The Trial

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Bridge of Lies – Episode 6: The Trial

Podcast: Bridge of Lies (ABC News & 20/20)
Episode Title: The Trial
Release Date: April 14, 2026
Host/Narrator: Juju Chang

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Overview

In this gripping episode, the six-part series reaches its climax as listeners are taken inside the high-profile 2019 trial of Liam McAtasney for the murder of 19-year-old Sarah Stern. The prosecution and defense painstakingly present their cases in a packed New Jersey courtroom, weaving together evidence, confessions, and emotional testimonies. This episode details the process leading to the final verdict, the impact on Sarah's family (especially her father, Michael), and the lasting legacy left by the young artist whose life was tragically cut short.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Stage: The Trial Opens

• [00:26] The trial against Liam McAtasney begins more than two years after Sarah’s disappearance, with charges including first-degree murder and desecration of human remains.
• Prosecution's Opening [01:14]: Megan Doyle asserts that Sarah could not have run away or committed suicide—"It's because this defendant murdered her."
• Defense's Opening [02:25]: Carlos Diaz Cobo encourages skepticism, framing the trial as an incomplete puzzle: "Something's not right, something's missing."

2. Testimony of Preston Taylor (Liam’s Roommate and Accomplice)

• [05:03] Preston Taylor, testifying against Liam for a lighter sentence, explains how the plan evolved from robbery to murder after learning Sarah had stashed significant money.
  • "That it was the type of money that somebody would kill for." — Preston, recalling Liam's words ([07:08])
• Failed Robbery Attempt: Their first plan was to get Sarah drunk and steal the money, but she had moved it.
• Murder Plot Forms [09:07]: Over time, the plan escalates from robbery to murder, leading to a chilling, methodical plot.
  • Preston describes the graphic details of Sarah’s death by strangulation and the subsequent disposal of her body at the Belmar Bridge ([10:25], [11:44]).
• Staged Suicide: They plan stories about Sarah running away and having issues at home to misdirect the investigation ([12:29]).
• Defense’s Counter [13:51]: Carlos Diaz Cobo tries to undermine Preston’s credibility, pointing out prior lies, including a false report of childhood sexual abuse.

3. Michael Stern’s Heartfelt Testimony (Sarah’s Father)

• [15:22] Michael describes a normal, close relationship with his daughter, pushing back against suggestions of family discord.
  • "Happy Thanksgiving, Sara Lee Stern and I love you. And there's a bunch of turkeys and farts and smiley faces." — Michael reading a text to Sarah ([18:45])
• [20:08] Michael held onto old phones to preserve Sarah’s last messages.
• Liam’s Lack of Concern: Michael states Liam never contacted him about Sarah’s disappearance ([21:33]).
• Emotional Impact: Michael leaves court after his testimony, unable to continue witnessing the proceedings.

4. Anthony Curry’s Undercover Sting (The Filmmaker)

• [25:26] Anthony Curry, an old friend and filmmaker, recorded Liam’s chilling confession in his car.
  • "My biggest problem was the dog. And her dog laid there and watched as I killed her." — Liam (caught on tape) ([28:03])
• Impact of the Video: The courtroom is visibly shaken as the video plays; Michael sobs, the gravity settling in on the jury and observers.
• Defense Response: Diaz Cobo asserts Liam was fabricating for attention, noting his tendency to tell tall tales, especially to impress Anthony, the filmmaker ([29:40], [31:31]).
  • "He tends to make up things in order to make himself be either tougher than he is or different than who he actually is." — Defense Attorney Diaz Cobo ([31:31])
• Absence of Physical Evidence: Defense stresses there’s no forensic evidence of violence or struggle in Sarah’s home or car ([32:00]).

5. Eyewitness Defense: Craig Hetzel

• [33:30] Craig Hetzel, a local contractor, claims to have seen Sarah alive the morning after her disappearance, casting doubt on the prosecution's timeline.
  • "That is an awfully good looking girl to be walking on the street at five o' clock in the morning. That girl did not want to be seen." — Craig Hetzel ([34:33])
• Under Cross: Prosecution undermines the credibility of Craig’s sighting: Sarah’s car had already been towed by the time he passed the bridge ([38:00]).

6. Closing Arguments

• Prosecution:
  • "The biggest mistake Sarah Stern ever made was telling this man about this." — Chris Decker, raising Sarah's stack of old bills ([41:23])
  • Decker details the betrayal and deliberate nature of the crime ([42:24]).
• Defense:
  • Argues reasonable doubt endures due to lack of physical evidence and the possibility Sarah is still alive ([42:59]).
• Michael Stern’s Reflections: He describes the ordeal as nerve-wracking, coping with grief and uncertainty, but needing to hear "guilty" ([44:13]).

7. The Verdict & Aftermath

• [45:44] The jury finds Liam guilty on all charges; he is sentenced to life in prison without parole and serves an additional 10 years for desecrating human remains.
  • “I just heard guilty voices talking, but guilty. It's all I needed to hear.” — Michael Stern ([45:49])
• Preston Taylor Sentencing: Preston receives 18 years, with parole possible after 15; he apologizes, but Michael, overcome, cannot bear to listen ([48:16]).
  • "I'm truly, from the bottom of my heart, sorry. ... Most importantly, to Sarah herself, who no doubt watches over us. I'm sorry." — Preston Taylor ([48:16])
• Legacy & Memorials: Sarah Stern’s memory is upheld: a scholarship for the arts, a memorial at the Belmar Bridge, and ongoing community remembrance ([49:43], [50:51]).
  • “She was a good kid. She was a talented artist. She was a rising star. Her life ended way too soon.” — Michael Stern ([49:14])

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Memorable Quotes & Emotional Moments

• Prosecution’s Stark Opening:
  “Sarah Stern will not be walking through those doors ... That's not because she disappeared to Canada ... It's because this defendant murdered her.” — Megan Doyle, [01:14]

• Chilling Confession (Tape):
  "My biggest problem was the dog. And her dog laid there and watched as I killed her." — Liam McAtasney (on tape), [28:03]

• Father’s Love & Loss:
  “Happy Thanksgiving, Sara Lee Stern and I love you...” — Michael Stern, [18:45]
  “I will never be able to. Sarah. They tell her I love her.” — Michael Stern, [47:24]

• Community Mourning:
  “She was just a wonderful...child, you know, because becoming an adult and starting to do live her own life. It was ended by somebody. That's just the greed and the callousness of killing another human being. It just something I'll never understand.” — Michael Stern, [50:51]

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Important Timestamps

• [01:14] Prosecution opening statement
• [05:03] Preston Taylor’s testimony begins
• [10:25] Graphic account of murder
• [15:22] Michael Stern testifies about his relationship with Sarah
• [25:26] Anthony Curry takes the stand; undercover tape played
• [33:30] Eyewitness Craig Hetzel claims a Sarah sighting
• [41:23] Closing arguments
• [45:44] Verdict delivered
• [46:41] Michael Stern’s victim impact statement at sentencing
• [48:16] Preston Taylor offers an apology
• [49:43] Sarah Stern's legacy—scholarship and memorial

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Tone & Narrative

The episode combines procedural true-crime detail with deep emotional storytelling, maintaining a somber but steadfastly factual tone. Juju Chang’s narration is clear-eyed, empathetic, and respectful to the pain of survivors, interweaving courtroom drama, familial grief, and the solemn pursuit of justice.

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Conclusion

The episode not only recounts the legal battle for justice in Sarah Stern's case but also meditates on trust, betrayal, and the ripple effects of violence in small communities. With the verdict now rendered and Liam sentenced, the Stern family and their town finally confront the lingering ache of unspeakable loss—credited, in large part, to the friend who bravely came forward, ensuring that Sarah’s story would not end in silence.

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Transcript

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[Court Clerk]

Ladies and gentlemen, as you're aware, this is the trial in the matter of State of New Jersey versus Liam McAtasney. It's indictment 7 17.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

It's January 2019, more than two years since Sarah Stern's car was found abandoned on the Belmar Bridge. Liam McAtasney is now standing trial on seven charges, including first degree murder, robbery and desecrating human remains. He could face life in prison if he's convicted. The wood paneled courtroom fits a little over 50 people and today it's packed. Michael Stern and Sarah's friends and family are on one side, the McAtasney family on the other. Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Megan Doyle takes the floor to give the state's opening statement.

[Assistant Prosecutor Megan Doyle]

Ladies and gentlemen, Sarah Stern will not be walking through those doors into this courtroom at any point. She will never send her father another text. She will never hug him or tell him she loves him. Her friends and family will never get to enjoy her company, her smile, her laugh or being with her. That's not because she drove to the top of the Route 35 bridge in Belmore. It's not because she disappeared to Canada, created some false identity and is living her best life. It's because this defendant murdered her.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

Doyle walks the court through the kind of evidence they should expect to see over the next few weeks of trial, including testimony from two close friends of Liam. One, she claims helped Liam plan Sarah's murder. The other, she says, helped police record Liam describing how he did it. But Liam's attorney, Carlos Diaz Cobo, urges the jury to be skeptical, to question the evidence and just how little of it he argues there actually is.

[Defense Attorney Carlos Diaz Cobo]

Trials very much are like a puzzle, crossword puzzle if you will. And there has to be pieces that fit in order for that puzzle to reveal itself to you. And in this case, throughout the entire trial, you will be asking yourselves that doesn't fit. This doesn't. Something's not right, something's missing.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

He says there isn't enough to show Liam had anything to do with his 19 year old friend Sarah's disappearance. Like the lack of physical evidence. He says if Sarah was harmed, why was nothing found at her house or in her car. No blood, no urine, no fingerprints. The defense argues there isn't enough evidence to support the testimony the court will hear from the prosecution's key witnesses. So Diaz Cobo says that what the jury should expect to hear from these witnesses are lies.

[Defense Attorney Carlos Diaz Cobo]

And if the state's evidence doesn't give you a complete picture it and firmly convince you that Liam is guilty, you must find him not guilty.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

Sarah's case has been a dark cloud over her family and friends, especially her father, Michael. The trial will bring to light new details about the investigation that at this point have never been heard. The prosecution says she was murdered by her childhood friend, someone she trusted, who they say spent months planning how he'd kill her and steal her money. But the defense says that couldn't be true. Sarah wasn't dead because they have someone who says they saw her the day she went missing. From ABC Audio and 20 20, this is Bridge of Lies. I'm Juju Chang. Episode 6 the Trial. There's your right hand.

[Court Official]

Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony you give shall be the

[Narrator Juju Chang]

truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?

[Court Clerk]

I do.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

The first person to take the stand is Liam's old roommate turned lead witness.

[Court Official]

Please state your name. Spell your last name for the record.

[Court Clerk]

Preston Taylor. T A Y.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

Preston Taylor agreed to testify against Liam as part of a plea deal with prosecutors in exchange for a lighter sentence, a maximum of 20 years in state prison. He pled guilty to six charges, including robbery and desecrating human remains. Now 21, he's wearing a blue suit and matching tie. His short brown hair is neatly combed back, but he still has a five o' clock shadow. On the stand, he seems calm. Prosecutors plan to use Preston to lay the groundwork for the state's case. But assistant prosecutor Chris Decker says despite the evidence, this might not be an easy win. They're facing a unique challenge.

[Assistant Prosecutor Chris Decker]

We are still dealing with a case where we had not recovered Sarah's body. So the way I always looked at Preston is that we want to also have them hear from Preston to say, like, listen, I found her in a bathroom and she was dead. I hid her. I then helped him put her in her own car. He drove her to the bridge, and then we threw her off. I mean, to me, there's something that was very helpful to be able to present someone who touched her body and could say that she was dead.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

The prosecution wants Preston to start at the very beginning. And for them, the beginning is when Preston says he first learned that Sarah had found some money, A lot of money. Preston testifies that Liam told him about the money when they were at home, but nothing more came of it. The next time Liam mentioned the money, Preston tells the jury they were with friends at the Irish pub where he used to work towards the end of his shift, as things were slowing down. Preston testifies that Liam and a couple of friends came by to hang out.

[Assistant Prosecutor Chris Decker]

At some point in time, you go sit down with them and the money comes up.

[Court Clerk]

Yes.

[Assistant Prosecutor Chris Decker]

You said that Mr. McIntasney made a specific comment at that table. And what was that?

[Court Clerk]

That it was the type of money that somebody would kill for.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

It was the type of money somebody would kill for. Preston testifies that he doesn't know if their friends knew about the money. Liam immediately dropped it, and Preston didn't ask any questions after that. Preston tells the court they'd only talk about the whenever he and Liam were alone, what a huge amount it was and what they could do with it. Eventually, Preston tells the jury, their conversations changed from daydreaming to scheming.

[Court Clerk]

The conversation evolved into, well, what if we did have that type of money? Specifically her money. And that was when the idea to rob her came about.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

He testifies that at first the plan was just to rob her. They spent weeks planning how to do it. And then Preston tells the jury something surprising. That he and Liam actually did try to rob Sarah. One month before she went missing, Liam

[Court Clerk]

had gone over to Sarah's house with a six pack of mic bar lemonade. He went over, they were hanging out, started drinking, and the plan was that she would be drunk, I would come in, take the money and leave.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

On the witness stand, Preston says he was down the street in a getaway car with his walkie talkie, waiting for Liam's signal. But that night, they found out Sarah didn't have the money in her house anymore. She'd put it in a safety deposit box at Kearney bank. So they came up with a new plan. Preston testifies that Liam was going to convince Sarah they should plan a trip to Canada together. She to get her to withdraw the money. But the roommates realized they couldn't just take Sarah's money. If they wanted to get away with it, they needed to do something more drastic.

[Court Clerk]

It started off as plans to either burglarize her house or to rob her personally. And over time, the conversations progressed to killing her in order to obtain the money.

[Assistant Prosecutor Chris Decker]

Where did that idea come from?

[Court Clerk]

We didn't see any way that we would be able to commit A burglary or robbery without everything coming back on us.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

Preston tells the court that they wanted to make Sarah's death look like a suicide. When Liam and Sarah were alone, Preston testifies that the plan was for Liam to kill her and take her money. Then he and Preston would throw her body over the Belmar Bridge. He testifies that they even timed how long it would take to drive from Sarah's house to the bridge and then go home. So about a month after the first attempt to rob Sarah, Preston tells the jury that Liam put this new, more deadly plan into action. And a warning. His account of the murder is graphic.

[Assistant Prosecutor Chris Decker]

Does he ever more specifically tell you about what he did to Sarah earlier that afternoon?

[Court Clerk]

Yeah, he's went into detail about how he killed her so that he strangled her. That took quite a while for her to actually stop breathing. Another half hour. And in the process, she. When she started throwing up, he stuffed a scarf down her throat. And all the while, she said his name a couple times.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

Those horrifying details may sound familiar. They align pretty closely with what Liam told his friend Anthony Curry when they met in his car while police were recording. As Preston walks through his version of what happened, the court camera briefly cuts to Sarah's dad, Michael Stern. At one point, Michael looks down and closes his eyes. A few people reach over to squeeze his shoulder. It's harder to see Liam. He's just a few feet away from Preston as he testifies, but his back is toward the camera. The entire time. We only catch glimpses of his face. He seems focused. As his old friend lays out their darkest secrets. Preston describes to the jury what happened when they got to the bridge and threw her body over lay.

[Court Clerk]

I mean, lifts her top half up, puts her over. I push her feet over on the way down. Like there's a metal bang. We book it back to the car, back in the driver's seat. He gets in the passenger seat and take off.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

This is when the prosecution argues their mission goes from crime to cover up. Preston testifies they knew police would question them, so he and Liam had their stories ready to go. Remember how they both said Sarah had a bad relationship with her father, that she was depressed, and that she wanted to move to Canada to get away from him. According to Preston's testimony, that was all part of the plan.

[Assistant Prosecutor Chris Decker]

Were there certain things that you told the police because he told you to?

[Court Clerk]

Yeah. Being close. Then he told me to let the police know that she had been falling out with her dad. They've been having some arguments recently and some Other things to just make her look unstable kind of stuff that would make it look like she would eventually commit suicide or not.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

So Preston testifies that he and Liam mapped out every step of Sarah's murder, from how they'd get her to withdraw the money from the bank to timing a practice run at the bridge. It was all calculated. But when it's time for the defense to cross examine Preston, Liam's attorney, Carlos Diaz Cobo, questions his credibility. He warns the jury, don't trust what Preston Taylor tells you. He says Preston lied to investigators when they interviewed him after Sarah's disappearance and again after his arrest. The defense questions Preston about a statement he made while in custody. Preston initially told investigators that he was sexually assaulted as a child. But when detectives said they were going to look into his allegations and he took back his claim.

[Court Clerk]

I made up a story about me being sexually assaulted with a child. Just looking for vicinity vote in the courtroom.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

In an interview with ABC News in 2019, Diaz Cobo said it's strange that Preston would lie about something like that.

[Defense Attorney Carlos Diaz Cobo]

Why would he do that? It doesn't make any sense. I think that when you have a 19 year old boy who's put inside an interrogation room and told that you're about to be charged with murder, I think that he panicked and didn't know what to do.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

In court, he argues that Preston has a history of lying. The defense suggests that if Preston's lied in the past, who's to say he's telling the truth? On the stand, the prosecution pushes back. They remind the jury that Preston's cooperation agreement hinges on Preston telling the truth or else he could be facing felony murder charges. Over the next couple of weeks, the prosecution calls more witnesses. Michael Stern's in the court every day listening to things no parent should ever have to hear about their child until it's his turn to take the stand.

[Court Official]

Raise your right hand.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

It's his chance to address the claims Liam and Preston made about his relationship with his teenage daughter.

[Michael Stern]

Thank you.

[Court Official]

Can we state your name and spell your last name for the record?

[Narrator Juju Chang]

Michael Stern. S T E R F. Michael's wearing a black sweater over a gray plaid shirt that's peeking through the collar. His bright blue eyes stand out even behind his glasses. Assistant prosecutor Megan Doyle starts her questioning by asking about Sarah's mother, Carla. Michael testifies that Carla was sick for six years before passing away.

[Assistant Prosecutor Megan Doyle]

At any point during those six years, did you worry about Sarah's well being?

[Michael Stern]

No.

[Assistant Prosecutor Megan Doyle]

Did you think she would hurt herself at all?

[Michael Stern]

Nope.

[Assistant Prosecutor Megan Doyle]

What about after Carla died.

[Michael Stern]

She had some periods of sadness, but other than that, she seemed to be okay.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

Doyle asks Michael about Sarah's career ambitions. Sarah had been attending Brookdale Community College, but later dropped out.

[Michael Stern]

She wanted to be an artist and she wanted to stick with the YouTube chariot.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

Michael testifies that he was supportive of Sarah pursuing YouTube as a full time career. He knew how into social media she was and how much she loved going to fan conventions. He also tells the court that he knew how much Sarah wanted to move to Canada.

[Assistant Prosecutor Megan Doyle]

Did you have a problem with her going to Canada?

[Michael Stern]

No.

[Assistant Prosecutor Megan Doyle]

Did you have a problem with her wanting to pursue this as a career?

[Michael Stern]

No. I thought it was good.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

I. Michael testifies that he and Sarah talked about how she could make the move. He suggested she go back to school, then transfer to a university in Canada and get a student work visa. Sarah's aunt testified a few days earlier that the goal was for Sarah to move that summer. It would give her enough time to save up, get a job and find a place to live. It's why she was moving boxes of her things. She was getting ready for her big move.

[Assistant Prosecutor Megan Doyle]

Was she happy, sad, excited?

[Michael Stern]

She was happy sometimes. She was excited about, you know, planning trips and stuff like that.

[Assistant Prosecutor Megan Doyle]

At any point during this time period, were you worried about your daughter?

[Michael Stern]

No.

[Assistant Prosecutor Megan Doyle]

Did you have concerns about her well being?

[Defense Attorney Carlos Diaz Cobo]

Yep.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

So there was some truth to what Liam told investigators. The prosecution wants the jury to know that Sarah did have plans to move to Canada because she was a 19 year old girl with dreams of building a future there. She wanted to move to Canada to be an artist, not to run away from her dad. To further prove that Sarah and her dad had a strong, loving relationship, prosecutors had Michael read some of their text messages. Doyle asks Michael about Thanksgiving 2016. He and Sarah were spending the holiday separately. Sarah with her aunt in Florida and Michael in New Jersey. But they were constantly texting each other. The prosecution pulls up their text exchange from that day. On the TV monitor. The messages are shown on pictures of Michael's blue iPhone. His texts show up blue, indicating Sarah's phone received them. Sarah sent Michael a message early that morning wishing him a Happy Thanksgiving and said she'd call him later. Michael reads his reply back to the court.

[Michael Stern]

Happy Thanksgiving, Sara Lee Stern and I love you. And there's a bunch of turkeys and farts and smiley faces.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

The prosecution shows more of their messages. Texts about watching the national dog show. A photo of Buddy, their dog, what time Michael would need to pick Sarah up from the airport. Soon after, Sarah came Back from Florida, Michael drove down to Disney World.

[Assistant Prosecutor Megan Doyle]

And did you have contact with your daughter while you were in Disney?

[Michael Stern]

Yes.

[Assistant Prosecutor Megan Doyle]

Was there anything about your interaction with her prior to her leaving that had you worried?

[Michael Stern]

No.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

The prosecution pulls up the last text message Sarah sent Michael before she disappeared. She replied to the photo he'd sent her of Cinderella's castle and said, wow, the castle looks so pretty with the lights. Every message Michael sent after that shows up green, meaning Sarah's phone either had no service or was turned off. Over the next few hours, Michael was desperately texting Sarah, and each message got more and more frantic. Sarah, are you up? Sarah, what's going on, then, in all caps, call me as soon as you get this message.

[Assistant Prosecutor Megan Doyle]

Mr. Stern, the phone that we looked at with the pictures, where's that phone now?

[Court Clerk]

My phone.

[Assistant Prosecutor Megan Doyle]

Right, your phone. Do you still have that?

[Michael Stern]

Yes.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

Doyle is referring to the phone Michael was using when Sarah went missing, the one that appeared on the monitor when the prosecution was presenting his text messages.

[Assistant Prosecutor Megan Doyle]

Did you turn that phone in when you upgraded it?

[Court Official]

Why?

[Michael Stern]

Well, texts and messages from Sarah.

[Assistant Prosecutor Megan Doyle]

Could you have saved them?

[Michael Stern]

I don't know. I know people have tried to transfer things, and they've lost all their pictures and information, texts and contacts, and I just didn't want to take the chance.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

The chance that the last words his daughter sent him, the whole history of their communication, could be lost in some tech issue. Doyle continues her questioning, but Michael just stares forward. He reaches for the tissue box in front of him, removes his glasses, and wipes his eyes. Doyle asks Michael about Liam. If he ever reached out when Sarah was missing. Did he ever call or check in? Did he ever ask what he could do to help find his daughter? Michael says no.

[Assistant Prosecutor Megan Doyle]

And you see Liam in court today?

[Michael Stern]

Yes.

[Assistant Prosecutor Megan Doyle]

Can you point him out for me?

[Michael Stern]

Yep. Right there at the defendant's table.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

It's the first and only time Michael addresses Liam. He points directly at him over the stand, and Liam just stares down at the defendant's table. When he's dismissed, Michael doesn't return to a seat in the audience. He heads straight to the door and leaves the courtroom. As people in the audience wipe their eyes, the story of what might have happened to Sarah Stern is coming together for the jury. But both sides have yet to present their star witnesses. For the prosecution, Liam's former friend, Anthony Curry, who went undercover to record him talking about Sarah's death. And the defense, an eyewitness who says he saw Sarah alive the morning after she was reported missing.

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[Narrator Juju Chang]

A couple of days after Michael Stern gives his testimony, the prosecution calls Anthony Curry to the stand.

[Court Official]

Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony of Gibbs shall be the

[Narrator Juju Chang]

truth and the truth and the victim of the truth?

[Michael Stern]

Yes.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

Filmmaker, Jersey Shore native and Liam's old friend, the one who got him to talk about murdering Sarah Stern. In a lot of trials, Preston the accomplice, would be the star witness, the main attraction. But in this case, he's sharing the spotlight. Because not only will prosecutors have Anthony tell the court what Liam did, his testimony will allow them to play a recording of Liam describing in his own words what he did to Sarah.

[Assistant Prosecutor Megan Doyle]

Now, you know him from high school. Were you guys friends?

[Michael Stern]

Yes.

[Assistant Prosecutor Megan Doyle]

Good friends?

[Michael Stern]

Yes.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

Anthony's answers are gruff. He looks uncomfortable on the stand. He's biting his lip and tapping his foot. He's constantly reaching for the water bottle in front of him. Anthony can't seem to sit still.

[Assistant Prosecutor Megan Doyle]

Why are you here doing everything?

[Narrator Juju Chang]

On the stand, Anthony says he's doing the right thing. The last time he saw Liam was two years ago, when Liam got into his car and told him how he killed Sarah. And it was all caught on tape. At the time, the video had never been made public. Doyle pulls out a white envelope.

[Assistant Prosecutor Megan Doyle]

I'm going to show you what's been marked S82. Do you recognize that?

[Michael Stern]

Yes.

[Assistant Prosecutor Megan Doyle]

What is it?

[Michael Stern]

A video of him telling me.

[Assistant Prosecutor Megan Doyle]

Great. Your Honor, at this time, State would like permission to play Court exhibit two.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

The lights in the courtroom dim, and everyone's attention turns to the tv. It's the first time the footage is being played publicly. Not even Michael Stern has seen the tape. Doyle hits play. The TV in the courtroom shows Anthony as he drives to meet Liam. He's blasting Bad Reputation by Joan Jett on the radio. Then the music stops. Liam gets into the car.

[Michael Stern]

Good morning.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

Everyone in the courtroom hears the same shocking story investigators heard two years earlier. The same details that surprised and horrified them. How Liam wastes no time telling Anthony about how he killed Sarah that day. How he spent six months plotting her murder. How he strangled Sarah and took her money.

[Michael Stern]

My biggest problem was the dog. And her dog laid there and watched as I killed her.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

And how Preston helped him throw her body over the Belmar Bridge.

[Michael Stern]

And the worst part is, we tore off the bridge and the body never showed up. It's probably frozen. This is probably

[Narrator Juju Chang]

Michael's head is down. He's sobbing into his lap. A friend has his arm wrapped around Michael's shoulders. About half an hour later, the video ends, and the courtroom lights brighten. The prosecution hopes the video sent the jury a clear message. Liam McAtasney killed Sarah Stern.

[Assistant Prosecutor Chris Decker]

There's a lot in that video that just tells a story.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

Assistant prosecutor Chris Decker in his interview with ABC News in 2019.

[Assistant Prosecutor Chris Decker]

Like, while in this case, it's interesting that it's one of the few cases you're going to see where you don't have Sarah Stern's body, which is obviously something that normally you would have in a homicide. But I would say, based upon that video, we know more about how Sarah Stern died than we almost ever know in other cases where we have expert testimony as to cause and manner of death.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

But the defense has a totally different interpretation of that video. When he spoke to ABC News, Carlos Diaz Cobo said that Liam made up this story about killing Sarah to impress Anthony.

[Defense Attorney Carlos Diaz Cobo]

This videotaped statement was made to an individual that he admired, somebody that has engaged in the business of filmmaking. And so that's something that appealed to Liam. He wanted to be in his world, so to speak. He wanted to be a part of that film filmmaking process and be in this individual's world.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

In his cross examination, the defense prompts Anthony to talk about his directing career. He tells the court he's been making movies since he was 8 years old, long before he met Liam. He now has his own production company.

[Defense Attorney Carlos Diaz Cobo]

So how many times would you say that Liam gave you ideas for or possible ideas for movies over the course of your friendship? Be more than five.

[Michael Stern]

I mean, yeah, we talked about movies all the time.

[Defense Attorney Carlos Diaz Cobo]

So it wasn't something that was uncommon for him to bring you ideas for movies, correct?

[Michael Stern]

Yeah.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

Diaz Cobo says this isn't the first time Liam's made up larger than life stories. He points to something Anthony told police that Liam had told stories about his father being in the Mafia.

[Defense Attorney Carlos Diaz Cobo]

Do you remember you stating something to the effect that Liam told you stories about his father being in the mafia even though you knew that he wasn't? You remember that?

[Court Clerk]

Yes.

[Defense Attorney Carlos Diaz Cobo]

So he did make up things to you when he spoke to you, Correct?

[Assistant Prosecutor Chris Decker]

Sure.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

The defense is trying to show that Liam is a storyteller, someone who's willing to create these shocking stories to impress others. Diaz Cobo, in his interview with ABC

[Defense Attorney Carlos Diaz Cobo]

News, he tends to make up things in order to make himself be either tougher than he is or different than who he actually is. And I think that that's something that I is characteristic of Liam.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

And according to diaz cobo, beyond Liam wanting to impress his friend, there just isn't any physical evidence to prove what Liam said in that conversation was true.

[Defense Attorney Carlos Diaz Cobo]

There's no urine whatsoever found in any area of the residence. There's no sign of any struggle in the house. There was no blood found in the silence the house. There was some testimony or part of the confession that says that at some point that she may have vomited, but that again, there's no evidence. And so that lack of evidence tells me that the false statement or false confession that he gave Anthony Curry is absolutely false.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

During cross examinations, he asks each investigator that takes the stand if they found any kind of physical evidence that could prove Sarah was harmed. They all said no. And again, the biggest piece of physical evidence missing from this case is a body. Since no body was recovered, could investigators really prove that Sarah was thrown over the Belmar bridge? Could anyone really be sure that Sarah was even dead? After four weeks of trial, the prosecution rests. Now it's the defense's turn to call up their bench of witnesses. And they start with someone who might be their star witness. Someone who the defense argues, could put into question everything the court's heard so far.

[Michael Stern]

Yes.

[Court Official]

Please state your name and spell your last name for the record.

[Craig Hetzel]

Craig Kevin Hetzel, senior.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

Craig hetzel is a contractor and a Neptune city local. He has dark gray hair and a strong build. He says he's been a handyman working along the Jersey shore for almost 50 years. Toward the end of 2016, he testifies that he was helping his son get to work every morning. They had a routine. Craig would hit the road by 4:30am Pick up his son, then head to work. Together, they cross the Belmar bridge every day to get to the highway.

[Defense Attorney Carlos Diaz Cobo]

On the morning of December 3, 2016, do you recall what time you picked up your son?

[Craig Hetzel]

It was right around 5 o' clock or 5:05.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

They took their usual route. He tells the jury, there are barely any cars out at that time. Occasionally he'd see a homeless person walking around. But that morning, he says he saw someone who made him do a double take. A young woman walking down the street.

[Craig Hetzel]

I said to my son, I said, that is an awfully good looking girl to be walking on the street at five o' clock in the morning. That girl did not want to be seen. I got a good look right in her face, stared right into her eyes, the way I'm looking at you right now. And she turned her head that way and throw ducked down an alleyway.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

They passed the young woman and kept driving toward the Belmar Bridge and then

[Craig Hetzel]

over the bridge on 35. And just before the top of the bridge, there was a car broken down on the side of the road.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

Craig testifies that the woman was wearing a leather bomber jacket with a fur collar, a headscarf and heels.

[Craig Hetzel]

It was just so unusual to see somebody well dressed that early in the morning.

[Defense Attorney Carlos Diaz Cobo]

Okay, now you've never seen this person before?

[Craig Hetzel]

No.

[Defense Attorney Carlos Diaz Cobo]

Did you ever see this person after that date? The person who I thought I saw

[Craig Hetzel]

was the person in a picture.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

A couple days later, Craig tells the court he was with his son when they stopped by a 7 11. And on the front door was a picture of the woman he spotted by the bridge.

[Defense Attorney Carlos Diaz Cobo]

I said, that's who we saw. That's who I saw that day. Do you know what picture that was that you saw?

[Craig Hetzel]

I would if I saw it.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

The defense pulls up a picture on the monitor. It's Sarah's senior portrait. She's wearing a black graduation drape. She has a soft smile, her dimples showing.

[Craig Hetzel]

That's it.

[Defense Attorney Carlos Diaz Cobo]

This is the picture that you saw?

[Craig Hetzel]

That's it.

[Defense Attorney Carlos Diaz Cobo]

And sir, is this the individual that you saw on December 3rd in the morning at approximately 5 o'?

[Court Clerk]

Clock?

[Craig Hetzel]

I would have identified that person as that person, yes.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

Craig is confident that the person he saw on the bridge that morning was Sarah. So according to the defense, that would mean Liam and Preston did not throw her off the bridge the night before. Could Sarah actually be alive? Craig testifies that the young woman he saw didn't look like she wanted to be seen and ducked into the alley. But when the prosecution starts their cross examination, they question the accuracy of Craig's story. Craig tells the court that when he saw news that Sarah was missing, he didn't go to the police to report what he saw. He talked to a private investigator first.

[Assistant Prosecutor Chris Decker]

The first thing you told him about seeing Sarah Stern was that you saw her on Friday, December 2, 2016.

[Michael Stern]

That's correct. Okay.

[Assistant Prosecutor Chris Decker]

Then he then told you that the car was found on the bridge December 3rd, Saturday morning.

[Michael Stern]

That's correct.

[Assistant Prosecutor Chris Decker]

And then he asked you, well, you could be wrong about the date. Right. And you said, I guess I could

[Narrator Juju Chang]

be wrong about the date.

[Michael Stern]

That's correct.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

So Craig acknowledges he could be wrong about when he saw Sarah. He could have seen the woman in the leather jacket on Friday, December 2, the day before Sarah was reported missing on Saturday, December 3. There was also the issue of what time Craig saw the car on the bridge that morning. The prosecution calls Detective Weisbrot to the stand to explain.

[Detective Weisbrot]

So when Mr. Hetzel had provided me with the information, I of course looked into it. He had indicated that he had seen the car parked on the bridge at 5:15am on the 3rd. The car was removed from the bridge at 2:46am so it was apparent that if he did see a car on that particular day, it was the Sarah Stearns car because the car was had already been impounded by the police at that point.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

Craig wouldn't have seen Sarah's car at 5am because it was towed away shortly after her car was reported abandoned at 2am Craig's confident he saw something. But would the jury believe it was Sarah? The defense calls two more witnesses to the stand before resting its case. The private investigator Craig Hetzel spoke to who confirms the conversation they had. And one of Liam's friends who testifies that he doesn't want to see Liam get in trouble. The prosecution had called 25 witnesses. After a month of trial, the case of Sarah's disappearance is finally coming to an end. Both sides are ready to give their closing arguments. Without a body, did the prosecution do enough to prove Liam McAtasney was Sarah's killer? Or did the defense create enough doubt to leave the jury questioning his guilt?

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[Narrator Juju Chang]

Both sides take the floor to present their closing statements. Assistant prosecutor Chris Decker approaches the jury. Behind him on the prosecution table is Sarah's safe and stacks of envelopes labeled evidence.

[Assistant Prosecutor Chris Decker]

The biggest mistake Sarah Stern ever made was telling this man about this.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

Decker holds up a thick stack of old bills for the jury to see. Cash that Decker knows was found in Sarah's safety deposit box and the safe Liam is accused of burying with Preston in Sandy Hook. He runs through the other evidence the prosecution spent weeks presenting to the court. Preston's admission to being an accomplice, the taped conversation with Anthony Curry. But the most egregious part, Dekker says, is how Liam took advantage of Sarah's trust. Someone who was supposedly his close friend. Decker argues Liam made Sarah believe that she could go to Canada and then made it look as if she ran away or died by suicide. He says it was all part of his cold blooded betrayal.

[Assistant Prosecutor Chris Decker]

He waited, as he told you, for a 19 year old girl to turn her back before he wrapped his arm around her neck and he choked her to death. It is obvious that he purposely killed Sarah Stern for her money. That is why he is guilty absolutely with murder, with felony murder, and with Rob.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

But the defense says again that there just isn't enough evidence to prove Liam is guilty.

[Defense Attorney Carlos Diaz Cobo]

No matter what anybody has said or testified in this case, there is reasonable doubt that Cyra's dead. The evidence tells us this. There is reasonable doubt that Cyra was murdering. There's reasonable doubt that she was robbed. And as a result, you must find Liam not guilty of these charges.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

Diaz Cobo tells the jury to question what they've heard, to be wary of Preston, who was quick to throw his friend under the bus, to be skeptical about why no physical evidence has been recovered. And if the jury still has questions about the case after four weeks of trial, then they need to acquit Liam of any wrongdoing. Michael Stern is in the audience during closing statements. By the end of the day, after hearing both sides lay out their arguments one last time and reliving the details of how his daughter died, Michael again has his head in his hands, sobbing. He described what it was like to be there in an interview with ABC News.

[Michael Stern]

It's a little nerve Wracking, but I had to be there. And the other people that testified as to, you know, Sarah's disposition and everything, you know, after hearing lies and misdirection from Liam McIntasney, just making up stories.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

But as strong as he thought the prosecution's case was, he, he understood there was always a chance the verdict wouldn't go their way.

[Michael Stern]

There's always a doubt because some people just don't. Either they don't understand what they're hearing or they just think that, well, I can't convict this person. The conscience of a juror thinking, well, this is a kid that's 21 years old. We can't do this.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

Still, it's now a waiting game to see when the jurors will make their final decision. On February 26, the court reconvenes after just two days of jury deliberations. The jury is ready to deliver a verdict. The room is tense as everyone waits for them to file in. The presiding juror stands, and the court clerk starts to read through the list of charges one by one.

[Court Official]

Question number one, how do you find us to count one of the indictment as to whether the defendant, Liam McChesney, committed the crime of murder by purposely or knowingly causing the death of Sarah Stern?

[Narrator Juju Chang]

Guilty.

[Court Official]

Count two of the indictment as to

[Narrator Juju Chang]

whether the defendant committed the crime?

[Michael Stern]

I heard the first guilty, and I didn't hear anything after that. I don't know what happened. It just. I just heard guilty voices talking, but guilty. It's all I needed to hear.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

The jury finds Liam guilty on all seven counts against him. Four months later, he's sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole and an additional 10 years for the desecration of human remains. He'd later filed two appeals to overturn his conviction, which were denied in 2023 and 2025. At Liam's sentencing hearing, Michael takes the stand again, this time to confront his daughter's killer.

[Michael Stern]

The family detectives informed me Sarah was murdered was overwhelming. I was never safe and not from shock. I've never felt so much overwhelming pain in my heart and my soul.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

For the most part. Liam keeps his head down as Michael speaks. He looks older. He's wearing a blue prison jumpsuit and handcuffs. He's no longer that 19 year old Jersey Shore Teen Police first visited over two years ago. The one time Liam looks up to glance at Michael, tears stream down Liam's cheeks.

[Michael Stern]

I have to deal with never any closure because Sarah's body has never been recovered. The horrific act of what happened to Sarah's body is on here this day forever. I will never be able to. Sarah. They tell her I love her.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

Since his arrest, Liam has chosen to remain silent. He didn't testify at his trial. And when it came time for sentencing, Liam again chooses to keep quiet.

[Court Clerk]

Preston Taylor, you can stand. And when you're ready, you can just tell me what you want to say before.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

But Preston did speak to police at Liam's trial. And when it comes time for his own sentencing, he decides to speak up once again.

[Court Clerk]

So, Mr. Stern and all those who had the blessing of knowing Sarah, I'm sorry for your loss. I don't know my apologies will bring it back or make any of this okay, but I'm truly, from the bottom of my heart, sorry. There's so many things wrong with this scenario that I wish I could take back nicely. Most importantly, to Sarah herself, who no doubt watches over us. I'm sorry.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

But Sarah's dad doesn't hear Preston's apology. Michael had abruptly left when Preston stood to speak. Preston is sentenced to 18 years in prison with the possibility of parole after 15 years.

[Michael Stern]

Thank you, everybody. It's been a long two and a half years for this journey.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

Outside the courthouse, Michael addresses reporters. He says they finally got justice for Sarah.

[Michael Stern]

I love my daughter. And everybody else did, too. She was a good kid. She was a talented artist. She was a rising star. Her life ended way too soon. I miss her. I cry for her every night. I'm just glad that finally justice is served.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

That year 2019, Michael and Nepal Pontoon City High School established the Sarah Stern Scholarship for the Arts to support aspiring high school and college artists. The scholarship is still active, and the organization hosts a major fundraiser every March around the time of Sarah's birthday. And on the Belmar Bridge, there's a memorial dedicated to Sarah. It's Sarah's senior portrait in a small white wooden frame bolted to the side of the bridge. People still stopped by the bridge to leave flowers. At 19, Sarah was just starting to discover herself. She had big plans for the life that lay out in front of her. But all that promise was taken from her. And to think Liam might have gotten away with it if another one of his close friends, Anthony Curry, hadn't summoned the courage to cooperate with police in that daring undercover operation. Michael can't help but think about the potential Sarah had and what she could have done with it.

[Michael Stern]

My daughter. Smart kid, Good kid, friendly. Cared about people, never hurt anybody. She was just a wonderful. A wonderful child, you know, because becoming an adult and starting to do live her own life. It was ended by somebody. That's just the greed and the callousness of killing another human being. It just something I'll never understand.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

But he's relieved that at least her killer will be behind bars for life.

[Michael Stern]

I felt that Sarah got some justice. It's all about her. She deserved it and she got her justice.

[Narrator Juju Chang]

Friends and family described Sarah as creative and loving, someone who could make you laugh. She was also trusting and it seems Liam McAtasney took advantage of that. He wasn't the close friend Sarah thought he was, but even close friends can hide dark secrets. Bridge of Lies is a production of ABC Audio and 2020 hosted by me, Juju Chang. Produced by Sabrina Fang, Audrey Mostek and Camille Peterson. Production help and fact checking by Annalisa Linder. Tracy Samuelson is our story editor. Our supervising producer is Sasha Aslanian. Music and mixing by Evan Viola. Special thanks to Katie N. Dos, Janice Johnston, Joseph Diaz, Avery Brook and Michelle Margulis. Josh Cohan is our director of podcast programming. Eamon McNiff is our executive producer.

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