In December 2016, the disappearance of 19-year-old Sarah Stern from Neptune City, New Jersey, shocks the local community. Her abandoned car is discovered on the Route 35 bridge, leading to initial speculations of suicide. However, the investigation unveils a chilling narrative of betrayal and greed, culminating in the conviction of her childhood friend, Liam McAtasney, for her murder.
Sarah Stern, an aspiring artist, has recently inherited a substantial sum of money following her mother’s death. This inheritance becomes the motive for McAtasney’s heinous plan. In late 2016, McAtasney confides in another friend, Anthony Curry, about his intention to kill Stern and steal her inheritance. Curry, initially dismissing the confession as a dark joke, later assists law enforcement by recording a conversation in which McAtasney details the murder.
On December 2, 2016, McAtasney executes his plan. He strangles Stern in her home, timing the act to ensure her death. Afterward, he enlists the help of Preston Taylor, Stern’s junior prom date and McAtasney’s roommate, to dispose of her body. They transport Stern’s body to the Route 35 bridge, throwing it into the Shark River to simulate a suicide. Despite extensive searches, her body is never recovered.
The case breaks open when Curry provides the recorded confession to the authorities. In the video, McAtasney nonchalantly describes the murder, expressing disappointment over the amount of money obtained and the effort involved. This recording becomes pivotal evidence in the trial.
In February 2019, McAtasney is found guilty on all charges, including first-degree murder, robbery, and desecration of human remains. He receives a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Taylor, who cooperates with the investigation and testifies against McAtasney, is sentenced to 18 years in prison for his role in the crime.
The betrayal by two individuals she considers friends adds a profound layer of tragedy to Stern’s death. Her father, Michael Stern, expresses enduring grief and emphasizes the devastating impact of the loss.
The case underscores the potential for darkness within seemingly ordinary relationships and serves as a somber reminder of the complexities inherent in human connections.
Source Links:
- Sarah Stern murder: Killer McAtasney’s conviction upheld
- Liam McAtasney sentenced to life without parole for murdering friend Sarah Stern
- Ex-classmate guilty of all counts in New Jersey murder of Sarah Stern
- Friend Who Killed 19-Year-Old New Jersey Student Sarah Stern Sentenced to Life in Prison
- Sarah Stern murder: Full video of Liam McAtasney’s confession
For a detailed breakdown of the case and McAtasney’s confession, you can watch the following video:
