Teen Sarah Stent ‘thrown off bridge by prom date Preston Taylor and Liam McAtasney’ as dad Michael Stent faces the boys in court
A WIDOWED dad whose daughter was thrown off a bridge by two classmates — including one who took her to prom- has faced the boys in court.
Sarah Stent, 19, of New Jersey, was allegedly strang’ed by Liam McAtasney, also 19, after he robbed her of a large amount of cash she had just withdrawn on December 2.
He then allegedly got Preston Taylor, who had taken Stern to prom, to help throw her body over a bridge.
Sarah’s dad, Michael Stern, who was widowed three years ago, learnt on Wednesday that his missing daughter was actually dead. Her remains have not been recovered.
McAtasney was charged with murder, felony murder, conspiracy, hindering apprehension and disturbing human remains.
Taylor was charged with conspiracy, hindering apprehension and disturbing human remains.
Asbury Park Press reports that McAtasney and Stern were family friends and believed to have been close.
However, prosecutors say that they have a recorded phone conversation between McAtasney and another person where he is implicated in the crime.
Stern’s disappearance was initially treated as a missing persons case until tips led to the arrests of McAtasney and Taylor.
Charles Stone, Michael Stern’s lawyer, said his client is in the midst of deep grief.
“He’s overwhelmed, as any parent would be,” Mr Stone said. “This is the worst nightmare you could imagine as a parent.”
Originally published as Prom date ‘threw teen off bridge’