On July 6, 2012, 16-year-old West Virginia straight-A student and aspiring lawyer Skylar Neese was stabbed 50+ times to death by her “best friends” Shelia Eddy (17) and Rachel Shoaf (16) in a Pennsylvania woods after sneaking out to smoke weed. Hulu’s new doc Friends Like These revisits the betrayal.
Victim Background
Bubbly, loyal Star City teen with 4.0 GPA, part-time fast-food job; loved Disney movies. Parents Dave (Walmart) and Mary (doctor’s office) doted on her.
Killers’ Profiles
- Shelia Eddy: Lifelong friend since 2nd grade; inseparable until tensions brewed.
- Rachel Shoaf: Newer to group via University High; trio’s social media sniping escalated.
Crime and Aftermath
Lured Skylar out; stabbed during “smoke sesh.” Hid body shallowly; lied to cops/families, posted fliers. Rachel confessed Jan. 2013 (led to site); Shelia nabbed via DNA/texts.
Current Status
- Rachel Shoaf: Pleaded guilty 2nd-degree murder (2013); 30 years, parole eligible after 10. Denied 2023/2024; next June 2026 at Lakin Correctional Center.
- Shelia Eddy: Pleaded guilty 1st-degree (2014); life with mercy (parole possible after 15 years/2028), also at Lakin.
Teenage plot gone deadly—chilling reminder of “mean girls” limits. Gripping Hulu watch?
