Hands Tied - Episode 1: The Call

Release Date: August 6, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts in collaboration with BBC Studios
Host: Maggie Robinson Katz

Introduction to the Tragedy

In the gripping premiere of Hands Tied, Maggie Robinson Katz delves into the harrowing story of Liz Melgar Rose, whose life took a devastating turn on December 23, 2012. Liz, an aspiring criminologist with a deep-seated fascination for true crime, found herself entangled in a real-life mystery that mirrored the narratives she once devoured.

"[00:26] Maggie Robinson Katz: The series does contain some descriptions of violence and deals with adult themes."

The Christmas Night: Unveiling the Horror

While celebrating the holidays in the UK with her husband Anthony and his family, Liz's world was shattered by a series of tragic events. Just days before Christmas, Liz suffered a miscarriage, adding to the emotional turmoil of the season.

"[04:23] Maggie Robinson Katz: This is Liz Melgar Rose. She's celebrating the holidays with her husband and his family in the UK."

Amidst the festive gatherings, an urgent message on Anthony's Facebook alerted them to an impending crisis.

"[05:08] BBC Studios: It was like, call me. There's an emergency."
"[07:05] Maggie Robinson Katz: Step one, get from London to Houston as fast as she can."

Anthony's frantic attempts to reach out culminated in the devastating news: Liz's father, Jim Melgar, had been murdered in Houston. Simultaneously, Liz's mother, Sandy Melgar, had inexplicably vanished, leaving the family in a state of panic and confusion.

"[05:08] BBC Studios: It's about my family or my mom or my dad."
"[20:57] Maggie Robinson Katz: Two questions crashing around inside Liz's head. What has happened to her dad, Jim? And where is her mom, Sandy?"

The Discovery: A Nightmarish Scene

Thirteen years prior to the podcast release, on that fateful Christmas Eve, Liz's cousin Marissa and her family arrived at Jim and Sandy's suburban Houston home for dinner. Their anticipation turned to horror when they couldn't reach Jim and Sandy upon arrival.

"[25:25] iHeart Podcast: We're heading to my Uncle Jim's house."

As they navigated the eerily quiet house, unsettling noises led them to a sinister discovery. They found Sandy tied up in a bathroom closet, her hands and feet bound, while Jim lay dead nearby. The sight was both shocking and traumatic, leaving unanswered questions that have haunted Liz ever since.

"[29:04] iHeart Podcast: I was terrified. I had no idea what was going on."
"[30:33] iHeart Podcast: And I look down and I can see my uncle's legs, his ankles. And they were tied up with a gray. I want to say it was a telephone cable."

Liz's Quest for Answers

Back in the present day, Liz remains steadfast in her belief that the wrong person is serving time for her father's murder. Empowered by her true crime expertise, she has embarked on a relentless quest to uncover the truth, protect her family, and bring justice to her father's memory.

"[35:02] BBC Studios: But that was very short lived because then my own dad was murdered and I had to go home."
"[35:23] Maggie Robinson Katz: How does it feel to have read so many true crime stories and then to have that happen in your own life?"

Liz's unique position—being both a devoted daughter and a scholar of criminal behavior—has driven her to meticulously piece together the fragments of that tragic night, seeking clarity in the chaos that ensued.

"[35:58] BBC Studios: I, I'm thankful though that that was my interest because it helped me protect myself and my family."
"[36:21] Maggie Robinson Katz: It's a mystery she still doesn't have."

Family Background: Jim and Sandy Melgar

Understanding the depth of Liz's determination requires insight into her parents' lives. Jim Melgar, originally from Guatemala, immigrated to America at the age of four, driven by his mother's relentless work ethic to provide a better life for her children. He pursued a career as a computer programmer for the Houston Independent School District, all while nurturing Liz's curiosity about the darker facets of human behavior.

"[14:53] Maggie Robinson Katz: Jim grew up in Guatemala, coming to America when he was just four years old."

Sandy Melgar, Liz's mother, faced her own adversities, including abandonment and poverty. Her resilience led her to become a nurse and later establish a medical billing company, striving to offer Liz the stability and support she never had in her own childhood.

"[15:41] Maggie Robinson Katz: Sandy also spent time in and out of the foster care system, a time Liz says her mom doesn't like to remember."

Despite their challenging backgrounds, Jim and Sandy built a loving and respectful marriage, serving as role models for Liz. Their unwavering support and understanding laid the foundation for Liz's strength in the face of tragedy.

"[18:03] BBC Studios: I never ever once in my entire life ever saw them fight or yell at each other."
"[18:40] BBC Studios: He always taught me how it was important to be very respectful in your relationships."

Host's Personal Connection and Perspective

Maggie Robinson Katz shares her own parallels with Liz's journey, drawing from her experience of losing her father to a phishing scam. This connection underscores the universal quest for closure and understanding in the aftermath of loss.

"[36:44] Maggie Robinson Katz: When my dad died, I found out he was caught up in a Philippines based gold scam..."

Katz emphasizes the complexity of seeking answers and the emotional toll it takes, highlighting Liz's unwavering resolve to rectify what she perceives as a miscarriage of justice.

"[36:23] BBC Studios: An answer to too much for one person. There's a lot of guilt I think pushing me."

Conclusion: A Continuing Mystery

As Episode 1, "The Call," concludes, listeners are left with the sobering reality of Liz's unresolved grief and her persistent determination to uncover the truth behind her father's untimely death. The episode sets the stage for an eight-part series that promises to unravel the intricate web of mysteries surrounding the Melgar family tragedy.

"[36:23] Maggie Robinson Katz: She can't be sure who killed her dad. But she's certain of one thing. The wrong person is in prison for his murder."

Key Quotes:

• "What do you think? Any ideas?"
  [34:18] Liz reflects on the shock and confusion following the discovery of her father's murder.

• "If it weren't for that strange interest or hobby or whatever you want to call it, things could have gone very, very differently."
  [35:58] BBC Studios: Liz credits her true crime passion with giving her the tools to navigate the aftermath.

• "Someone killed Jim."
  [34:16] A succinct acknowledgment of the grim reality Liz faces.

Production Credits:

• Producer: Maggie Robinson Katz
• Producer: Maggie Latham
• Sound Design and Mix: Tom Brignall
• Script Consultant: Emma Wetherill
• Production Support: Dan Marchini, Elena Boateng, Mabel Finnegan Wright
• Production Executive: Laura Jordan Rowell
• Series Development: Anya Sondra
• Executive Producers: Christina Everett (iHeart), Joe Kent (BBC Studios)

Stay Tuned:

Hands Tied is a meticulously crafted true crime series that promises to delve deep into the mystery surrounding Jim and Sandy Melgar's tragic end. With Maggie Robinson Katz at the helm, listeners can expect an immersive exploration of the investigation, courtroom battles, and Liz Melgar Rose's relentless pursuit of justice. Subscribe and follow on the iHeartRadio app or your preferred podcast platform to join Liz on her quest for answers.