### Parents of Murdered Teen Advocate for Justice and Change
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In a heart-wrenching tale of familial loss and tragedy, Dave and Mary Neese have dedicated their lives to preserving the memory of their only daughter, Skylar, who was brutally murdered in 2012 by her two best friends, Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf. Their story has gained renewed attention through the Hulu docuseries, *Friends Like These: The Murder of Skylar Neese*, which sheds light on the events leading to Skylar’s untimely death and the emotional aftermath for her grieving parents.
Skylar Neese was a bright and promising 16-year-old, who lived with her parents in Star City, West Virginia. Described as intelligent, beautiful, and full of life, she was dedicated to her studies at University High School and worked part-time at a local Wendy’s restaurant, with aspirations of pursuing a career in law. However, her life was tragically cut short on July 5, 2012, when she vanished from her home.
Her disappearance was reported the following morning when Dave went to check on her and discovered her bed untouched. While her parents initially suspected she might be staying with a friend, their fears grew when she failed to show up for work later that day. What started as a missing person’s investigation took a horrific turn when, six months later, police uncovered the details surrounding her death. An unthinkable betrayal had occurred at the hands of those she trusted most.
In January 2013, authorities arrested Shelia and Rachel after Rachel confessed to the heinous crime. The girls had lured Skylar to a remote area in Pennsylvania, where they stabbed her over 50 times, motivated by a chilling sentiment—”they just didn’t like her.” This revelation struck terror into the community and left Dave and Mary reeling with grief and disbelief.
The documentary explores the tumultuous journey that followed. Throughout their ordeal, Dave and Mary Neese have confronted their daughter’s murderers in court. Following the confessions that convicted both girls—made in plea deals to avoid trial—Dave expressed his anguish during sentencing hearings. He articulated the profound impact of their actions, stating, “My life and my wife’s life have been drastically altered. We’re no longer a family.”
Rachel, who received a 30-year sentence, apologised during her hearing, claiming she had become “scared and caught up” in the events, but her remorse fell flat for Dave, who dismissed her apology as meaningless. In contrast, Shelia, sentenced to life in prison, showed no remorse, leaving the Neese family grappling with the reality that their daughter’s murderers would remain part of their lives forever.
Despite their unimaginable loss, the Neeses have transformed their grief into action. They actively advocate for legislative changes, particularly concerning Amber Alerts in West Virginia. Skylar’s tragic disappearance prompted the introduction of “Skylar’s Law,” requiring authorities to issue alerts for all missing children without delay, which aims to prevent future tragedies.
In addition to lobbying for systemic changes, the Neeses established Skylar’s Promise—an initiative encouraging students and adults to report any concerns about potential harm to others. They believe that proactive communication can prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Moreover, they created a scholarship fund in Skylar’s name to help support students at West Virginia University pursuing law degrees, thus honouring their daughter’s dreams. Dave noted, “Her dream was to go to law school. That’s what she was going to do.” This initiative not only serves to keep Skylar’s memory alive but also aims to inspire other young people.
The couple has also taken steps to commemorate their daughter with a memorial at the site where her body was discovered, transforming a place of tragedy into one of remembrance. “I wanted to take the horrible thing that happened here and try to turn it into something good,” Dave remarked, demonstrating their resilience in the face of devastation.
While the Neeses continue to find solace in remembering Skylar, they also keep a vigilant eye on her killers. Having spoken out at parole hearings for Rachel—who has been denied early release—they emphasise the broader implications of their actions and the lasting scars inflicted on victims’ families. “When a person commits a crime against another person, the ripple effects behind that can go forever,” Dave explained, illustrating the extensive impact of violent crime.
Today, Dave and Mary Neese remain united in their cause. Their efforts are aimed at ensuring that Skylar’s memory is cherished and that justice is served, not just for their daughter, but for the many victims of violence whose stories remain untold. Their journey of resilience serves as a poignant reminder of the need for awareness and action in the face of incomprehensible loss.