Bridge of Lies

The discovery of an abandoned car on a New Jersey bridge touches off a search for the driver who’s seemingly vanished. Friends of the missing 19-year-old woman tell authorities she might have jumped, or fled to Canada. But troubling statements, omissions and the discovery of a partially-burned cache of money doesn’t sit right with investigators.

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A call about an abandoned car on a bridge in New Jersey touches off a search for a missing person. The driver of the car is 19-year-old Sarah Stern, an aspiring artist. Authorities try to piece together what happened in the hours before she disappeared.

WARNING: This program includes discussions of suicide. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide -- free, confidential help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text the national lifeline at 988.

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Sarah’s friends offer investigators competing theories on what might have happened to her. Did Sarah end her life? Or seek a new life in Canada? As the search for Sarah continues, the clues are confounding.

WARNING: This program includes discussions of suicide. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide -- free, confidential help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text the national lifeline at 988.

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Months before she disappeared, Sarah’s friends say she found a box of cash with tens of thousands of dollars in it. Police start to wonder if this money has something to do with her disappearance.

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Just as the investigation into Sarah’s case seems to stall, police get a tip that offers a new, promising lead. A filmmaker realizes a story first described to him as a possible movie plot might be the answer to Sarah’s disappearance. He agrees to participate in a daring sting operation to record evidence.

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Police go after the person Liam called for help the night Sarah disappeared. Liam’s accomplice flips, taking police inside how they tried to cover up the crime.

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Sarah Stern’s father faces Liam McAtasney, the former friend of his daughter, now on trial for her murder. The month-long trial probes what we really know, or think we know, about those closest to us.

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In this bonus episode, host Juju Chang and “Start Here” host Brad Mielke discuss the life and legacy of Sarah Stern. Plus, what draws Juju to certain stories, and her experience going from podcast fan to host.

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