Overview of Bridge of Lies
Bridge of Lies is a true-crime podcast from ABC Audio and 20/20, hosted by Juju Chang. Episode 1 — "The Abandoned Car" — introduces the November/December 2016 disappearance of 19‑year‑old Sarah Stern of Neptune City, New Jersey: her grandmother’s Oldsmobile is found unlocked and abandoned on the Belmar Bridge overnight, but Sarah is missing. The episode lays out the initial police response, key people in Sarah’s life, competing early theories (suicide, runaway, or foul play), and the small‑town context that shapes the investigation.
Key facts and timeline (Episode 1)
- Date/setting: Cold December night (December 3, 2016), Belmar Bridge over the Shark River between Neptune City and Belmar, NJ.
- Discovery: A driver reports an abandoned car on the bridge in the middle of the night. Police find a silver 1994 Oldsmobile 88 unlocked, keys in the center console, no ID, no money, no clothing, and Disney memorabilia/artwork in the trunk.
- Registration: Plates trace the car to Lillian Stern (Sarah’s 96‑year‑old grandmother). Sarah commonly drove the car.
- House search: Police check the Stern home (lights on, dog “Buddy” crated), search Sarah’s bedroom (childhood decor, art), find no suicide note and no sign Sarah is home.
- Family/phone: Sarah’s father, Michael Stern, was in Orlando when called; he returns to New Jersey. Police ping Sarah’s phone; it shows previous location in Neptune City/nearby but no recent contact.
- Witnesses/interviews encountered overnight:
- Robin Draper (neighbor): says Sarah dropped off a taped bin of her late mother’s belongings at Robin’s house the day she disappeared.
- Liam McAtasney (longtime friend): says he saw Sarah earlier that day; reports she’d been talking about going to Canada and had been “depressed” and had tension with her father. Liam says he can’t find his phone.
- Early investigative considerations: suicide (car on bridge), runaway (talk of Canada), or foul play — investigators begin expanding search (divers/rescue boats planned at daylight).
- Episode sets up the investigation’s arc: examining friendships, conflicting statements, and possible betrayal.
People introduced
- Sarah Stern — 19, aspiring artist, raised in Neptune City, known for her artwork, quirky online presence (Tumblr, YouTube collaborations), and close friend group.
- Michael Stern — Sarah’s father; runs/ran Books Unlimited in town; was in Orlando when police called.
- Lillian Stern — Sarah’s grandmother; car registered to her.
- Liam McAtasney — longtime friend; saw Sarah earlier that day; reported she’d talked about leaving for Canada.
- Robin and Carly Draper — neighbors and close family friends; Robin says Sarah brought over a taped bin of her mother’s things the day she disappeared.
- Buddy — Sarah’s 10‑year‑old foxhound found crated at the house.
- Juju Chang — host and narrator; reporter with 20/20 and Nightline.
Main themes and takeaways
- Small‑town context: Neptune City is portrayed as a close-knit community where family histories, reputations, and interwoven relationships shape how such a disappearance is understood and investigated.
- Conflicting accounts: Early interviews produce mixed, sometimes contradictory information (runaway talk vs. possible suicide vs. no sign of self-harm), complicating initial assessments.
- Digital silence matters: For a young person described as “attached to her phone,” going off the grid raises alarm and changes investigative priorities.
- Emotional backdrop: Sarah’s mother died when Sarah was a teenager; friends and family describe ups and downs in her mental state and a creative outlet through art and online communities.
- Trust and betrayal are foreshadowed: The episode teases that detectives will uncover a “shocking betrayal” later in the series.
Notable quotes / lines
- “It makes you question, who can you trust?” — framing the investigation’s emotional core.
- “She was a 19‑year‑old girl who would have normally been attached to her phone, and she was off the grid.” — emphasizes the unusual nature of her disappearance.
- Michael Stern on Sarah’s motto: “reckless optimist” — small personal detail that humanizes Sarah.
Production notes & listening info
- Host: Juju Chang (ABC News / 20/20).
- Series length: multi‑episode serial (six weeks announced in promo).
- Episode music/mixing: Evan Viola. Producers and credits noted in episode.
- Where to listen: Follow Bridge of Lies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music (available ad‑free with Prime), or other podcast platforms.
Safety / resources
- The episode includes a suicide/crisis resource: call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate help 24/7.
Who should listen
- Fans of narrative true crime, investigative journalism, and stories that explore the interpersonal dynamics behind criminal investigations. Episode 1 is an orientation: it sets the scene and raises questions that the series promises to answer.
If you want a quick next step: listen to Episode 1 to hear the full opening narration and first-person body‑camera/audio excerpts; subsequent episodes follow the investigation and reveal the deeper twists teased in this premiere.