Bridge of Lies Bridge of Lies

The Trial

Apr 14, 2026 · 51m

Summary

This episode covers the 2019 trial of Liam McItasney for the 2016 murder of Sarah Stern. Prosecutors present testimony from accomplice Preston Taylor and a covert recording of Liam confessing to strangling Sarah for her money. The defense argues a lack of physical evidence and highlights an eyewitness who claims to have seen Sarah alive after her disappearance. The jury convicts Liam on all seven counts, leading to a life sentence, while Michael Stern delivers a victim impact statement.

Topics discussed

Sponsor: Mint Mobile Introduction to the State v. McItasney trial Prosecution's opening statement on Sarah's murder Defense argument: lack of physical evidence Impact on Sarah's family and investigation details Preston Taylor testifies as lead witness Preston describes hiding Sarah's body Liam's comments about money at the pub Evolution from daydreaming to scheming The plan to rob Sarah and the Canada trip Plan to make death look like suicide Preston details the strangulation method Courtroom reactions and Liam's demeanor Prepared stories for police interrogation Defense cross-examines Preston's credibility Defense attorney's theory on Preston's panic Michael Stern takes the stand Michael testifies on Sarah's mental health Sarah's career and plans to move to Canada Michael's perspective on Sarah's happiness Review of final text messages before disappearance Michael's frantic attempts to contact Sarah Michael preserves his phone as evidence Michael's emotional exit from the courtroom Preview of upcoming star witnesses Sponsor: SimpliSafe Promo: The Vision and Louvre Heist Promo: Heist at the Louvre series Anthony Curry takes the stand Introduction of the undercover recording Liam confesses to Anthony on tape Playback of the confession video in court Prosecution's interpretation of the video Defense argues Liam fabricated the story Cross-examination on Liam's storytelling habits Defense highlights Liam's history of lies Defense cites lack of physical evidence Questioning if Sarah was actually dead Witness Craig Hetzel describes seeing Sarah Hetzel identifies Sarah near the bridge Hetzel confirms identity via 7-Eleven poster Defense argues Sarah may have been alive Prosecution challenges Hetzel's timeline Police timeline contradicts Hetzel's account Final witness and preparation for closing Sponsor: Wayfair Sponsor: GameTime and NBA on ESPN Prosecution closing argument: evidence of murder Prosecution argues premeditated killing Defense closing argument: reasonable doubt Defense attorney reflects on the trial Jury deliberations and verdict announcement Liam found guilty and sentenced to life Victim impact statement by Michael Stern Preston Taylor's apology to the family Michael Stern addresses reporters outside Memorial at the Belmar Bridge Michael's final thoughts on justice Show credits and production team Promo: Heist at the Louvre series Promo: FX's AHS-13
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