Summary of "Nobody Should Believe Me" – Episode: Introducing: THREE
Release Date: December 6, 2024
Introduction
In the premiere episode titled "Introducing: THREE" of Nobody Should Believe Me, host Andrea Dunlop delves into the harrowing true crime series "Three" by Waveland Road. This episode explores the tragic case of Skylar Neese, a teenage girl whose disappearance and murder a decade ago left her family and community shattered. Through interviews with friends, family members, law enforcement, and expert commentary, the episode unravels the complexities surrounding the case, shedding light on the dynamics of female friendships and the dark undercurrents that led to Skylar's untimely death.
Background: Skylar Neese's Disappearance
On July 6, 2012, Skylar Neese, a 16-year-old from Morgantown, West Virginia, vanished under mysterious circumstances. Her disappearance initiated a search that would unearth more questions than answers, ultimately revealing a story of deceit, manipulation, and tragic loss.
Andrea Dunlop introduces the series and its significance:
"I loved how they really centered the victim and her family and humanized what could have been an extremely sensationalized story in other hands. The journalism is top notch and this story is so compelling and it really shares many themes with Nobody Should Believe Me."
— Andrea Dunlop [00:09]
The Three Friends: Skylar, Sheila, and Rachel
Skylar's life was intertwined with two other young women, Sheila Eddy and Rachel Shoaf. Each brought distinct personalities and backgrounds to their friendship, creating a dynamic that was both strong and, ultimately, destructive.
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Skylar Neese: A compassionate and empathetic teenager, Skylar was deeply involved in social media, using it as an outlet for her thoughts and emotions. She was an honors student who struggled with subjects she excelled in academically.
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Sheila Eddy: Charismatic and adventurous, Sheila was the ringleader of the trio. Her ability to command and influence the group dynamics played a crucial role in the unfolding events leading to Skylar's disappearance.
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Rachel Shoaf: The dramatic and outgoing member, Rachel added intensity to the group's interactions. Her involvement introduced complexities that would strain the friendship further.
Skylar's Last Days and Social Media Activity
In the months leading up to her disappearance, Skylar's social media activity provided a window into her inner turmoil and the strains within her friendships.
Notable Tweets from Skylar:
"Three of my best friends are going out of town this weekend, leaving me with no plans fml and before going to sleep that night, stress will be the death of me."
— Skylar Neese [20:57]
"Always keep your cool. Coming up on three."
— Skylar Neese [44:31]
These tweets reflect Skylar's growing anxiety and feelings of isolation, hinting at deeper issues within the friendship trio.
The Night of July 6, 2012
On the night of July 6, after working an evening shift at Wendy's, Skylar returned home to find her parents, Dave and Mary Neese, in the living room. After bidding them goodnight, Skylar went to bed wearing a necklace with a gold maple leaf charm—a detail that would later become significant in the investigation.
Dave Neese describes the final moments:
"When you tell her why that... That's serial killer stuff right there. And it's scary as hell. There's somebody that young to be that evil. Are you born with or do you grow into it?"
— Dave Neese [44:57]
The following morning, Skylar did not wake as expected. Her parents discovered her absence and began a frantic search, which ultimately led to the grim discovery of her body months later.
Investigation and Search Efforts
The search for Skylar was extensive yet fraught with challenges. A crucial turning point came when a cadaver dog detected Skylar's necklace near the site where her body was hidden, indicating that Skylar had desired to be found.
Dave Neese recounts the moment of discovery:
"That's how they found Skylar. Skylar wanted to be found. It's amazing. It's truly amazing."
— Dave Neese [13:44]
The location revealed that Skylar had a deep connection with the wilderness, highlighting a possible motive or connection to her abduction and murder.
Impact on Family and Community
Skylar's disappearance and subsequent murder had a profound impact on her family, friends, and the broader community. Her parents, Dave and Mary, were left grappling with unanswered questions and the horrifying reality of their daughter's fate.
Mary Neese shares her perspective:
"She loved to be outside anything outside. She liked to pretend to play ball. She wasn't very good at it, but she... She loved to go to the mall. Of course, every teenager does."
— Mary Neese [16:40]
The community's response included the creation of a memorial site adorned with personal mementos, reflecting the deep sense of loss and the desire to honor Skylar's memory.
Examination of Relationships and Dynamics
The intricate relationships between Skylar, Sheila, and Rachel formed the crux of the investigation. The toxic dynamics and shifting power structures within their friendship ultimately led to tragic consequences.
Aunt Carol Michaud provides insight into the group dynamics:
"Sheilla knew those people, and Skylar tagged along. So what happens in high school? Everyone plays the role. Skylar always reminded me of the girl next door... And it really bothered Skylar, probably more than the other two realized."
— Carol Michaud [25:37]
The podcast explores how societal expectations, peer pressure, and individual vulnerabilities can culminate in catastrophic outcomes.
Insights and Commentary
Andrea Dunlop intersperses the narrative with her reflections on responsible true crime storytelling, emphasizing the importance of survivor-centric narratives and ethical journalism. She also highlights the parallels between the "Three" series and Nobody Should Believe Me, underscoring shared themes of female violence and the challenges in understanding the perpetrators of such heinous acts.
Conclusion and Connection to "Nobody Should Believe Me"
The episode concludes by connecting the detailed exploration of Skylar Neese's case to the broader mission of Nobody Should Believe Me. Andrea Dunlop introduces her new network, True Story Media, aimed at uplifting true crime creators and fostering thoughtful, survivor-centric content.
Andrea Dunlop announces the network's first creator partner:
"Britney is back in 2025 with brand new episodes, this time helping others tell their own stories of betrayal, heartache, and resilience. If you love Nobody Should Believe Me, I think you will also love You Probably Think This Story's About You for its themes of deception, complex family intrigue, and its raw, vulnerable storytelling."
— Andrea Dunlop [34:40]
Notable Quotes
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Andrea Dunlop:
"Podcasting is just the Wild west, y'all, and these experiences are what led me to launch my new network, True Story Media."
[34:40] -
Dave Neese:
"There is somebody that young to be that evil. Are you born with or do you grow into it?"
[44:57] -
Carol Michaud:
"We have 10 brothers and four sisters."
[25:59]
Final Thoughts
"Introducing: THREE" serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of teenage friendships and the devastating impact of unresolved tensions. Through meticulous storytelling and compassionate interviews, the episode not only recounts a tragic event but also invites listeners to reflect on the complexities of human relationships and the importance of empathy and understanding in preventing such tragedies.
For those eager to delve deeper into Skylar Neese's case and the subsequent exploration by Nobody Should Believe Me, this episode sets the stage for a compelling journey into one of true crime's most heartbreaking narratives.