingly happy marriage with no signs of abuse.
Alternative Theories: Defense suggested the possibility of a home invasion or external attackers, citing DNA evidence that did not match the Melgar family.

Key Evidence Highlighted:

Unmatched DNA: Found on dresser handles and doorways, suggesting the presence of additional individuals.
Blood Evidence: Absence of Jim's blood in the bathroom where Sandy was found, raising questions about the sequence of events.

Notable Quotes:

[24:27] Sandy Melgar: "It's my opinion that Sandy and my uncle Jim never really got distant."
[24:10] Sandy Melgar: "They kept the chair there for the Pomeranian to get on the bed. It was always kept in that location. There's no mystery there."

Verdict:

After 11 days of testimony, the jury found Sandy Melgar guilty of murder.

[31:30] Sandy Melgar: "All of us, we were all just quiet, just holding hands, just hoping for a good outcome."
[31:49] Sandy Melgar: "I still feel sick to my stomach when I think about it or I hear other people talk about it."

Post-Verdict and Ongoing Doubts

Despite the conviction, Sandy's family, including her daughter Liz, remained convinced of her innocence. They questioned the validity of the evidence and the possibility of alternative suspects.

Bob Ruff’s Involvement:

Bob Ruff, a renowned true crime podcaster with a significant following, took a keen interest in the case. Believing in Sandy's innocence, Ruff initiated a crowdsourced investigation to re-examine the evidence and uncover overlooked aspects of the case.

Notable Quotes:

[33:12] Liz Melgar: "I saw the prosecution's case didn't have any meat to it. There were no bones behind why they convicted her."
[37:56] Sandy Melgar: "I think he's found a lot of evidence that points away from her."

Crowdsourced Investigation Highlights:

Crime Scene Photo Analysis: Ruff and his audience meticulously reviewed every photograph, identifying inconsistencies in the placement of furniture and the state of the room.
Jacuzzi Blouse: A specific blouse found in the tub was traced back to a designer exclusive to Costco, suggesting that only members could purchase it, potentially identifying additional suspects.
Unmatched DNA Evidence: The presence of unknown DNA samples indicated that the crime scene involved more individuals than initially considered.

Notable Quotes:

[40:02] Sandy Melgar: "It's something that is an absolute game changer for the innocence world. We're just beginning to see how powerful it can be."
[41:59] Sandy Melgar: "Running a business comes with a lot of what ifs, but luckily there's a simple answer to them."

Impact of the Investigation:

Ruff's approach emphasizes the power of collective scrutiny, where thousands of listeners contribute ideas, research, and analysis, potentially uncovering truths that traditional investigations may have missed.

Current Status and Hope for Justice

As of the episode's release in 2025, Sandy Melgar remains incarcerated, serving a 27-year sentence. However, the renewed investigation fueled by Ruff and his audience raises questions about the integrity of the original trial and the possibility of wrongful conviction.

Family’s Perspective:

Liz Melgar expressed hope that the crowdsourced investigation could lead to new evidence or insights that might exonerate her mother.

[39:11] Liz Melgar: "I'm really thankful for all the work that, you know, you and your listeners have put into this. I feel like we're actually moving forward, right?"

Ongoing Efforts:

Bob Ruff continues to analyze the case, focusing on the unresolved aspects and encouraging public participation to uncover the truth.

[41:59] Sandy Melgar: "I think he's found a lot of evidence that points away from her."

Conclusion

True Crime Vault: Til Death Do Us Part presents a compelling narrative of a seemingly straightforward case that unravels into a complex web of doubt and uncertainty. Through meticulous recounting of the events, examination of the evidence, and highlighting the power of collective investigation, the episode invites listeners to question the boundaries of justice and the possibility of unseen truths lying beneath the surface of high-profile convictions.

Notable Quotes:

Sandy Melgar: "Sometimes people kill other people for reasons that are unknown. I'll never know why Sandra killed her husband. All I know is that she did kill him." [24:15]
Bob Ruff: "Can I see a scenario where this happened? Can I make this make sense that Sandra Melgar killed her husband? In this case, I couldn't see it, so we jumped in." [33:12]
Sandy Melgar: "I know how it looks, but I was also tied up." [22:27]
Bob Ruff: "It's Bob's belief that the authorities were only pursuing evidence that would lead to Sandy's guilt." [37:02]

This episode not only revisits a tragic event but also underscores the evolving nature of true crime investigations, where public involvement and technological advancements hold the potential to reshape narratives and seek justice beyond conventional methodologies.

Summary

20/20 Podcast Episode Summary Episode: True Crime Vault: Til Death Do Us Part
Host: ABC News
Release Date: July 29, 2025

Introduction

Background of the Melgar Family

The story revolves around Jaime Estuardo Melgar, known as Jim Melgar, and his wife Sandy Melgar.

Jim Melgar: An IT specialist, Jim was admired for his dedication to family and his professional life.
Sandy Melgar: A nurse battling multiple health issues including lupus, epilepsy, and later, hyperthyroidism. Despite her ailments, Sandy was known for her loving and nurturing nature.

Their daughter, Liz Melgar, fondly recalls her parents' strong bond and the loving environment they fostered:

Liz Melgar: "I always had a lot of love and attention, and I think I might have taken that for granted as a teenager when, you know, you go through your rebellious years."
Aunt Marissa Campos: "Sandy and Jim were just very loving towards each other, respectful. You can just tell they always had each other's back."

The Melgars were active members of the Jehovah's Witnesses, a Christian sect known for its strict behavioral codes.

The Crime: April 2012, Houston

After returning home, the couple settled into their jacuzzi for a relaxing evening. Their four dogs began barking, prompting Jim to step out to attend to them, leaving Sandy alone in the tub.

Key Moments Leading to the Tragedy:

[05:32] Sandy Melgar: Describes their evening: "They got home, they started getting drinks ready. They got into the jacuzzi in their bathroom. They were just, you know, they spent a few hours in there..."
[06:14] The dogs' incessant barking leads Jim to exit the jacuzzi, while Sandy continues to soak for an additional 5 to 15 minutes.
[07:06] Upon returning, Jim discovers his wife tied up in the master bathroom closet and finds his own body in the master bedroom closet, brutally stabbed and beaten to death.

Crime Scene Details:

Violent Injuries: Jim sustained 17 stab wounds, 14 cutting wounds, and 20 blunt force injuries.
Evidence: A bloody knife was found in the tub, bloodstains on a chair, a loaded gun above Jim's head, and signs of a possible staged home invasion with ransacked drawers and scattered personal belongings.

Notable Quote:

[10:04] Sandy Melgar: "It's my opinion that the assault and his death occurred in the closet."

Initial Investigation and Suspect: Sandy Melgar

Despite being the sole witness, Sandy's account raised suspicions among law enforcement due to inconsistencies and lack of motive.

Sandy's Testimony:

[14:32] Sandy claims to have no recollection of the attack, attributing her memory loss to a seizure caused by her epilepsy.
[16:11] Sandy Melgar: "I couldn't move because I had a seizure, and so I usually can't move anyway."

Detectives' Skepticism:

Law enforcement was unconvinced by Sandy’s explanation, leading to her becoming the primary suspect.

Notable Quotes:

[17:19] Sandy Melgar: "What the hell happened? I don't know if I was supposed to say that, but. But that's what I was thinking."
[17:33] Sandy Melgar: "No. No, I did not. Would you tell me if you did?"

The Trial

Prosecutor's Theory:

Motive: Sandy sought divorce but feared rejection by her religious community.
Method: Sandy allegedly tied Jim with a telephone cord during a supposed intimate moment, then attacked him with a kitchen knife.

Defense Arguments:

Lack of Motive: The Melgars had a seemingly happy marriage with no signs of abuse.
Alternative Theories: Defense suggested the possibility of a home invasion or external attackers, citing DNA evidence that did not match the Melgar family.

Key Evidence Highlighted:

Unmatched DNA: Found on dresser handles and doorways, suggesting the presence of additional individuals.
Blood Evidence: Absence of Jim's blood in the bathroom where Sandy was found, raising questions about the sequence of events.

Notable Quotes:

[24:27] Sandy Melgar: "It's my opinion that Sandy and my uncle Jim never really got distant."
[24:10] Sandy Melgar: "They kept the chair there for the Pomeranian to get on the bed. It was always kept in that location. There's no mystery there."

Verdict:

After 11 days of testimony, the jury found Sandy Melgar guilty of murder.

[31:30] Sandy Melgar: "All of us, we were all just quiet, just holding hands, just hoping for a good outcome."
[31:49] Sandy Melgar: "I still feel sick to my stomach when I think about it or I hear other people talk about it."

Post-Verdict and Ongoing Doubts

Despite the conviction, Sandy's family, including her daughter Liz, remained convinced of her innocence. They questioned the validity of the evidence and the possibility of alternative suspects.

Bob Ruff’s Involvement:

Notable Quotes:

[33:12] Liz Melgar: "I saw the prosecution's case didn't have any meat to it. There were no bones behind why they convicted her."
[37:56] Sandy Melgar: "I think he's found a lot of evidence that points away from her."

Crowdsourced Investigation Highlights:

Crime Scene Photo Analysis: Ruff and his audience meticulously reviewed every photograph, identifying inconsistencies in the placement of furniture and the state of the room.
Jacuzzi Blouse: A specific blouse found in the tub was traced back to a designer exclusive to Costco, suggesting that only members could purchase it, potentially identifying additional suspects.
Unmatched DNA Evidence: The presence of unknown DNA samples indicated that the crime scene involved more individuals than initially considered.

Notable Quotes:

[40:02] Sandy Melgar: "It's something that is an absolute game changer for the innocence world. We're just beginning to see how powerful it can be."
[41:59] Sandy Melgar: "Running a business comes with a lot of what ifs, but luckily there's a simple answer to them."

Impact of the Investigation:

Current Status and Hope for Justice

Family’s Perspective:

Liz Melgar expressed hope that the crowdsourced investigation could lead to new evidence or insights that might exonerate her mother.

[39:11] Liz Melgar: "I'm really thankful for all the work that, you know, you and your listeners have put into this. I feel like we're actually moving forward, right?"

Ongoing Efforts:

Bob Ruff continues to analyze the case, focusing on the unresolved aspects and encouraging public participation to uncover the truth.

[41:59] Sandy Melgar: "I think he's found a lot of evidence that points away from her."

Conclusion

Notable Quotes:

Sandy Melgar: "Sometimes people kill other people for reasons that are unknown. I'll never know why Sandra killed her husband. All I know is that she did kill him." [24:15]
Bob Ruff: "Can I see a scenario where this happened? Can I make this make sense that Sandra Melgar killed her husband? In this case, I couldn't see it, so we jumped in." [33:12]
Sandy Melgar: "I know how it looks, but I was also tied up." [22:27]
Bob Ruff: "It's Bob's belief that the authorities were only pursuing evidence that would lead to Sandy's guilt." [37:02]