Judge David Bauman denied a motion to reopen a detention hearing for Preston Taylor, 19, who is charged in connection to the murder of Sarah Stern who was last seen alive on December 2nd. Bauman decided to detain Taylor on February 7, during a detention hearing.
Taylor will remain detained, pending trial.
Bauman determined there was no basis to reopen the detention hearing.
Taylor and 19 year-old Liam McAtasney –both of Neptune City— were charged on February 2, in connection with the murder of Stern, who last seen alive on December 2nd.
On February 2, detectives charged Taylor, 19, of Neptune City, with second degree Desecration of Human Remains, second degree Conspiracy (to Desecrate Human Remains) and second degree Hindering Apprehension in connection with the murder of Stern, who has been missing since early December.
McAtasney was charged with first degree Murder, first degree Felony Murder, first degree Robbery, second degree Desecration of Human Remains, second degree Conspiracy (to Desecrate Human Remains) and second degree Hindering Apprehension.
Detectives determined that McAtasney was responsible for killing Stern and stealing property from her on December 2, 2016. The investigation also revealed that Taylor provided assistance to McAtasney in moving and ultimately disposing of Stern's body in order to avoid detection.