The 2012 murder of 16-year-old Skylar Neese remains one of the most chilling and baffling true-crime stories in modern American history. What shocked the public wasn’t just the brutality of the crime, but the perpetrators: her two best friends, Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf.
For months, the duo pretended to grieve alongside Skylar’s distraught parents while hiding a dark secret. When the facade finally cracked, Rachel Shoaf confessed to the crime, uttering a chilling four-word explanation that still haunts investigators today: “We just didn’t like her.”
This article dives deep into the life of Rachel Shoaf, her role in the infamous teenage betrayal, the trial, and the latest updates regarding her legal status and parole eligibility.
Who is Rachel Shoaf?
Before becoming a central figure in a national murder trial, Rachel Shoaf was a seemingly ordinary teenager growing up in Morgantown, West Virginia. Born in 1996, Rachel was raised in a religious household, performed well in school, and was actively involved in theater and church activities.
To outsiders, she appeared to be a well-adjusted, talented teenager. However, her life took a drastic turn when she attended University High School and became inseparable from Shelia Eddy and Skylar Neese. The three girls formed a tight-knit trio, documented heavily on social media, which eventually turned into a toxic dynamic.
Rachel Shoaf Quick Facts & Biography Table
| Profile Metric | Biographical Details |
| Full Name | Rachel Shoaf |
| Other Names | Rachel Marie Shoaf |
| Date of Birth | June 10, 1996 |
| Age | 29 years old |
| Birth Place | Morgantown, West Virginia, USA |
| Birth Sign | Gemini |
| Hometown | Morgantown, West Virginia |
| Current Residence | Lakin Correctional Center (West Columbia, WV) |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Incarcerated (Completed prison degrees/certifications in Communications, Culinary Arts, and Cosmetology) |
| Known Cases | The Murder of Skylar Neese (2012) |
| Crime Location | Wayne Township, Greene County, Pennsylvania |
| Victim | Skylar Neese (Age 16) |
| Criminal Accomplice | Shelia Eddy |
| Weapon Used | Kitchen knives |
| Murder Date | July 6, 2012 |
| Conviction | Second-degree murder (Plead guilty on May 1, 2013) |
| Sentence | 30 years in prison (Current release date: April 30, 2028) |
| Parole Status | Denied parole twice (May 2023 and July 2024); next eligible for review in June 2026 |
| Confirmed Motive | Fear that Skylar would expose the secret romantic relationship between Shoaf and Eddy |
| Claim to Fame | Subject of widespread true-crime media coverage (including 20/20, Dateline, and multiple true-crime books) due to the chilling “best friend betrayal” dynamic. |
The Murder of Skylar Neese: A Deadly Betrayal
On the night of July 6, 2012, Skylar Neese sneaked out of her bedroom window in Morgantown to meet up with Rachel and Shelia. Believing they were just going to drive around and smoke marijuana, Skylar willingly got into the back seat of Shelia’s vehicle.
The girls drove across the state line into a remote, wooded area near Wayne Township, Pennsylvania.
The Execution of a Cold-Blooded Plan
Upon arriving at the secluded spot, Rachel and Shelia managed to separate themselves from Skylar under the pretense of fetching a lighter left in the car. On a pre-arranged countdown—”One, two, three, go”—the two girls attacked Skylar with kitchen knives they had hidden under their clothes.
Despite fighting back fiercely, Skylar was stabbed more than 50 times. When Skylar asked “Why?” as she died, her friends offered no answer. Unable to dig a proper grave in the rocky Appalachian soil, Shoaf and Eddy covered Skylar’s body with dirt, rocks, and branches, leaving her in the woods.
The Confession: “We Just Didn’t Like Her”
For six months, Skylar Neese was treated as a runaway by law enforcement, a narrative that Rachel and Shelia actively encouraged. They participated in search parties, consoled Skylar’s parents, and posted grief-stricken messages on Twitter.
However, the pressure eventually broke Rachel Shoaf. In January 2013, following a severe nervous breakdown that landed her in a psychiatric hospital, Rachel confessed to her attorney and FBI investigators. She led authorities straight to Skylar’s remains in the Pennsylvania woods.
“Why did you do it?” investigators asked. Rachel’s cold response became the defining headline of the case: “We just didn’t like her.”
The Trial and Sentencing of Rachel Shoaf
Because Rachel cooperated with the police and led them to the body, she was offered a plea deal. She pleaded guilty to second-degree murder as an adult.
- Rachel Shoaf’s Sentence: In February 2014, Rachel was sentenced to 30 years in prison with the possibility of parole.
- Shelia Eddy’s Sentence: Shelia Eddy refused to cooperate initially but eventually pleaded guilty to first-degree murder to avoid the death penalty. She received a life sentence with parole eligibility after 15 years.
During her sentencing, a tearful Rachel apologized to the Neese family, stating, “I became a frightened, sad, and isolated person… I did something that can never be undone.” However, Skylar’s family dismissed the apology as a calculated attempt to gain leniency.
Where is Rachel Shoaf Now? (Parole Updates)
Rachel Shoaf is serving her sentence at the Lakin Correctional Center in West Virginia. Because she was sentenced to 30 years with the possibility of parole after serving a portion of her time, her legal status remains a frequent topic of public interest.
Rachel Shoaf’s First Parole Hearing
In May 2023, Rachel Shoaf became eligible for parole for the first time after serving 10 years of her sentence. Now in her late 20s, Rachel appeared before the parole board, expressing remorse and claiming she had rehabilitated herself while incarcerated, completing multiple prison programs and earning a degree.
Skylar’s father, Dave Neese, vehemently opposed her release, delivering an emotional testimony requesting that she remain behind bars. The parole board ultimately denied Rachel Shoaf’s release, citing the extreme brutality of the crime.
Future Parole Eligibility
Under West Virginia Department of Corrections guidelines, Rachel Shoaf is permitted to apply for parole annually following her initial denial. Her ongoing incarceration and future hearings continue to draw significant true-crime media coverage.
Conclusion: A Lasting Cautionary Tale of the Digital Age
The murder of Skylar Neese by Rachel Shoaf and Shelia Eddy remains one of the most chilling accounts of teenage betrayal in American history. It shattered the illusion that violent crimes are exclusively the domain of strangers or obvious outsiders, proving instead that malice can wear the face of a best friend.
While Rachel Shoaf’s confession ultimately brought closure to a agonizing six-month missing person investigation, the motive—or lack thereof—leaves an enduring scar on the Morgantown community and true-crime followers worldwide. Today, the legacy of the tragedy lives on through “Skylar’s Law,” ensuring that future missing children are protected by immediate state action.
As Rachel Shoaf continues her 30-year sentence at the Lakin Correctional Center, facing annual parole reviews, the case stands as a permanent, tragic reminder of the hidden complexities of teenage relationships and the devastating reality of a friendship turned fatal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Rachel Shoaf
How long is Rachel Shoaf’s sentence?
Rachel Shoaf was sentenced to 30 years in prison for second-degree murder. She must serve a minimum of 10 years before being eligible for parole.
Is Rachel Shoaf still in prison?
Yes, Rachel Shoaf is currently incarcerated at the Lakin Correctional Center in West Virginia. Her first bid for parole was denied in May 2023.
Are Rachel Shoaf and Shelia Eddy still friends?
No. Following Rachel’s confession to the FBI, which directly implicated Shelia, their relationship severed entirely.
Who was the mastermind behind Skylar Neese’s murder?
While Rachel Shoaf confessed first, investigators and journal entries suggest that Shelia Eddy was largely the driving force and instigator of the toxic dynamic, though both girls willingly executed the plan.