Bridge of Lies: The Accomplice
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In this gripping episode of 'Bridge of Lies,' investigators close in on the truth behind the 2017 disappearance and murder of Sarah Stern, a 19-year-old college student from Neptune City, New Jersey. After a months-long investigation stalled by conflicting stories, the case takes a dramatic turn when Preston Taylor, Sarah’s childhood friend and roommate of suspect Liam McItasney, confesses to being an accomplice. Preston reveals that Liam murdered Sarah for money—believing her safe held $50,000 to $150,000—then enlisted Preston to help dispose of the body. Over a harrowing night, they moved Sarah’s body from her home to her car, dumped it over a bridge into the Shark River, and buried two safes containing the stolen cash and her clothes. Preston’s detailed, emotionless confession, combined with physical evidence like a walkie-talkie and a key to Sarah’s safety deposit box, solidifies the case. Meanwhile, Liam is arrested and remains silent. The episode ends with the looming trial, where prosecutors must prove murder without a body, while a surprise eyewitness claim threatens to derail the case. The betrayal of a lifelong friendship becomes the central theme of a true crime saga that redefines loyalty and complicity.
Preston Taylor confessed to helping Liam McItasney murder Sarah Stern for money, revealing a meticulously planned cover-up.
The murder was motivated by a belief that Sarah’s safe contained $50,000–$150,000, though only $10,000 was found—old, damaged bills.
Preston and Liam used walkie-talkies to avoid detection, moved the body in stages, and buried two safes in remote locations.
Despite emotional detachment, Preston’s cooperation led to a plea deal, avoiding a life sentence in exchange for testifying against Liam.
Liam remains silent at his arrest, setting the stage for a high-stakes trial with no body and a contested eyewitness claim.
…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus
The Break in the Case
“We know what happened to Sarah. We know what your involvement in it was. We want to talk to you about that.”
Preston’s Confession: The Cold Truth
“It was $10,000. It was a lot of really old, beat up and torn up money. And it was a lot less than they were expecting.”
The Night of the Cover-Up
Preston recounts the full sequence of events: moving Sarah’s body from her bathroom to bushes, retrieving the safe, transporting her to the bridge, and dumping her into the Shark River. The physical evidence matches his story.
The Search for the Safes
“We had to descend into the pit after that. Once we got to the area where he was pointing to, we started to photo it and then we started digging.”
Arrest and Aftermath
While Preston leads investigators through the crime scene, Liam is arrested. He remains silent, invoking his right to an attorney. The case is now built on confession, physical evidence, and a damning tape of Liam’s own words.
“Sociopath? Obviously. Evil? Definitely. Cruel, heartless? I don't think there's enough words to describe him.”
“We know what happened to Sarah. We know what your involvement in it was. We want to talk to you about that.”
“This was the ultimate betrayal of a friendship. I look at life differently. I look at people differently now.”
Host
Guests
Preston Taylor
person
Liam McItasney
person
Sarah Stern
person
Detective Brian Weisbrot
person
Detective Nick Catalona
person
Michael Stern
person
Megan McItasney
person
Neptune City, New Jersey
place
ABC Audio
organization
20/20
organization
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