The Chilling 'Friends' Who Killed Skylar Neese: 5 Shocking Updates On Shelia Eddy And Rachel Shoaf Now

The brutal 2012 murder of Skylar Neese by her two best friends, Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf, remains one of the most chilling true crime cases of the modern era, a stark reminder of the darkness that can hide behind a teenage smile. As of , over a decade after the crime, the world continues to seek answers about the fate of the two perpetrators, their current life behind bars, and their path toward potential freedom.

The case, which shocked the small community of Star City, West Virginia, and gained national attention through shows like Dateline NBC and 20/20, centered on a betrayal of trust that culminated in a planned, senseless act of violence. This comprehensive update details the current status of Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf, their prison sentences, and the critical upcoming dates that will determine their future.

Biographical Profile: The Killers of Skylar Neese

The story of Skylar Neese's murder is inseparable from the profiles of the two young women who committed the crime. Both were teenagers at the time, known to be close friends with their victim, which only amplified the horror of the case.

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Shelia Eddy (Convicted of First-Degree Murder)

• Full Name: Shelia Rae Eddy
• Date of Birth: September 28, 1995
• Age at Time of Crime (July 2012): 16
• Victim: Skylar Annette Neese (16)
• Plea: Pleaded guilty to first-degree murder.
• Sentence: Life in prison with mercy (eligible for parole after 15 years).
• Parole Eligibility Date: Approximately 2029 (15 years from her 2014 sentencing).
• Current Status: Incarcerated at Lakin Correctional Center.

Rachel Shoaf (Convicted of Second-Degree Murder)

• Full Name: Rachel Shoaf
• Date of Birth: June 10, 1996
• Age at Time of Crime (July 2012): 16
• Victim: Skylar Annette Neese (16)
• Plea: Pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
• Sentence: 30 years in prison (eligible for parole after 10 years).
• Parole Eligibility Date: Initial eligibility was in May 2023. Next scheduled parole hearing is June 2025.
• Current Release Date: April 30, 2028, if parole is not granted.
• Current Status: Incarcerated at Lakin Correctional Center.

Where Are Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf Now? Current Incarceration Status

Both Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf are currently serving their sentences at the Lakin Correctional Center in West Columbia, West Virginia. This facility is a medium-security prison for female offenders.

The fact that both young women are incarcerated in the same facility is a point of morbid fascination for many following the case. The dynamic between the two former best friends, who conspired to murder a third friend, has been the subject of much speculation, particularly since their relationship was reportedly marked by intense emotional and possibly romantic tension that may have contributed to the motive for the crime.

The daily reality of their lives is one of strict routine and confinement, a stark contrast to the freedom they enjoyed as high school students. They have spent over a decade behind bars, transitioning from teenagers to adults within the confines of the correctional system.

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Rachel Shoaf’s Denied Parole and the Critical June 2025 Date

The most significant and recent update in the case revolves around Rachel Shoaf’s parole hearings. Due to her second-degree murder conviction and 30-year sentence, she became eligible for parole after serving 10 years.

Shoaf has appeared before the West Virginia Parole Board and has been denied release on more than one occasion. Her attempts at early release have been met with strong opposition, particularly from Skylar Neese's father, David Neese, who has publicly pressed the parole board to keep her incarcerated.

The parole board's decision to deny her release means she must wait for her next scheduled hearing. This upcoming date is critical: Rachel Shoaf will be eligible for another chance at parole in June 2025. This hearing will be closely monitored by the Neese family and the true crime community, as it represents a tangible step toward potential freedom for one of Skylar's killers.

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If the parole board continues to deny her release, Shoaf’s current mandatory release date is set for April 30, 2028. Her fate hangs in the balance, contingent on her behavior, rehabilitation efforts, and the board's assessment of her risk to the community.

Shelia Eddy’s Path to Parole: A Longer Wait

Shelia Eddy’s legal situation is different from Shoaf’s. She was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. Her sentence stipulates that she must serve 15 years before she is eligible to appear before the parole board.

Given her sentencing date in 2014, Eddy’s first possible parole hearing will not occur until approximately 2029. This means that while Rachel Shoaf is actively petitioning for release, Shelia Eddy still has several years remaining before she can even begin the process.

The difference in sentences reflects the legal distinction between the two crimes. Shoaf, who cooperated with authorities and ultimately led them to Skylar Neese’s body, received a lesser charge of second-degree murder. Eddy, who was seen as the more dominant figure in the plot and initially showed less remorse, received the harsher sentence for first-degree murder. This disparity in sentencing is a key element of the case's legal complexity.

The Skylar Neese Murder: A Timeline of Betrayal

To understand the current status of the killers, it is essential to revisit the key events of the case, which continues to be a focal point for discussions on teenage cruelty and sociopathy.

• July 6, 2012: Skylar Neese is lured out of her family's apartment in Star City, West Virginia, by Eddy and Shoaf. The girls drove Skylar to a remote area in Wayne Township, Pennsylvania, near the West Virginia border.
• The Crime: The two friends brutally stabbed Skylar Neese to death. The motive, while never fully articulated, was described as simply not liking Skylar anymore and not wanting to be friends.
• Initial Investigation: Skylar was initially treated as a runaway, leading to a frustrating and delayed investigation for her parents, David and Mary Neese.
• Confession and Discovery: In January 2013, Rachel Shoaf suffered a mental breakdown and confessed to the murder plot. She revealed the location of Skylar’s body, which was hidden under a pile of rocks and branches.
• Arrests and Convictions: Rachel Shoaf was arrested in May 2013, and Shelia Eddy was arrested in September 2013. Both eventually pleaded guilty, leading to their respective sentences.

The motive—a casual, chilling desire to end a friendship through murder—is a central reason why the case of Skylar Neese, the victim, and her two former friends, the perpetrators, continues to resonate in the true crime genre and remains a cautionary tale about the dark side of teenage relationships.

Life in Prison and Public Scrutiny

While specific details of their lives at Lakin Correctional Center are limited, public interest remains high. The fact that the two co-conspirators are incarcerated together in the same facility has fueled rumors and discussions about their current relationship. It is unknown if they maintain any contact or if their forced proximity has created further tension between the two convicted murderers.

Rachel Shoaf has also reportedly undergone personal changes, including a divorce and finding a new partner on the outside, according to unconfirmed social media reports. These details, while peripheral to their legal status, highlight the fact that the two women are attempting to navigate adult lives under the extraordinary circumstances of their confinement.

The Neese family and the public continue to advocate for justice, ensuring that the parole board and correctional system do not forget the brutality of the crime. As the June 2025 parole hearing approaches for Rachel Shoaf, the focus will once again shift to Lakin Correctional Center and the question of whether a decade of incarceration has been sufficient for the two teenagers who committed an unspeakable act of betrayal.