Shocking Confession Tape Exposes Best Friend Turned Killer!? The Case of Sarah Stern
True Crime with Kendall Rae
Deep Dive
Why did Liam McAtasney murder Sarah Stern?
Liam murdered Sarah to steal the money she had found, which was in the thousands. He believed the money was worth killing for and planned the murder with his friend Preston Taylor.
What was the motive behind Sarah Stern's murder?
The motive was financial greed. Sarah had discovered a shoebox filled with cash, and Liam, knowing about it, decided to kill her to take the money.
How did Liam and Preston dispose of Sarah Stern's body?
After murdering Sarah, Liam and Preston moved her body to her car and drove it to the Belmar Bridge. They threw her body off the bridge into the water, where it was swept away by the current.
What was the role of Preston Taylor in Sarah Stern's murder?
Preston assisted Liam in the murder by helping to move Sarah's body and dispose of it. He also participated in the cover-up by creating a fake alibi and joining the search efforts to appear concerned.
How did investigators uncover the truth about Sarah Stern's disappearance?
Investigators received a tip from a former classmate, Anthony Curry, who revealed that Liam had confessed to a murder plot. A sting operation led to a recorded confession from Liam, detailing the murder and the motive.
What was the significance of the bank visit on the day Sarah Stern disappeared?
Sarah visited the bank to withdraw some of the money she had found. This visit was crucial because it showed she had access to the money, and her failure to take all of it suggested she didn't plan to run away, contradicting Liam's story.
Why did Liam McAtasney want Sarah's body to be found?
Liam initially wanted Sarah's body to be found because he and Preston planned to stage her death as a suicide. However, the body was never recovered, which complicated their plan and raised suspicions.
What was the defense strategy in Liam McAtasney's trial?
The defense claimed that Liam's confession was an 'audition tape' for a movie and argued that without a body, Preston could have been the killer. They also presented a witness who claimed to have seen Sarah alive after her disappearance.
What was the outcome of Liam McAtasney's trial?
Liam was found guilty on all charges, including murder, and was sentenced to life in prison without parole plus an additional 10 years.
What happened to Preston Taylor after the trial?
Preston accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to several charges in exchange for testifying against Liam. He was sentenced to 18 years in prison and will be eligible for parole in 2032.
- Sarah Stern, born March 24, 1997, was a talented athlete and artist.
- She loved YouTube and attended various conventions.
- Her mother passed away from cancer in 2013.
- She was studying TV production and art at Brookdale Community College.