their daughter lizz is now in her late 20s. what was it like growing up as the only child in the melgar family? >> you know, i always had a lot of love and attention. i think i might've taken that for granted as a teenager when, you know, you go through your rebellious years. >> reporter: lizz's cousin marissa remembers looking up to them as role models when she went to visit. >> sandy and jim were just very loving towards each other, respectful. you could just tell they always had each other's back. they were always helping each other out. i liked watching them together. >> reporter: as daughter lizz grew up, she became especially close to her mom, sandy. what was her personality like, in general? >> she's just very caring and loving and nurturing. she was also a lot of fun. she knew how to joke around, tell a good joke. you know, i just felt like she was the embodiment of a mother, just the kind of person that you would picture when you think of that word. she was just such a loving person. >> reporter: but sandy is also a ve