The heartbreaking and shocking murder of Skylar Neese continues to be a case that has captured the nation’s attention.
At just 16 years old, Skylar was tragically killed in a murder that was planned and executed by her own best friends, Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf.
Skylar Neese was a dedicated student and hard worker who disappeared from her family’s home in Star City, West Virginia.
She attended University High School and worked at Wendy’s alongside her friends at the time of her death. Described as well-behaved and well-liked by her peers, Skylar had dreams of becoming a criminal defense lawyer. With a 4.0 GPA, she was an honors student who excelled academically.
Skylar’s father, Dave, described her as academically gifted and a loyal friend. He recounted how she was always reading and doing math ahead of schedule, showcasing her intelligence and drive. Skylar was known for her bubbly personality and fierce loyalty to those she cared about.
On July 6, 2012, Skylar Neese’s life was cut short by the hands of her friends, Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf. The pair lured Skylar out with them under the guise of a regular hangout, only to turn on her and carry out a brutal attack. Rachel later confessed to the police that she and Shelia had planned to murder Skylar, revealing the dark intentions behind their actions.
Both Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf were ultimately arrested and charged in connection to Skylar’s murder. Rachel pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and received a 30-year prison sentence with a possibility of parole after 10 years. Shelia, on the other hand, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison with a chance of parole after 15 years.
Currently serving their sentences at Lakin Correctional Center in West Virginia, Shelia and Rachel have been held accountable for their heinous crime.
While Skylar Neese’s life was unjustly taken from her, her memory lives on as a reminder of the devastating consequences of betrayal and violence among friends.
