American Homicide: S1E13 – BFFs: The Disappearance of Sarah Stern, Part 2

Introduction

In the thirteenth episode of the first season of American Homicide, journalist Sloan Glass delves into the harrowing case of Sarah Stern, a 19-year-old from Neptune City, New Jersey, whose mysterious disappearance and subsequent murder shook her close-knit community. This detailed summary captures the key points, discussions, insights, and emotional weight of the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those unfamiliar with the case.

Background

Sarah Stern was a vibrant young woman who grew up in Neptune City, New Jersey, a small town known for its scenic beaches and tight-knit community. Raised by her father, Michael Stern, after her mother's passing from cancer in 2013, Sarah was deeply involved in the arts, particularly photography, and enjoyed outdoor activities. Her father describes their relationship as mutually supportive, especially after the loss of her mother.

Michael Stern (04:15): "We had a swimming pool and a trampoline in the backyard, so it was always a magnet for the kids to come over and just hang out."

Sarah's life took a tragic turn in early December 2016 when she mysteriously disappeared. Her car was found abandoned on a bridge, sparking various theories about her fate, including the possibility of suicide or voluntarily leaving town to start anew.

Disappearance and Investigation

The disappearance of Sarah Stern plunged her family and the community into despair. Michael Stern recounts the frantic searches conducted around the marina and inlets, conducted during the holiday season of 2016, yet no trace of Sarah was found.

Sloan Glass (05:36): "19 year old Sarah Stern was last seen emptying out her bank account."

Michael Stern (02:22): "Sarah was nowhere to be found."

The investigation remained cold until a pivotal breakthrough emerged in January 2017. Anthony Curry, a high school friend of Sarah's, cooperated with detectives by allowing them to wire his car for audio and video recordings. This cooperation led to the revelation of shocking truths about Sarah's friends, particularly Liam McAtasney.

Breakthrough: The Confession

In a secretly recorded conversation, Liam McAtasney, Sarah's long-time friend since the first grade, chillingly confessed to strangling Sarah and disposing of her body in Shark River. His lack of remorse and detailed account left investigators and listeners horrified.

Liam McAtasney (06:49): "I pretty much hung her. I just... picked her up and had her just, like, dangling off the ground... and then that was it."

Tom Davis (07:00): "It was a chilling account with no remorse, no emotion."

Liam admitted to manipulating the investigation by feeding false leads to the police, attempting to portray Sarah's death as either a suicide or a voluntary disappearance influenced by personal struggles.

Liam McAtasney (08:06): "Like, that was the whole part of my plan to make me look not guilty."

The Role of Preston Taylor

Liam did not act alone. He enlisted the help of his roommate, Preston Taylor, who was also Sarah's date to the junior prom. Together, they meticulously planned and executed the murder, driven by greed fueled by Sarah’s sudden withdrawal of $7,000 from her bank account.

Tom Davis (08:37): "Preston Taylor was the one person that could have saved Sarah Stern's life, but he chose not to."

Preston cooperated with authorities, providing a detailed reenactment of the crime and leading detectives to safes containing nearly $10,000 in cash. His testimony was crucial in linking Liam directly to Sarah's murder.

Trial and Conviction

In 2019, the trial of Liam McAtasney marked a significant moment as it was the county's first attempt to convict someone of murder without the victim's body since 1975. The prosecution's case heavily relied on Preston Taylor's testimony, as no body was ever recovered.

Despite Liam's defense team attempting to discredit the confession by labeling it as a fictional "movie audition," the overwhelming evidence and Preston's cooperation led to his conviction.

Michael Stern (30:29): "Guilty."

Liam McAtasney was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, while Preston Taylor received an 18-year prison term and was eligible for parole in 2032.

Emotional Aftermath and Impact

The conviction brought some closure to Michael Stern, though the absence of Sarah's body leaves lingering anguish. Michael expresses profound grief and a sense of injustice, particularly highlighting the ordeal of seeing close friends convicted of his daughter's murder.

Michael Stern (31:37): "It hurts. She was such a good person. Just finding out that one of her friends killed her was just a horrible thing to have."

Furthermore, the community grapples with the shock that individuals they considered friends and neighbors were capable of such heinous acts. Michael established a scholarship fund in Sarah’s honor, aiming to promote the arts and keep her memory alive.

Michael Stern (34:57): "I want to keep Sarah's name out there as an artist... I just hope she's at peace somewhere in heaven."

Unresolved Questions and Continuing Search

Despite the convictions, Sarah Stern's body has never been found, leaving a significant gap in the case and ongoing pain for her family. Michael Stern continues to endure sleepless nights and nightmares, yearning for tangible closure.

Michael Stern (34:15): "I don't sleep very well. I have nightmares... I just can't get over the loss of my beautiful daughter."

Journalist Tom Davis reflects on the complexities and lingering mysteries, questioning the motives behind Liam's actions and the lack of understanding regarding such betrayal by close friends.

Tom Davis (36:07): "Why would anybody ever go through that effort and to kill somebody for what appeared to be about $7,000... it was anyone's guess."

Conclusion

The episode "BFFs: The Disappearance of Sarah Stern, Part 2" offers a poignant exploration of betrayal, loss, and the quest for justice. Through interviews, courtroom insights, and personal testimonies, Sloan Glass presents a compelling narrative of Sarah Stern's tragic fate and its profound impact on her family and community. The unresolved search for Sarah's body underscores the enduring pain and the complexities inherent in seeking closure in such devastating circumstances.

Notable Quotes

• Sloan Glass (02:22): "19 year old Sarah Stern was last seen emptying out her bank account."
• Liam McAtasney (06:49): "I pretty much hung her. I just... picked her up and had her just, like, dangling off the ground... and then that was it."
• Michael Stern (30:29): "Guilty."
• Michael Stern (34:57): "I want to keep Sarah's name out there as an artist... I just hope she's at peace somewhere in heaven."

Final Thoughts

This episode of American Homicide not only recounts the harrowing details of Sarah Stern's case but also delves into the emotional turmoil experienced by those left behind. It serves as a stark reminder of the darkness that can lurk behind familiar faces and the enduring quest for justice in the wake of unimaginable loss.