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, around midnight. Her body was discovered in January 2013 in Wayne Township, Greene County, Pennsylvania, after her friends, Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf, confessed to the murder, which stemmed from tensions related to their romantic relationship. Shoaf pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on May 1, 2013, receiving a 30-year sentence with eligibility for parole after 10 years, while Eddy pleaded guilty to first-degree murder on January 24, 2014, and was sentenced to life imprisonment with eligibility for parole after 15 years. The case prompted legislative changes to the AMBER Alert system in West Virginia.
The murder of Skylar Neese has led to speculation that the motive stemmed from jealousy and tension between Neese and her friends, Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf, particularly due to the latter two's romantic relationship. Some believe that the planning of the murder was premeditated, as Shoaf later confessed that it was a calculated act rather than a spontaneous decision. Additionally, there are discussions about the psychological dynamics of their friendship and how it may have contributed to the tragic outcome.
The Murder of Skylar Neese: A Tale of Betrayal and Tragedy
Introduction
Skylar Annette Neese was just sixteen when her life was tragically cut short by those she considered her closest friends. On the night of July 6, 2012, Skylar vanished from her home in Star City, West Virginia, only to be found months later across state lines in Pennsylvania. This is the chilling story of how a night of deceit led to a brutal murder, forever altering the lives of everyone involved.
Background
Skylar Neese was the pride and joy of her parents, Mary and Dave Neese. An ambitious honor student at University High School in Monongalia County, Skylar dreamt of becoming a criminal defense attorney. Balancing her studies with a part-time job at Wendy's, Skylar was well-loved by her peers and teachers alike.
Her life took a dark turn, however, with the involvement of Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf—two individuals who would eventually betray her in the most unimaginable way. Shelia, born on September 28, 1995, in Blacksville, West Virginia, faced familial challenges early on when her parents divorced after her father suffered a traumatic brain injury. Shelia met Skylar at the tender age of eight, and their friendship blossomed over the years. Rachel, born on June 10, 1996, in Morgantown, West Virginia, came from a more stable background, attending a private Catholic school before joining University High School, where she too became close with Skylar and Shelia.
The Disappearance
The night of July 5, 2012, seemed like any other. After her shift at Wendy's, Skylar returned to her family's apartment. However, by 12:30 a.m. on July 6, she was caught on surveillance footage climbing out of her bedroom window and entering a light-colored sedan. Initially, the occupants of the vehicle remained a mystery. As summer turned to fall, however, Shelia Eddy admitted the car was hers. Skylar's father noted that she left without essentials like her cell phone charger and contact lenses, suggesting she intended to return home.
The Murder Plot
Unbeknownst to Skylar, Shelia and Rachel had sinister intentions. Inside Shelia's car trunk, the pair had stashed cleaning supplies, a shovel, and a change of clothes—all necessary tools for their deadly plan. They lured Skylar to a familiar spot in Brave, Pennsylvania, under the pretense of socializing. As the girls chatted, Shelia and Rachel pretended to have forgotten a lighter, prompting Skylar to turn her back. It was then that the two girls launched their attack, stabbing Skylar repeatedly.
In her desperate attempt to escape, Skylar managed to injure Rachel, but the attack continued until she succumbed to her wounds. The rocky ground thwarted their efforts to bury her, so they settled for covering her body with branches and leaves before fleeing the scene.
The Investigation
Initially treated as a runaway, Skylar's case did not meet the criteria for an AMBER Alert. Law enforcement struggled with false leads, including a sighting in North Carolina that proved untrue. Desperate for answers, Skylar's parents plastered the region with missing person flyers.
The investigation took a significant turn when Rachel Shoaf experienced a breakdown six months later. Her subsequent confession at her lawyer's office revealed a shocking motive: they simply "didn't like her" and no longer wanted to be friends. Rachel led authorities to Skylar's body on January 16, 2013, in Wayne Township, Greene County, Pennsylvania, just 30 miles from her home.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
On May 1, 2013, Rachel Shoaf pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, receiving a 30-year sentence with parole eligibility after 10 years. During her sentencing, she expressed remorse, apologizing to Skylar's family, her own, and to God. Her diary entries and later statements in parole hearings disclosed a romantic relationship between her and Shelia, adding a layer of complexity to the motive.
Shelia Eddy, initially pleading not guilty, changed her plea to guilty of first-degree murder, resulting in a life sentence with parole eligibility after 15 years due to her juvenile status. Unlike Rachel, Shelia showed no public remorse for her crime.
The Legacy of Skylar's Law
Skylar's tragic death led to legislative change. West Virginia's AMBER Alert system, which required a 48-hour waiting period, was deemed insufficient. The introduction of Skylar's Law ensured immediate alerts for missing children believed to be in danger, regardless of abduction status. Passed unanimously in 2013, this law stands as a testament to the lasting impact of Skylar Neese's story.
Sources
For further reading and complete references, please visit the Wikipedia article on 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.
Shoaf Pleads Guilty
Rachel Shoaf pleads guilty to second-degree murder in the death 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 body found is that of missing teen Skylar Neese.
Skylar's Law Passed
West Virginia Senate passes Skylar's Law to improve 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 suspect 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, around midnight. Her body was discovered in January 2013 in Wayne Township, Greene County, Pennsylvania, after her friends, Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf, confessed to the murder, which stemmed from tensions related to their romantic relationship. Shoaf pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on May 1, 2013, receiving a 30-year sentence with eligibility for parole after 10 years, while Eddy pleaded guilty to first-degree murder on January 24, 2014, and was sentenced to life imprisonment with eligibility for parole after 15 years. The case prompted legislative changes to the AMBER Alert system in West Virginia.
The murder of Skylar Neese has led to speculation that the motive stemmed from jealousy and tension between Neese and her friends, Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf, particularly due to the latter two's romantic relationship. Some believe that the planning of the murder was premeditated, as Shoaf later confessed that it was a calculated act rather than a spontaneous decision. Additionally, there are discussions about the psychological dynamics of their friendship and how it may have contributed to the tragic outcome.
The Murder of Skylar Neese: A Tale of Betrayal and Tragedy
Introduction
Skylar Annette Neese was just sixteen when her life was tragically cut short by those she considered her closest friends. On the night of July 6, 2012, Skylar vanished from her home in Star City, West Virginia, only to be found months later across state lines in Pennsylvania. This is the chilling story of how a night of deceit led to a brutal murder, forever altering the lives of everyone involved.
Background
Skylar Neese was the pride and joy of her parents, Mary and Dave Neese. An ambitious honor student at University High School in Monongalia County, Skylar dreamt of becoming a criminal defense attorney. Balancing her studies with a part-time job at Wendy's, Skylar was well-loved by her peers and teachers alike.
Her life took a dark turn, however, with the involvement of Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf—two individuals who would eventually betray her in the most unimaginable way. Shelia, born on September 28, 1995, in Blacksville, West Virginia, faced familial challenges early on when her parents divorced after her father suffered a traumatic brain injury. Shelia met Skylar at the tender age of eight, and their friendship blossomed over the years. Rachel, born on June 10, 1996, in Morgantown, West Virginia, came from a more stable background, attending a private Catholic school before joining University High School, where she too became close with Skylar and Shelia.
The Disappearance
The night of July 5, 2012, seemed like any other. After her shift at Wendy's, Skylar returned to her family's apartment. However, by 12:30 a.m. on July 6, she was caught on surveillance footage climbing out of her bedroom window and entering a light-colored sedan. Initially, the occupants of the vehicle remained a mystery. As summer turned to fall, however, Shelia Eddy admitted the car was hers. Skylar's father noted that she left without essentials like her cell phone charger and contact lenses, suggesting she intended to return home.
The Murder Plot
Unbeknownst to Skylar, Shelia and Rachel had sinister intentions. Inside Shelia's car trunk, the pair had stashed cleaning supplies, a shovel, and a change of clothes—all necessary tools for their deadly plan. They lured Skylar to a familiar spot in Brave, Pennsylvania, under the pretense of socializing. As the girls chatted, Shelia and Rachel pretended to have forgotten a lighter, prompting Skylar to turn her back. It was then that the two girls launched their attack, stabbing Skylar repeatedly.
In her desperate attempt to escape, Skylar managed to injure Rachel, but the attack continued until she succumbed to her wounds. The rocky ground thwarted their efforts to bury her, so they settled for covering her body with branches and leaves before fleeing the scene.
The Investigation
Initially treated as a runaway, Skylar's case did not meet the criteria for an AMBER Alert. Law enforcement struggled with false leads, including a sighting in North Carolina that proved untrue. Desperate for answers, Skylar's parents plastered the region with missing person flyers.
The investigation took a significant turn when Rachel Shoaf experienced a breakdown six months later. Her subsequent confession at her lawyer's office revealed a shocking motive: they simply "didn't like her" and no longer wanted to be friends. Rachel led authorities to Skylar's body on January 16, 2013, in Wayne Township, Greene County, Pennsylvania, just 30 miles from her home.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
On May 1, 2013, Rachel Shoaf pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, receiving a 30-year sentence with parole eligibility after 10 years. During her sentencing, she expressed remorse, apologizing to Skylar's family, her own, and to God. Her diary entries and later statements in parole hearings disclosed a romantic relationship between her and Shelia, adding a layer of complexity to the motive.
Shelia Eddy, initially pleading not guilty, changed her plea to guilty of first-degree murder, resulting in a life sentence with parole eligibility after 15 years due to her juvenile status. Unlike Rachel, Shelia showed no public remorse for her crime.
The Legacy of Skylar's Law
Skylar's tragic death led to legislative change. West Virginia's AMBER Alert system, which required a 48-hour waiting period, was deemed insufficient. The introduction of Skylar's Law ensured immediate alerts for missing children believed to be in danger, regardless of abduction status. Passed unanimously in 2013, this law stands as a testament to the lasting impact of Skylar Neese's story.
Sources
For further reading and complete references, please visit the Wikipedia article on 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.
Shoaf Pleads Guilty
Rachel Shoaf pleads guilty to second-degree murder in the death 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 body found is that of missing teen Skylar Neese.
Skylar's Law Passed
West Virginia Senate passes Skylar's Law to improve 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 suspect in the murder of Skylar Neese.