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Ann Marie Green
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On first three month plan only taxes and fees, extra speed slower above 40GB detail welcome back to Postmortem. I'm your host Ann Marie Green, and today we're discussing the case of Morgan Metzer, who was assaulted in her home by an intruder, but incredibly, she survived to tell the. And she also brought justice to her assailant. So joining me today is CBS News correspondent Nikki Batiste and associate producer Mike Loftus. Welcome, guys.
Mike Loftus
Thanks for having us.
Ann Marie Green
Good to be here.
Ryan Reynolds
And remember, if you haven't listened to the 48 Hours episode yet, you can find the full audio version just below this episode in your podcast feed. So go ahead and take a listen and then come on back for the conversation. Morgan and Rod Metzer, they are childhood sweethearts, right? They meet when she's 14. He is 17, which I thought was a little old because, you know, at that age, that's quite an age gap. But nonetheless, they fall in love. They date for quite a long time. They get married when they're in their early 20s, and then they have twins. But then Morgan said Rod starts to become abusive, and Morgan files for divorce. And then weeks after the divorce was finalized, Rod says to her, I have pancreatic cancer. And then we find out in the hour that he lied about pancreatic cancer. Who lies about that? Did Morgan think that he faked the cancer diagnosis in order to persuade her to get back together with him?
Mike Loftus
I think in the moment, she believed he had pancreatic cancer and was worried enough about him that she actually took him back into her house to try to take care of him. And she was saying, look, you need to tell your family. He hadn't told anyone else at that point and he didn't want to. And she started to get frustrated later after this assault transpires, and she reflects and investigators tell her, look, this was a fake diagnosis. We have a fake letter from a doctor, a fake email account, you know, fake bill. I asked her that question. I said, do you think that this was a way to try to get back to you? Do you think this was just part of his bigger plan? And she does think, reflecting that it was in an effort to try to get her to feel badly for him, take him in.
Ryan Reynolds
I mean, cancer and particularly pancreatic cancer is a tough, tough battle. I don't know if he had, like, a long term plan. I don't think it's easy to sort of fake pancreatic cancer treatment. You're. You're gonna look sick. You're gonna be tired. I don't think he thought this out.
Mike Loftus
It's one of the deadliest cancers. And his younger brother had passed away from leukemia, and yet he does this.
Ann Marie Green
I mean, on top of all this, investigators found that, you know, he made fake hospital bills and stuff to try and show that he had cancer. He Searched cancer diagnosis letter online. So he went through great lengths to try and prove this.
Ryan Reynolds
Yeah, his searches were like a treasure trove, as we learn as the Hour sort of unfolds. So this case is particularly different for 48 hours, not only because Morgan survived, but also because she details how much Rod was gaslighting her. Can we talk a little bit more about gaslighting and what was Morgan experiencing?
Ann Marie Green
She told us a story, which we have in the show, about when they went on a trip to a lake. And she said he physically attacked her. And he said that she was kind of being upset, she was being out of control, and he had to do this to constrain her, and she believed it. You know, maybe I was upset, maybe I was out of control. So this is a prime example of gaslighting in this story.
Mike Loftus
One thing I will say what is unique is that Morgan did leave him. Eventually she did. Which we don't always see, but I think the gaslighting was gradual and became more severe. She also tells us a story in the Hour about Rod essentially throwing himself down the stairs and then telling their kids that she had pushed him.
Ryan Reynolds
Right.
Mike Loftus
And her best friend also told us that Rod would make Morgan believe that she was crazy, that this was her fault for some reason or another. And, you know, gaslighting has become a term that we hear so often now.
Ryan Reynolds
Mm. Well, when I think about the fact that they met when she was just 14, and I know he was a teenager as well, you know, you sort of have to take into account that they have grown up together. And so she's gone from being a young teen to an adult woman with this person influencing her the whole time, for better or for worse. And so I wouldn't be surprised if what we hear in the Hour are some pretty egregious examples of gaslighting. But I'm sure there were probably little things happening all along over the years that maybe she did pick up on, maybe she didn't. Maybe she just got used to.
Mike Loftus
Yes. I think she has told us that. Reflecting back, she can see it now, but I think it took her a while to initially. Because who would. Yeah, it's the love of your life since you were married in your 20s.
Ryan Reynolds
Yep. Right.
Ann Marie Green
And she told us that her friends and family even believed him and took his side, too.
Ryan Reynolds
Oh, my gosh.
Ann Marie Green
So, you know, that's where the gaslighting comes in. She's really convinced of this. Cause everyone around her is saying this.
Ryan Reynolds
Wow. All right, so let's go to the night of the attack. It's New year's Eve of 2020. Morgan was sleeping in her bed, but then she wakes up in the middle of the night and there's a figure standing in her door. And according to Morgan, he had a voice like Batman. Rod starts beating her, and then he ties her hands with zip ties before sexually assaulting her. Morgan said that he strangled her twice until she nearly passed out during the attack. And after this sort of mystery intruder left, Morgan's ex husband, Rod then shows up, he calls 911. I want to play an extended clip of the 911 call that wasn't in the show. Sir, what cell phone number you calling me from in case we get disconnected?
Mike Loftus
404. I have no idea.
Ann Marie Green
I haven't even looked.
Mike Loftus
I had somebody come over, and I.
Ryan Reynolds
Live in an apartment river showing somebody's.
Mike Loftus
Tapping on my windows, talking about my.
Ryan Reynolds
Life, and I couldn't get on the.
Mike Loftus
Phone, so I ran over here and I walked on the back of the house. He was on the back porch and the back door was wide open.
Ryan Reynolds
Okay, so sometimes with 911 calls, you sort of get an inkling that it like it's not legit. Right. I mean, he sounds reasonably concerned. Does anything stand out about the 911 call?
Mike Loftus
He makes a move that investigators told us was very suspicious, and he basically offers the 911 operator an alibi saying, I was home and I heard a knock on my window. And we know from many of the true crime stories that we've covered that it's a token move by men and women who ultimately are convicted of their crimes.
Ryan Reynolds
Right.
Mike Loftus
So immediately that that alerted the investigators.
Ann Marie Green
Right. He's already offering so much information, and all the operator asked for is what's her name and address. And he's already coming up with where he was at the time.
Ryan Reynolds
Oh, see, I did not pick up on that, but that totally makes sense. You know, name and address and the condition, what help she needs. That's the sort of stuff you would.
Mike Loftus
Be talking about, right? Like, I just found my wife and she's, you know, beaten badly and not, oh, I was home and someone knocked on my window. That wasn't necessary.
Ryan Reynolds
Ah, fascinating.
Mike Loftus
Bad move.
Ryan Reynolds
Yeah. One of many, it turns out, as the hour unfolds. In the hour, Morgan said that she suspected the intruder actually could be her ex husband when he picked her up. And she said it really felt familiar because he had done that before when she was pregnant. But was that the first time that she suspected it could be Rod?
Mike Loftus
I think this is a question A lot of the viewers will have, because you feel like you just know your husband, especially someone you've known for years. But she has indicated that it crossed her mind it might be Rod earlier than that, but it was really that moment, that lifting of her off the bed that made her positive it was him. She knew that feeling. He was very sort of delicate in doing it, like she was when she was pregnant. And I think if people are saying, well, how could she not know it was him? Look, to the same point is the father of her children, the man she's loved for 20 years. She doesn't want to believe that it's him. And so she is avoiding believing that it's him until she just can't anymore. She's like, I know that feeling and that touch.
Ryan Reynolds
Yeah. Because the thing about this assault that struck me is that it was really violent. You know, we've seen cases where people have sort of done something similar, you know, pretended to be an intruder. But typically, if the victim is someone they care about, they're not that violent.
Mike Loftus
No. I said to the lead detectives, when you saw how violent the attack was, what did that tell you? And they, it's personal. It's personal. And turned out it was.
Ryan Reynolds
Yeah. I mean, he could have killed her. I couldn't quite figure out how he thought this was going to end.
Mike Loftus
I think we all wonder that. I think only Rod knows what his actual intention was on the way to her house that night.
Ann Marie Green
I feel like that's something that is going to get conflicting reactions from the audience is what his true intention was and whether he decided to back out of doing something, taking it a step further in the moment or not.
Ryan Reynolds
Because she said, I love my husband. Don't hurt my husband.
Ann Marie Green
Right. She said she could feel the room change after that was said.
Ryan Reynolds
Investigators, of course, go through Rod's phone while they're at the scene, and they find photos of Morgan on his phone that appear to be taken without her consent. This is in the hidden folder. If you have an iPhone, there is a folder literally labeled hidden when you go through your folders. And if you are hiding evidence there.
Mike Loftus
It will be found.
Ryan Reynolds
Yeah, it's not the best place. Not the best place. So there are these photos of Morgan. They're able to arrest him for invasion of privacy because of that. They do this in order to get him in custody so that he does not destroy any additional evidence. Is that sort of a common practice, like if you can nab a suspect on something else? And what did you think of that.
Ann Marie Green
Tactic by doing that, they were able to then get a search warrant on his car and his apartment. You know, if he was free, he could go back and destroy some of the evidence, the zip ties, et cetera, that were found in his apartment. So this was great for the investigators, cause now they can go in and search his car, search his apartment, and they found some of the key evidence that, you know, the incriminating evidence for it.
Mike Loftus
I think any good investigator immediately looks at an iPhone, a cell phone, because it's really a roadmap of our minds, our movements. It tells a whole story.
Ryan Reynolds
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Ryan Reynolds
Welcome back, everyone. Two days after Morgan's attack, sergeants interviewed Rod Metzer. Now, we saw portions of this interview in the hour where Rod is actually argumentative with the investigators. He's trying to get the upper hand, almost trying to intimidate them. What was your reaction to his behavior during the police interview?
Ann Marie Green
It was really interesting to watch. I mean, he first off, he denies having zip ties at his apartment. I don't know how they got there. That's what he keeps telling investors. I don't know how. And they're like, well, who Put him there.
Ryan Reynolds
That was the biggie. I felt like a lot of the other evidence he could have made an excuse for, but why do you need zip ties?
Ann Marie Green
Yeah. And his. His response is like, I don't know. There's something fishy going on here. And the cops are like, well, do you think we put them there? And he was like, I don't know. You know, I don't know anything. And then they also found a book in there called seven Way to Be Her Hero, which, again, he said, oh, of course I'm reading that. I'm trying to win my wife back. Like, of course I'd be reading that. And then he points out that it wasn't open. You know, he never even opened it. But when they brought up we found the zip ties, that's the moment when he was really like, I don't want to talk to you guys anymore. You know, I want a lawyer. And that's when he starts getting really upset and really starts realizing he's their prime suspect.
Mike Loftus
I think what struck me is that anyone who watches true crime knows that sometimes in interrogations, investigators might. Might say something that isn't entirely true to try to get something out of someone they're questioning. But in this case, seven Ways to Be Her Hero is not a book most people have. And Rod Metzer knew he had that book. Rod Metzer knew he had zip ties. Rod Metzer had to have known what they were saying were facts and that they. They knew they were onto him and that they'd seen this evidence. And the fact that he was saying. Still playing dumb, essentially, for lack of a better word, just didn't make any sense to me. Like, I. I didn't understand what. You're not helping yourself. And it was. Honestly, his demeanor was just pretty brazen, I think.
Ryan Reynolds
Yeah. Speaking of the evidence, investigators found Rod's browser history and that he searched. And this is a quote. How long to choke someone unconscious? Rod was ultimately charged with 10 counts relating to the attack, including kidnapping, aggravated assault, sexual battery. How come he wasn't charged with attempted murder?
Mike Loftus
I think it's a great question. It's a question that Morgan herself asked the investigators, and they told her that essentially because Rod, he had a gun, didn't shoot her, 1 and 2, took her off the bed and put her out on the porch, knowing she was fully alive, saved him from an attempted murder charge. And she said, well, but what about the strangulation? Like, she thought, as she told me in the hour, she was going to die.
Ryan Reynolds
Yeah.
Mike Loftus
And they said, well, that's the aggravated assault charge. That's for the strangulation. But I think it's a really good question. I think Morgan really struggled with that because I think she believed, certainly at some points, that he intended to kill her.
Ann Marie Green
Yes. And it might have been hard, too, on their part, the investigators in the DA too, to take that step in court, you know, prove the attempted murder charge. There's a chance he might have fought that, too, and let it go to trial, if that was included.
Ryan Reynolds
Oh, yes, Maybe they didn't think they could get a conviction on an attempted murder charge, but they did get a deal. Rob Metzer was offered a plea deal and he accepted it. So they didn't have to go through a trial. And he got a pretty hefty sentence. Right. 25 years in prison with an additional 45 years of probation. 25 years is a long time, but he's still gonna be, you know, a middle aged man when he gets out. Is Morgan concerned about her safety?
Mike Loftus
I asked her sort of just how she's feeling. You know, I don't think she's actively concerned about her safety. He is not allowed to contact her. I think she hopes that he'll respect that. I think at the moment, she feels okay. I think right now she's just sort of in the present and trying to take care of her kids. 25 years is still a long time. So I think right now she's okay.
Ann Marie Green
And he's not allowed to contact Morgan or the kids in any way.
Mike Loftus
So after the 25 years in prison, he then has 45 years of probation, and he's not allowed to contact Morgan even during the probation.
Ryan Reynolds
So basically that is the end of his relationship with his children as well.
Mike Loftus
It seems that way, yes.
Ryan Reynolds
Did she talk about what kind of father he was?
Mike Loftus
She did say during the interview that he was a good father.
Ryan Reynolds
The thing with these cases is there's never a good answer to why, but why would you mess up that relationship as well?
Mike Loftus
You know, I know I struggle with that too, as we're parents, so it's hard to imagine. And the one thing I'll say about Morgan and I respect this, I'm sure a lot of the audience will, that even given what she's gone through and Rod's in prison having pleaded guilty to these crimes, she's told us that whenever her children, who, you know, are young, still bring up their dad, she talks about the memories. Like she tries to keep him in a good light for them. You know, the dad that he was, the dad that they knew And I think that really shows a lot of grace on her part.
Ryan Reynolds
Absolutely, Absolutely. So one of the things that you managed to do is you actually interviewed Rod's mom. And I want to talk a little bit more about that. I'm curious if the kids have a relationship with his family at the moment.
Mike Loftus
According to Rod's mom, they don't. It was clear to me that Rod's mom, Kathy, would love to see her grandchildren. But I think, out of respect for Morgan, she hasn't. And I'm sure that's difficult for her. How that will transpire in time, I'm not sure. Yeah.
Ryan Reynolds
Because she would have known Morgan all this time, too, since Morgan was 14. It's gotta be heartbreaking. I'm glad she spoke, because I think often when we see cases like this, you do think, well, what kind of family did that person come from? And it's clear that she loves her son. Why do you think she spoke to 48? What did she want to get across? Does she believe he's guilty?
Mike Loftus
I asked her several times if she thought Rod was guilty. She never said either way, that she did believe he was guilty or not guilty. What she did say is that he pleaded guilty. That was her response to my repeatedly asking her about his guilt. I think she spoke to 48 Hours because she's still his mom. She still loves him. She did tell me that he'd been through quite a bit of trauma. We when we talk about in the hour that his younger brother died of leukemia, they had been very close. She said that hit him very hard. We also learn in the hour that Morgan and Rod lost a baby at 18 days, obviously crushing for anyone. So I think that she feels her son was broken in a way and wanted to make sure that someone spoke for him.
Ann Marie Green
And he's the last one in her immediate family. Cause Rod's father, her husband, also passed away. So, you know, it's Rod and the twins.
Ryan Reynolds
Boy, she's been through a lot.
Mike Loftus
So much. It was really my heart broke for her because she has lost both sons in a way. She lost a grandchild, she lost her husband. And her only surviving son is in prison. She speaks to him by phone, often in prison, and she's worried about him.
Ryan Reynolds
Did she talk about how those conversations go with Rod from prison?
Mike Loftus
We were able to listen to snippets of a small number of calls between Rod and his mom. And this was earlier on when he was in prison. And initially it's a mom worried about her son. She's trying to figure out what's going on legally. She's trying to see what he needs. He's diabetic, and I think currently she's mostly worried about his health. She has told me she's worried he will die in prison. His diabetes has gotten so bad, and she says the prison isn't providing the care that he needs, the medical care that he needs.
Ryan Reynolds
Morgan is incredibly courageous telling this story. She does not have to do this. I'm sure she wants to go on with her life. How is Morgan doing right now?
Mike Loftus
I saw her again after we sat down for quite some time. We chatted again in Georgia and asked her how she's doing, and she said things were going pretty well. She's trying to rebuild her life. She wants to help other women and men who've been through something like this. Gaslighting. She spoke at a. A domestic violence event recently to share her story and try to help women. And she said she hopes to write a book, too.
Ryan Reynolds
I mean, I could really see her doing it because I thought to myself in the interviews with you that she looks remarkably well for someone who has gone through such trauma. And I think what I saw was strength.
Mike Loftus
She's remarkably strong. And I'm glad you brought that up, actually, because we talked for. It had to have been about two hours the first time we sat down. And I don't know that she was emotional at all, maybe briefly. And I was struck by that. And I believe I said that to her in the interview. I'm struck by how strong you are. It's amazing, given what you've been through. And then we learned that during her victim impact statement in court, she doesn't cry once. You know, she's just strong. It's notable and it's noticeable how strong she is.
Ann Marie Green
And she's also been just so great working with us throughout this because she wants people to know about this. A lot of people are now gonna learn about Gaslight. She wants this story to be told to help others, you know, because people can start noticing the signs before it gets worse.
Ryan Reynolds
Exactly. It's a good reminder. Do not ignore the little red flags, because they can become big red flags. And in this case, she's really lucky to be alive.
Mike Loftus
Very lucky to be alive. Yeah.
Ryan Reynolds
Well, thank you, both of you, for helping her tell her story. And it's always great having you guys here. Thanks.
Mike Loftus
Thanks, Anne Marie, thanks.
Ann Marie Green
Thanks for having us.
Ryan Reynolds
If you like this series postmortem, please rate and review 48 hours on Apple Podcasts and follow 48 hours wherever you get your podcasts. And you can also listen ad free on Amazon Music Wondery in the Wondery app or with a 48 hours plus subscription on Apple Podcasts. Thanks again for listening.
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Post Mortem | The “Batman” Intruder – Detailed Summary
Release Date: December 17, 2024
Host: Ann Marie Green
Guests: CBS News Correspondent Nikki Batiste & Associate Producer Mike Loftus
In this compelling episode of Post Mortem, part of the acclaimed CBS News series 48 Hours, host Ann Marie Green delves deep into the harrowing case of Morgan Metzer, who survived a brutal home invasion perpetrated by her ex-husband, Rod Metzer. Joined by correspondent Nikki Batiste and associate producer Mike Loftus, the discussion unpacks the complexities of domestic abuse, manipulation, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
Morgan and Rod Metzer's relationship began in their teenage years, meeting when Morgan was just 14 and Rod was 17. Despite the significant age gap, their bond intensified, leading to marriage in their early twenties and the birth of twins. However, over time, Rod's behavior became increasingly abusive, culminating in Morgan filing for divorce.
Mike Loftus reflects on Rod's deceitful actions:
“Morgan believed Rod had pancreatic cancer and took him back into her home to care for him. However, investigators later revealed that he had fabricated his diagnosis using fake medical documents.” ([03:41])
Rod's false claim of having pancreatic cancer was a calculated move to manipulate Morgan emotionally. Mike Loftus explains how Rod's actions showcased his manipulative nature:
“Rod went to great lengths to fake his illness, including creating fake hospital bills and searching for cancer diagnosis letters online.” ([04:49])
This deceit was part of a broader strategy to gaslight Morgan, making her doubt her perceptions and reality.
Morgan's experience with gaslighting was a gradual erosion of her confidence and sense of self. The term, increasingly common in discussions of psychological abuse, is exemplified in Morgan's story.
Ann Marie Green recounts an incident illustrating gaslighting:
“Rod physically attacked Morgan during a trip to a lake, then dismissed her behavior as out of control, leading her to believe she was overreacting.” ([05:28])
Mike Loftus adds:
“Rod would falsely accuse Morgan of instability, convincing even her friends and family to side with him.” ([06:11])
On New Year's Eve 2020, Morgan was violently assaulted in her home by an individual she believed to be an intruder. The attack was so severe that Morgan suffocated twice, nearly losing consciousness.
Narrative Detail:
Morgan described waking up to a figure with a voice like Batman, who proceeded to tie her hands with zip ties before sexually assaulting her.
Rod Metzer's 911 call following the attack raised immediate suspicions among investigators.
Mike Loftus points out:
“Rod immediately provided an alibi, stating he was home and heard a knock on his window, which deviates from the standard procedure during a 911 call.” ([09:05])
This behavior is a common red flag in true crime investigations, signaling potential deceit.
Investigators uncovered critical evidence linking Rod to the assault:
Mike Loftus emphasizes the significance of digital evidence:
“Rod's phone served as a roadmap, revealing his movements and attempts to conceal his actions.” ([12:11])
Rod Metzer faced 10 counts, including kidnapping, aggravated assault, and sexual battery. Notably, he was not charged with attempted murder.
Mike Loftus explains:
“The prosecutors determined that while Rod intended severe harm, proving attempted murder was challenging, leading to a plea deal.” ([16:54])
Rod accepted a plea bargain, resulting in a 25-year prison sentence and an additional 45 years of probation, effectively ending any future relationship with his family.
Despite the trauma, Morgan exhibits remarkable resilience. She has focused on rebuilding her life and advocating for others facing similar abuse.
Mike Loftus shares:
“Morgan has become a speaker at domestic violence events and is considering writing a book to help others recognize the signs of gaslighting.” ([22:31])
She emphasizes the importance of recognizing early warning signs to prevent escalation in abusive relationships.
In an insightful segment, 48 Hours interviews Rod’s mother, Kathy, who grapples with her son's actions and their repercussions on the family.
Mike Loftus notes:
“Rod’s mother, dealing with her own losses and his incarceration, wishes to maintain a respectful distance to honor Morgan’s wishes.” ([19:53])
Kathy highlights the trauma Rod has endured, including the loss of his younger brother to leukemia and the loss of a baby with Morgan, painting a picture of a man deeply scarred by personal tragedies.
Morgan remains steadfast in her commitment to her children and personal well-being. With Rod legally barred from contacting her or the children, she focuses on creating a safe and nurturing environment for her family.
Mike Loftus comments:
“Morgan feels secure under the current legal protections and is channeling her experiences into empowering others.” ([18:13])
Morgan Metzer's story is one of profound courage and resilience. Surviving an unimaginable assault and overcoming years of manipulation, she stands as a beacon of strength for those navigating the dark corridors of domestic abuse.
Ann Marie Green underscores Morgan's impact:
“She wants this story to be told to help others recognize and escape from gaslighting before it escalates.” ([23:34])
Mike Loftus on the false cancer diagnosis:
“Rod went to great lengths to fake his illness, including creating fake hospital bills and searching for cancer diagnosis letters online.” ([04:49])
Ann Marie Green on gaslighting:
“Rod physically attacked Morgan during a trip to a lake, then dismissed her behavior as out of control, leading her to believe she was overreacting.” ([05:28])
Mike Loftus on Rod's 911 call:
“Rod immediately provided an alibi, stating he was home and heard a knock on his window, which deviates from the standard procedure during a 911 call.” ([09:05])
Mike Loftus on digital evidence:
“Rod's phone served as a roadmap, revealing his movements and attempts to conceal his actions.” ([12:11])
"The Batman Intruder" case, as explored in this Post Mortem episode, not only highlights the intricate dynamics of domestic abuse and manipulation but also celebrates Morgan Metzer's indomitable spirit. Her journey from victim to advocate serves as an inspiring testament to the human capacity for resilience and the pursuit of justice.
For those interested in hearing the full discussion, tune into 48 Hours on CBS and Paramount+ every Saturday, and explore deeper analyses with the Post Mortem series every Tuesday.