Teen Friend Murder Case Gets New Documentary Treatment on Hulu

On July 6, 2012, 16-year-old Skylar Neese vanished from her home in Star City, West Virginia. Months of searching followed before investigators uncovered a grim truth: the girl had been stabbed to death by two of her closest friends, also teenagers at the time of the crime.

Now, more than a decade later, the case has become the subject of a new documentary series titled "Friends Like These," which premiered on Hulu on March 6, 2026. The three-part production examines one of America's more disturbing cases of adolescent violence—one that raises uncomfortable questions about friendship, manipulation, and the capacity for harm among young people.

**The Crime and Its Aftermath**

Skylar's killers were identified as Sheila Eddy and Rachel Shoaf, both age 16 when they committed the murder. The circumstances surrounding the crime remain deeply troubling: two friends turned predators, a victim whose body was hidden, and a community left reeling by the betrayal.

Rachel Shoaf was among the first to break silence, confessing to the killing and providing authorities with crucial information that led them to Skylar's remains. In January 2014, Sheila Eddy entered a guilty plea to first-degree murder. One month later, Shoaf pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, a distinction that reflects the legal system's assessment of her role in the crime.

**Documentary Approach**

The Hulu series distinguishes itself by centering Skylar's voice and perspective. Rather than focusing solely on the perpetrators or sensationalizing the violence, "Friends Like These" weaves together social media posts, personal interviews, and Skylar's own words to create a multifaceted narrative. The production includes perspectives from those directly involved—both the offenders and those affected by the tragedy—offering viewers a more nuanced understanding of how such crimes unfold.