Launching globally on August 6, Hands Tied is a brand-new eight-part series from BBC Studios and iHeartPodcasts—their first-ever collaboration. Hosted by award-winning podcaster Maggie Robinson Katz (Scamtown, Corked), this isn’t just another whodunit—it’s a deeply personal, emotional dive into a case that shattered one family and left a daughter fighting for answers.
At the center of the story is Lizz Melgar Rose. In 2012, her life was upended when her mother, Sandy Melgar, was found bound in a closet, and her father, Jim, murdered in their home. What followed wasn’t just a tragedy—it was a legal and emotional saga that’s still unfolding. Convinced that her mother was wrongly convicted, Lizz has made it her mission to uncover the truth and seek justice.
The podcast promises more than a retelling of a crime—it’s an exploration of family, resilience, and the gray areas of justice. Host Maggie Robinson Katz leads listeners through the twists of the investigation, the drama of the courtroom, and Lizz’s ongoing quest to right what she believes is a grave wrong.
“Though Hands Tied is an examination into the shocking murder of Jim Melgar,” says Robinson Katz, “my hope is that it transcends the typical true crime tropes and listeners connect with the human story at its core.”
Listeners can expect weekly episodes, plus two bonus episodes, with immersive storytelling and intimate access to Lizz’s journey. If you were hooked on Serial or moved by Believed, this one belongs in your queue.
The trailer is available now, and Hands Tied launches Wednesday, August 6.
