Overview: Morgan Metzer divorced her husband Rodney in December 2020 after years of abuse. Weeks later, a masked intruder violently assaulted and sexually abused her at her Canton, Georgia home. Investigators tied the attack to Rodney through zip-tie evidence traced to a Dec. 30 purchase, surveillance footage, electronic searches and forged documents. Rodney pleaded guilty to 14 counts and was sentenced on Aug. 4, 2021, to 25 years in prison plus 45 years probation. Morgan now advocates for survivors of domestic violence.
He Came to 'Save' Her — Her Ex-Husband Was the Masked Attacker: The Morgan Metzer Case
48 Hours ; Cherokee County District AttorneyMorgan Metzer ; Rodney Metzer.
Summary: Morgan Metzer survived a brutal home invasion and sexual assault in Canton, Georgia, just weeks after finalizing her divorce. Investigators tied the attack to her ex-husband, Rodney Metzer, through physical evidence, surveillance, electronic records and forged documents. He pleaded guilty to 14 counts and received a lengthy prison sentence. Morgan now speaks publicly to help other survivors of domestic abuse.
48 HoursMorgan and Rodney Metzer.
Background: A Relationship That Turned Violent
Morgan and Rodney Metzer met as teenagers, married in 2009 and had twins in 2012. What began as a seemingly loving relationship gradually became abusive, according to Morgan: emotional and psychological manipulation, physical assaults, and sexual mistreatment that escalated over years. Morgan filed for divorce in 2020; it was finalized in December of that year.
48 HoursPolice officers arresting Rodney Metzer.
The Attack
Shortly after midnight on New Year's Day, Morgan was asleep in her Canton, Georgia, home when a masked intruder forced his way in. The attacker used a distorted voice, which Morgan later described as sounding like "Batman," pistol-whipped and beat her, attempted to strangle her, zip-tied her hands, put a pillowcase over her head and sexually assaulted her before leaving her bound and terrified on the back deck.
48 HoursRodney Metzer is interviewed by police.
According to Morgan, the assailant told her she had "messed up" and implied she would miss her ex-husband — a line that later proved chillingly significant.
About 40 minutes later Rodney arrived at the scene, freed Morgan, called 911 and consoled her. Though initially relieved, Morgan soon felt uneasy: the way the attacker handled and moved her felt familiar, and she suspected Rodney might be responsible.
48 HoursMorgan Metzer.
Investigation and Evidence
Investigators quickly developed doubts about Rodney's account. A search of his apartment, vehicle and electronic devices produced multiple links to the crime:
Cherokee County District AttorneyRodney Metzer.
- Officers found an opened package of zip ties matching those used to bind Morgan. The barcode on the package led to a Lowe's purchase recorded on surveillance footage of Rodney buying the same zip ties on Dec. 30, 2020, paid with his debit card.
- Rodney's devices contained incriminating internet searches — for example, queries about changing the sound of one's voice, how to gain sympathy from an ex, and reportedly "how long to choke someone unconscious."
- Authorities discovered forged documents (including a fake hospital invoice) and a fabricated suicide note, plus personal surveillance behavior such as photos taken of Morgan without her knowledge.
Police arrested Rodney the same day for lying to investigators; soon after, prosecutors charged him in the attack.
Prosecution, Plea and Sentence
Prosecutors secured a plea agreement after consulting with Morgan, who sought closure. Rodney Metzer pleaded guilty to 14 counts related to the planned assault. On August 4, 2021, a judge sentenced him to 25 years in prison followed by 45 years of probation.
District Attorney Shannon Wallace described the attack as a premeditated attempt to harm and intimidate a domestic violence survivor, emphasizing that leaving an abusive relationship can be the most dangerous time for victims.
Aftermath and Advocacy
Morgan has since used her experience to raise awareness of psychological abuse and domestic violence. She urges survivors to speak up and for friends and family to listen closely when someone confides about problems behind closed doors.
Resources
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit rainn.org. If you suspect domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential; help is available 24/7 in many languages.
Sources: reporting from 48 Hours, People, Fox5 Atlanta and local prosecutors.
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