The Murder of Skylar Neese: A Story of Teenage Betrayal and a New Documentary
The Disappearance of Skylar Neese
On July 6, 2012, Skylar Neese, a vibrant 16-year-old with a bright future, disappeared from her family's apartment in Star City, West Virginia. Surveillance footage showed her willingly getting into a car in the middle of the night, leading police to initially believe she was a runaway. However, her parents, Dave and Mary Neese, knew their daughter would not have left without her phone charger, contact lenses, and money. As days turned into weeks with no word from Skylar, her family and community grew increasingly desperate for answers.
A Web of Lies
The investigation into Skylar's disappearance quickly focused on her two best friends, Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf. The trio, once inseparable, had been experiencing a period of friction. While Shelia and Rachel initially denied knowing anything about Skylar's whereabouts, their stories were inconsistent and their behavior grew more suspicious. Through social media posts and interviews with other students, a darker picture of their friendship began to emerge, revealing a toxic relationship filled with jealousy and secrets.
The Horrifying Truth
Six months after Skylar vanished, the truth was revealed when Rachel Shoaf confessed to police. She and Shelia had meticulously planned and carried out Skylar's murder, stabbing her to death in a remote wooded area in Wayne Township, Pennsylvania. Their motive? They simply didn't want to be friends with her anymore. The shocking confession led investigators to Skylar's remains and exposed the chilling reality of what happened that summer night.
The new three-part Hulu docuseries Friends Like These: The Murder of Skylar Neese — streaming now — brings fresh interviews and a deeper look at the case. Listen to our episode first, then watch.
