Murder Of Skylar Neese
Teenage Murder by Friends
CLASSIFICATION: Murder
LOCATION
Wayne Township, Pennsylvania
TIME PERIOD
July 6, 2012
VICTIMS
1 confirmed
On July 6, 2012, Skylar Annette Neese, a 16-year-old honor student, disappeared from her home in Star City, West Virginia. Her body was discovered in January 2013 in Wayne Township, Greene County, Pennsylvania, after her friends, Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf, confessed to her murder. The motive stemmed from tensions related to a romantic relationship between Eddy and Shoaf, leading them to plan and execute the stabbing of Neese. Both perpetrators were convicted, with Eddy receiving a life sentence for first-degree murder and Shoaf sentenced to 30 years for second-degree murder, with eligibility for parole after 15 and 10 years, respectively. The case prompted legislative changes to the AMBER Alert system in West Virginia.
The murder of Skylar Neese is believed to have stemmed from tension between her and her friends, Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf, due to Eddy and Shoaf's romantic relationship. There is speculation that the murder was premeditated, as Shoaf later confessed that they had planned it together. Some community members have expressed disbelief that such a violent crime could occur among close friends, highlighting the shocking betrayal involved.
The Tragic Tale of Skylar Neese
The Disappearance
On a warm summer night in Star City, West Virginia, sixteen-year-old Skylar Annette Neese vanished into the darkness. It was July 6, 2012, when the honor student, known for her bright future ambitions of becoming a criminal defense attorney, slipped unnoticed from her family's apartment. The surveillance camera caught her leaving at 12:30 a.m., climbing into a light-colored sedan, unaware that this seemingly ordinary outing would be her last.
The Victim
Skylar was the cherished only child of Mary and Dave Neese, a couple who worked hard to provide a stable life in their small community. Skylar balanced her academic achievements at University High School with a part-time job at Wendy's, embodying the promise of a bright future.
The Perpetrators
Her closest friends, Shelia Rae Eddy and Rachel Elizabeth Shoaf, would shatter that promise. Shelia, born in Blacksville, faced early familial challenges, including her parents' divorce following her father's traumatic brain injury. Rachel, raised in Morgantown, transitioned from a private Catholic school to the public high school, where she met Eddy and Neese. Their friendship, which began in childhood, would take a dark turn.
The Murder
The night of Skylar's disappearance, Eddy and Shoaf picked her up in Eddy's car, which concealed ominous tools—cleaning rags, bleach, wet wipes, a shovel, and knives wrapped in towels. Unbeknownst to Skylar, this was no ordinary trip. The trio drove to a familiar spot in Brave, Pennsylvania, ostensibly to smoke marijuana. But as they gathered, Shoaf and Eddy feigned forgetfulness about a lighter, prompting Skylar to turn her back. It was then that they attacked, stabbing her repeatedly. Skylar fought back, managing to wound Shoaf, but the assault continued until silence enveloped the woods. They attempted to bury her, but the rocky soil thwarted their plans, leaving them to hastily cover her body with foliage.
The Investigation
Initially, authorities deemed Skylar a runaway, delaying an AMBER Alert. Her parents, desperate for answers, plastered flyers around Monongalia County. The case took a pivotal turn in early fall 2012 when Eddy admitted the car was hers and that she had picked up Skylar, though she claimed to have dropped her off later.
The FBI joined the hunt on September 10, 2012, interviewing school friends but hitting dead ends. The breakthrough came six months after the murder when Rachel Shoaf suffered a nervous breakdown. Her subsequent confession unraveled the chilling plot, revealing the disturbing motive: they simply "didn't like her" anymore.
The Discovery
Shoaf led investigators to the remote site in Wayne Township, Greene County, Pennsylvania, where Skylar's body lay hidden under leaves and branches. This discovery, less than 30 miles from her home, confirmed the family's worst fears.
Legal Proceedings
Rachel Shoaf pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on May 1, 2013, expressing remorse for her actions and receiving a 30-year sentence, with parole eligibility after ten years. Her family publicly apologized, acknowledging the unimaginable pain caused.
Shelia Eddy faced a grand jury indictment on September 6, 2013, for kidnapping, first-degree murder, and conspiracy to commit murder. Ultimately, she pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, receiving a life sentence with the possibility of parole after fifteen years, as required by law for juveniles.
The Aftermath
Rachel Shoaf's remorse was evident in her diaries and parole hearings, where she finally admitted the tension stemmed from her romantic relationship with Eddy. Despite her appeals, she remains incarcerated, with her next parole hearing set for 2026. Shelia Eddy, meanwhile, has shown no public remorse and remains behind bars.
Skylar's Legacy
Skylar's tragic death led to legislative change. "Skylar's Law," passed unanimously in West Virginia, mandates immediate public alerts for missing children, regardless of abduction suspicions. This change aims to prevent future tragedies, ensuring no family endures the Neese's heartbreak.
The story of Skylar Neese serves as a haunting reminder of the darkness that can lurk behind friendship's facade, a call to vigilance and compassion in protecting our youth.
Sources
For more detailed information, you can visit the original Wikipedia article: Murder of Skylar Neese
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Skylar Neese Disappears
Skylar Neese, a 16-year-old girl, disappears from her home in Star City, West Virginia.
Body Found
The body of Skylar Neese is discovered in Wayne Township, Pennsylvania, after being missing for over six months.
Shoaf Pleads Guilty
Rachel Shoaf pleads guilty to second-degree murder in the killing of Skylar Neese.
Eddy Pleads Guilty
Shelia Eddy pleads guilty to first-degree murder and is sentenced to life in prison.
Body Identified
Authorities confirm that the remains found belong to Skylar Neese.
Skylar's Law Passed
West Virginia Senate passes Skylar's Law to modify the AMBER Alert system for missing children.
Shoaf Sentenced
Rachel Shoaf is sentenced to 30 years in prison with eligibility for parole after 10 years.
Eddy Identified
Prosecutors publicly identify Shelia Eddy as a co-perpetrator in the murder of Skylar Neese.
On July 6, 2012, Skylar Annette Neese, a 16-year-old honor student, disappeared from her home in Star City, West Virginia. Her body was discovered in January 2013 in Wayne Township, Greene County, Pennsylvania, after her friends, Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf, confessed to her murder. The motive stemmed from tensions related to a romantic relationship between Eddy and Shoaf, leading them to plan and execute the stabbing of Neese. Both perpetrators were convicted, with Eddy receiving a life sentence for first-degree murder and Shoaf sentenced to 30 years for second-degree murder, with eligibility for parole after 15 and 10 years, respectively. The case prompted legislative changes to the AMBER Alert system in West Virginia.
The murder of Skylar Neese is believed to have stemmed from tension between her and her friends, Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf, due to Eddy and Shoaf's romantic relationship. There is speculation that the murder was premeditated, as Shoaf later confessed that they had planned it together. Some community members have expressed disbelief that such a violent crime could occur among close friends, highlighting the shocking betrayal involved.
The Tragic Tale of Skylar Neese
The Disappearance
On a warm summer night in Star City, West Virginia, sixteen-year-old Skylar Annette Neese vanished into the darkness. It was July 6, 2012, when the honor student, known for her bright future ambitions of becoming a criminal defense attorney, slipped unnoticed from her family's apartment. The surveillance camera caught her leaving at 12:30 a.m., climbing into a light-colored sedan, unaware that this seemingly ordinary outing would be her last.
The Victim
Skylar was the cherished only child of Mary and Dave Neese, a couple who worked hard to provide a stable life in their small community. Skylar balanced her academic achievements at University High School with a part-time job at Wendy's, embodying the promise of a bright future.
The Perpetrators
Her closest friends, Shelia Rae Eddy and Rachel Elizabeth Shoaf, would shatter that promise. Shelia, born in Blacksville, faced early familial challenges, including her parents' divorce following her father's traumatic brain injury. Rachel, raised in Morgantown, transitioned from a private Catholic school to the public high school, where she met Eddy and Neese. Their friendship, which began in childhood, would take a dark turn.
The Murder
The night of Skylar's disappearance, Eddy and Shoaf picked her up in Eddy's car, which concealed ominous tools—cleaning rags, bleach, wet wipes, a shovel, and knives wrapped in towels. Unbeknownst to Skylar, this was no ordinary trip. The trio drove to a familiar spot in Brave, Pennsylvania, ostensibly to smoke marijuana. But as they gathered, Shoaf and Eddy feigned forgetfulness about a lighter, prompting Skylar to turn her back. It was then that they attacked, stabbing her repeatedly. Skylar fought back, managing to wound Shoaf, but the assault continued until silence enveloped the woods. They attempted to bury her, but the rocky soil thwarted their plans, leaving them to hastily cover her body with foliage.
The Investigation
Initially, authorities deemed Skylar a runaway, delaying an AMBER Alert. Her parents, desperate for answers, plastered flyers around Monongalia County. The case took a pivotal turn in early fall 2012 when Eddy admitted the car was hers and that she had picked up Skylar, though she claimed to have dropped her off later.
The FBI joined the hunt on September 10, 2012, interviewing school friends but hitting dead ends. The breakthrough came six months after the murder when Rachel Shoaf suffered a nervous breakdown. Her subsequent confession unraveled the chilling plot, revealing the disturbing motive: they simply "didn't like her" anymore.
The Discovery
Shoaf led investigators to the remote site in Wayne Township, Greene County, Pennsylvania, where Skylar's body lay hidden under leaves and branches. This discovery, less than 30 miles from her home, confirmed the family's worst fears.
Legal Proceedings
Rachel Shoaf pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on May 1, 2013, expressing remorse for her actions and receiving a 30-year sentence, with parole eligibility after ten years. Her family publicly apologized, acknowledging the unimaginable pain caused.
Shelia Eddy faced a grand jury indictment on September 6, 2013, for kidnapping, first-degree murder, and conspiracy to commit murder. Ultimately, she pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, receiving a life sentence with the possibility of parole after fifteen years, as required by law for juveniles.
The Aftermath
Rachel Shoaf's remorse was evident in her diaries and parole hearings, where she finally admitted the tension stemmed from her romantic relationship with Eddy. Despite her appeals, she remains incarcerated, with her next parole hearing set for 2026. Shelia Eddy, meanwhile, has shown no public remorse and remains behind bars.
Skylar's Legacy
Skylar's tragic death led to legislative change. "Skylar's Law," passed unanimously in West Virginia, mandates immediate public alerts for missing children, regardless of abduction suspicions. This change aims to prevent future tragedies, ensuring no family endures the Neese's heartbreak.
The story of Skylar Neese serves as a haunting reminder of the darkness that can lurk behind friendship's facade, a call to vigilance and compassion in protecting our youth.
Sources
For more detailed information, you can visit the original Wikipedia article: Murder of Skylar Neese
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Skylar Neese Disappears
Skylar Neese, a 16-year-old girl, disappears from her home in Star City, West Virginia.
Body Found
The body of Skylar Neese is discovered in Wayne Township, Pennsylvania, after being missing for over six months.
Shoaf Pleads Guilty
Rachel Shoaf pleads guilty to second-degree murder in the killing of Skylar Neese.
Eddy Pleads Guilty
Shelia Eddy pleads guilty to first-degree murder and is sentenced to life in prison.
Body Identified
Authorities confirm that the remains found belong to Skylar Neese.
Skylar's Law Passed
West Virginia Senate passes Skylar's Law to modify the AMBER Alert system for missing children.
Shoaf Sentenced
Rachel Shoaf is sentenced to 30 years in prison with eligibility for parole after 10 years.
Eddy Identified
Prosecutors publicly identify Shelia Eddy as a co-perpetrator in the murder of Skylar Neese.