Sweat, Blood, Tears, and All | Chapter 7

Summary

Three: Episode 7 - "Sweat, Blood, Tears, and All"

Host/Authors: Justine Harman and Holly Millay
Release Date: March 22, 2024
Podcast: Three by Waveland

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Overview

In the seventh episode of Three, titled "Sweat, Blood, Tears, and All," Justine Harman and Holly Millay delve deep into the harrowing trial and sentencing of Sheila Eddy and Rachel Shoaf for the tragic murder of Skylar Neese. This episode provides a comprehensive look at the courtroom drama, the emotional toll on Skylar's family, and the intricate legal maneuvers that unfolded over the ten-year investigation.

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1. Setting the Stage: The Crime and Investigation [00:02 – 06:36]

The episode begins by recounting the fateful night of July 6th, 2012, when Skylar Neese disappeared in the Appalachian woods. The story swiftly transitions to the aftermath, highlighting the initial investigation challenges and the breakthrough that came when Rachel Shoaf, Skylar's close friend, confessed to her role in the murder.

Notable Quote:

Rachel Shoaf [04:25]: “You name it, I've done it.”

This statement underscores Rachel's extensive background with serious crimes, hinting at the complexity of her character and her involvement in the case.

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2. Sheila Eddy's Trial and Guilty Plea [06:36 – 16:45]

The narrative shifts to the courtroom in Morgantown, West Virginia, where Sheila Eddy stands trial for first-degree murder. The atmosphere is tense, with Skylar’s parents, Dave and Mary Neese, present, visibly distraught.

Key Moments:

• Sheila Eddy's Appearance: Described as appearing much different from her public persona, Sheila comes into court in plain attire, devoid of the confidence and charm previously displayed.

• Guilty Plea: Instead of fighting the charges, Sheila chooses to plead guilty. This decision shocks many, including those who witnessed her earlier court appearances portraying a confident defiance.

Notable Quotes:

Sheila Eddy [11:12]: “Guilty.”

Dave Neese [11:27]: “The person sitting before you, Scott, her so-called friend, took her away from us without any remorse or feelings...”

Dave's heartfelt testimony highlights the profound loss and the enduring pain inflicted on Skylar's family.

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3. Rachel Shoaf's Sentencing and Plea Deal [17:33 – 35:54]

Rachel Shoaf’s courtroom appearance marks another pivotal moment in the case. After Sheila's sentencing, Rachel faces her own sentencing for second-degree murder, following her plea deal.

Key Points:

• Rachel's Statement: Rachel expresses remorse, attempting to convey her regret and the internal conflict that led to her actions.

• Prosecutor Marcia Ashdown's Argument: Emphasizes the severity of Rachel's crime despite her cooperation, arguing for a substantial sentence.

Notable Quotes:

Rachel Shoaf [22:02]: “I hurt the Nees family and those who love Skylar... I pray each day for forgiveness.”

Prosecuting Attorney Marcia Ashdown [34:32]: “There is no proper sentence other than an adult sentence.”

Ultimately, Rachel is sentenced to 30 years in an adult prison, with eligibility for parole after 10 years, reflecting the court's stance on her culpability despite her cooperation.

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4. Emotional Impact on Skylar's Family [13:16 – 26:46]

The episode poignantly captures the devastating impact of Skylar's murder on her family. Through emotional testimonies, the Neese family conveys their anguish and the void left by Skylar's absence.

Highlights:

• Victim Impact Statements: Delivered by Dave Neese and his younger brother Michael, these statements provide a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the family's suffering.

• Family's Plea: Dave urges the court to impose the harshest sentences on both Sheila and Rachel, emphasizing the irreversible loss and ongoing pain.

Notable Quotes:

Dave Neese [15:20]: “Skylar fought that night for her life and now she's gone... She has nothing but blatant disregard for human life.”

Michael Neese [24:21]: “Every time he was driving, his wife would tell him to look for Skylar...”

These powerful testimonies underscore the enduring trauma and the relentless search for justice by Skylar's loved ones.

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5. Legal Insights and Confessions [27:11 – 33:38]

The episode offers a detailed examination of the legal strategies and forensic evidence that solidified the convictions of both perpetrators.

Key Aspects:

• Confessions: Rachel's detailed confession provided critical insights into the motives and dynamics between the two culprits.

• Forensic Evidence: The use of luminol revealed Skylar's blood on Sheila's car, serving as irrefutable evidence of the crime.

Notable Quotes:

Mike Benninger [33:07]: “Blood transfer would go a long, long way... blood goes for a long way.”

Rachel Shoaf [31:26]: “We stabbed her... the noises stopped.”

These elements illustrate the meticulous nature of the investigation and the undeniable proof that led to the convictions.

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6. Lingering Questions and Community Reaction [37:07 – 38:27]

Despite the legal closure, questions about the true motives behind the murder remain unresolved. The community and even the judge express confusion and a lack of understanding regarding the perpetrators' motivations.

Notable Quotes:

Judge Russell Clodges [38:09]: “I can't give you an actual and honest answer as to why.”

Ashley Flowers [38:27]: “What bothers me the most is she was very verbal... Why was she not that way with those two?”

These reflections highlight the lingering mystery and the incomprehensible nature of the crime, leaving both the community and the podcast hosts seeking answers.

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Conclusion

Episode 7 of Three masterfully intertwines legal proceedings with the emotional fallout of a tragic murder. Through detailed courtroom accounts, heartfelt family testimonies, and incisive legal analysis, Justine Harman and Holly Millay provide listeners with a profound understanding of the complexities surrounding Skylar Neese's case. The episode not only chronicles the pursuit of justice but also poignantly captures the lasting scars left on those who loved Skylar.

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Final Thoughts: The episode leaves listeners contemplating the profound loss and the enigmatic motivations behind such a brutal act. As the series progresses, Three promises to unravel more layers of this chilling case, offering both closure and deeper insights into the darkest aspects of human behavior.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Rachel Shoaf [04:25]: “You name it, I've done it.”
• Sheila Eddy [11:12]: “Guilty.”
• Dave Neese [11:27]: “The person sitting before you, Scott, her so-called friend, took her away from us without any remorse or feelings...”
• Rachel Shoaf [22:02]: “I hurt the Nees family and those who love Skylar... I pray each day for forgiveness.”
• Prosecuting Attorney Marcia Ashdown [34:32]: “There is no proper sentence other than an adult sentence.”
• Dave Neese [15:20]: “Skylar fought that night for her life and now she's gone... She has nothing but blatant disregard for human life.”
• Michael Neese [24:21]: “Every time he was driving, his wife would tell him to look for Skylar...”
• Mike Benninger [33:07]: “Blood transfer would go a long, long way... blood goes for a long way.”
• Rachel Shoaf [31:26]: “We stabbed her... the noises stopped.”
• Judge Russell Clodges [38:09]: “I can't give you an actual and honest answer as to why.”
• Ashley Flowers [38:27]: “What bothers me the most is she was very verbal... Why was she not that way with those two?”

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If you found this summary insightful, consider following Three by Waveland for more in-depth explorations of true crime cases.

Transcript

[Ashley Flowers]

Hi everyone. I'm Ashley Flowers.

[Britt]

And I'm Britt.

[Ashley Flowers]

And every Monday we bring you a new episode of our number one true crime podcast, Crime Junkie, where we dive into all the gripping cases, from mysterious deaths to missing person cases to the headlines. Solved, unsolved, you name it.

[Britt]

And this year we're bringing you Crime Junkie in a whole new way. Live on tour.

[Ashley Flowers]

That's right, we're hitting the road for a nationwide tour, traveling all over the country to bring you a seriously wild case for an in person investigative experience like you've never seen before.

[Britt]

We truly cannot wait to see you there, but tickets are selling fast, so don't wait.

[Ashley Flowers]

Yeah, a couple of venues are already close to being sold out, so head to crimejunkiepodcast.com to grab your tickets before they're gone. That is crimejunkie podcast.com we'll see you soon.

[Marcia Ashdown]

Netcredit is here to say yes to a personal loan or line of credit when other lenders say no, apply in minutes and get a decision as soon as the same day. Loans offered by NetCredit or lending partner banks and serviced by NetCredit application subject to review and approval. Learn more@netcredit credit.com partners NetCredit Credit to the People this new year, enrich your life by learning a new language with Rosetta Stone. Their immersive courses ensure long term language retention and their True accent feature even gives you pronunciation feedback. Plus, Rosetta Stone's flexible learning options let you learn anywhere, anytime. Start the new year off with a resolution you can reach today. Listeners can get 50% off Rosetta Stone's lifetime membership by visiting RosettaStone.com pod50 that's 50% off unlimited access to 25 language courses for the rest of your life. Visit RosettaStone.com pod50 this cold and flu season, Instacart is here to help deliver all of your sick day essentials. Whether you're in prevention mode and need vitamins, hand sanitizer and that lemon tea your nana swears by, or you're in.

[Holly Millay]

Healing mode and need medicine, soup and a lot more tissues.

[Marcia Ashdown]

Simply download the Instacart app to get sick day supplies that reinvigorate or relieve. Delivered in as fast as 30 minutes. Plus enjoy. $0 delivery fees on your first three orders. Excludes restaurant orders. Service fees and terms apply. This podcast is intended for mature audiences. Listener discretion is adv.

[Britt]

The morning of May 1, 2013, just hours before Sheila Eddy was arrested by FBI Agent Morgan Spurlock in the Cracker Barrel parking lot Rachel Shoaf was allowed one final act of freedom. She was permitted to drive herself downtown, to surrender to authorities.

[Judge Russell Clodges]

Skyler's close friend, 16 year old Rachel Shoaff has admitted to planning the murder and stabbing the victim in a remote part of Wayne Township, Pennsylvania.

[Britt]

Her next door neighbor, Kim Keener, who for so many months had been in denial about the teen's involvement in Skylar's disappearance, watched Rachel leave the cul de sac one last time.

[Ashley Flowers]

The last I saw of her, it was the day she was going to court, the day they were taking her. She had finally gotten her license. For kids, I just love when the kids get their license and learn to drive. That was always bad for her that she didn't drive, you know, so anyway, and she drove herself to court. She's in a pretty white shirt. She backed out and gave me a wave in the rearview mirror as she drove herself into court to be taken away for murder. I thought I was going to choke and I just stood there. But that's the last time I've seen her. So it was sad.

[Britt]

16 year old Rachel Shoaf, seen here in this picture from the examiner, smiling along with her friend.

[Holly Millay]

Skyler admitted she killed her, but she.

[Britt]

Said she did not do it alone.

[Holly Millay]

From Waveland, I'm Holly Millay.

[Britt]

And I'm Justine Harmon. This is three Episode seven Sweat, Blood, Tears and All.

[Mike Benninger]

So you talked about you've represented child pornographers and murderers and rapists.

[Rachel Shoaf]

You name it, I've done it.

[Holly Millay]

Back in September 2023, our producer Jason Hoak sat down with attorney Mike Benninger in his Morgantown law office to talk about the role of a criminal defense.

[Rachel Shoaf]

Attorney over hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of clients who have committed serious crimes. I'm talking about felony level crimes, imprisonable crimes. Those people have demonstrated and said to me I did not feel or I did not believe or I did not understand that those rules applied to me. And if they did, I don't care because I had an emotional state that I wanted to intentionally do something. Every one of them have conveyed to me in words or actions or otherwise that they didn't believe the rules of good public policy legislated upon them in governing all of us in a civilized society applied to them and if it did, they didn't care.

[Holly Millay]

Beninger is a big guy with black hair, dark eyes and a booming voice, super smart and grandly self effacing. He's a real character right out of a movie. His wife Barbara is his partner in Benninger law firm which specializes in personal injury and medical malpractice and defendants in deep trouble. Which is why Sheila Eddy hired him.

[Rachel Shoaf]

Well, I was engaged well before she was charged. I was her lawyer when she was being investigated. She and others were being investigated. I don't remember how many months, but it would have been months to a year before, and I have worked with her since her sentencing. In confinement. Once you're someone's lawyer, you're always their lawyer, because if something comes up that's related to that particular case, they usually.

[Holly Millay]

Call back in January 2014 when I first landed in Morgantown, West Virginia, it was like dropping into a snow globe. The woods all around were covered in white, surrounding a picturesque downtown below. It was freezing, the packed snow crunching underfoot. In the historic district was the beautiful abandoned art deco Warner theater where the movie marquee was still showing the last film, the Kids Are all right. It was just down the street from the Monongalia Courthouse, this imposing red brick and stone structure built in 1891. Back then the courtyard had a public whipping post, stocks and pillories. The time on the clock tower was close to 1pm and people were filing in to watch Sheila Eddy's murder trial begin inside the courtroom of Judge Russell Clodges. The benches were filled with spectators wearing purple, Skyler's favorite color. Mary Neese was sitting in the gallery, a box of tissues at her feet. Dave sat next to her, gripping her hand. On the other side sat Tara Eddy and her husband, Jim Clenanden, both pale, looking shocked, staring straight ahead. The audio system rigged to accommodate the press room down the hall was picking up a staticky radio station so that Stephie Wonder sang Isn't She Lovely? As Sheila entered the room. She was shackled at the waist, wearing a short sleeved orange prison jumpsuit with a long sleeved black T shirt underneath and white socks and sandals. Her hair was pulled back in a low, loose ponytail. She wore rectangular reading glasses just like the ones Skylar would sometimes wear. I was struck by how small Sheila was and how young she looked without makeup.

[Britt]

She was not the teen in all those selfies, smiling and posing and full of herself. She was not even the teen who had appeared four months earlier at her arraignment with her long hair down parted on the side, looking self assured and pleading, not guilty, then smiling towards the gallery and flipping her hair over her shoulder as she sat back down. And while the following month at her pre trial hearing, she appeared more somber, here today she was so average everyone in the room had been eager to watch a trial to hear Sheila speak, to hear what she could possibly say to defend herself against the charge of first degree murder. Everyone also wanted to watch Sheila face off against her co conspirator and former best friend, Rachel Shovel, who as part of her plea deal, was now the state's star witness. But for once, Sheila decided not to fight. She would own up to killing Skyler. She had to. As Benninger stated at the beginning of.

[Rachel Shoaf]

The proceedings, we have thoughtfully, carefully and in unison with Sheila Eddy and her family have evaluated every piece of paper, literally every piece of paper, every video, every audio recording provided to us in discovery, pretrial procedures, and I have found negligible, if any, factual basis upon which to develop a defense in this conspiracy.

[Britt]

Case, with the exception of yes, sir, guilty. The girl who'd sent 4374 tweets had nothing to say for herself. Her attorney spoke for her.

[Rachel Shoaf]

I can state without hesitation or reservation that all concerned must know and understand that Sheila Eddy, my client and her family recognize that the Neece family is in a constant state of despair, loneliness and sadness as a result of Skylar's death. For that, Sheila Eddy and her family are and will be eternally sorry.

[Judge Russell Clodges]

Sheila Eddy, how do you plead to the offense of murder in the first degree of the felony charged in count three of the indictment in this case?

[Ashley Flowers]

Guilty.

[Judge Russell Clodges]

The record will reflect that the defendant has entered a plea of guilty to the offense of murder in the first degree of the felony charged in count three of the indictment in this case. What would the State have expected to prove in this case if it had gone to trial?

[David Neese]

Your Honor, on The night of July 5th and 6th, 2012, Skylar Neece disappeared and was never seen alive again.

[Britt]

Prosecuting Attorney Marcia Ashdown continued, at a.

[David Neese]

Trial, the state's evidence would prove that Skylar's disappearance and death were the result of a conspiracy between Sheila Eddy and Rachel Shoaf to rid themselves of their friend Skylar by killing her. We have also recently received a report from the FBI laboratory that shows that a vertebrae of Skylar that was collected from the scene of the murder shows evidence of injury that is consistent with having been caused by a knife blade.

[Holly Millay]

Judge Clodges, stoic, handsome, silver haired and bearded, turned his attention to Sheila.

[Judge Russell Clodges]

Ms. Eddie, have you heard what the prosecutor said the state's evidence would be?

[Skylar Neese]

Yes, sir.

[Judge Russell Clodges]

Is that substantially correct?

[Marcia Ashdown]

Yes, sir.

[Judge Russell Clodges]

Is that what happened?

[Holly Millay]

Yes, sir.

[Judge Russell Clodges]

Miss Eddie, are you entering a plea of guilty to the offense of murder in the first degree, the felony charged in count three of this indictment? Because you are in Fact guilty of this offense?

[Ashley Flowers]

Yes, sir.

[Judge Russell Clodges]

Zetti, at this time, I would advise you of your right to allocution. That is your right to make any statement that you might wish the court to consider before it passes sentence in this matter. Do you have anything that you wish to say at this time?

[Rachel Shoaf]

Your Honor, on behalf of my client, she asked that she be permitted to remain silent.

[Holly Millay]

Then Skylar's Aunt Carol spoke of all the hopes and dreams Sheila had taken away from her sister Mary. From Skylar's prom to graduation, having a wedding, being a grandmother. Many in the gallery were crying. Next, Dave Neese walked up and stood at the prosecutor's table where Prosecuting Attorney Marcia Ashdown and Assistant Prosecuting attorney Perry Jo DeChristopher were both seated.

[Judge Russell Clodges]

My name is David Neese. Mom. Scholar's father. I'm here today with my wife Mary. I speak to you on behalf of my daughter because she can't be here. On July 6, she made a decision to leave our house, go through a window and supposedly go with two friends. And I use that term. I'm sure you know what I mean. When we learned that she was missing, we immediately went to the Star City Police who couldn't do anything with us, so they just listed her as a runaway. Since that date, my life, my wife's life has dressed, looked drastically altered. We are no longer a family. The person sitting before you, Scott, her so called friend, took her away from us without any remorse or feelings. You can look into the eyes of those who are responsible, but you can never hear what they heard as they were taking her life. You can see the faces of the killer, but you can't see Scotter's faces. You can never understand the fear that she must have had as they took a knife and ended her life. You cannot imagine the pain that Scotter must have felt and the pain that Mary and I now feel. Your Honor, Scott deserves to be your face.

[Britt]

Alex Lang recalls being there, reporting for the Dominion Post.

[Ashley Flowers]

The way she acted just seemed devoid.

[Mike Benninger]

Of most human emotions. I never saw any remorse. Sheila is a psychopath. I have no doubt of it in my mind. If she didn't kill Skyler, she would.

[Ashley Flowers]

Have killed somebody else in her life.

[Mike Benninger]

I say that because I always viewed Rachel as more of a follower. I think Sheila was the one that came up with the idea and Rachel kind of went along with it.

[Britt]

Today, what we do know is that Sheila Eddy pleaded to the first degree murder of the girl that she once called her best friend, Skyler Neese. The judge took it all in and made his determination.

[Judge Russell Clodges]

Sheila Eddy for your conviction of the offense of Murder in the First Degree. Upon your plea of guilty, it is the sentence of the court that you've been imprisoned in the West Virginia State Penitentiary for the rest of your natural life, consistent with requirements of the Constitution of the United States. That sentence is technically with mercy, which makes you eligible for parole after you have served 15 years.

[Marcia Ashdown]

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[Holly Millay]

The morning of May 1st, after surrendering to law enforcement, Rachel Shoaf, in the presence of her lawyer John Angatti and prosecuting attorney Marcia Ashdown, signed a simple two page guilty plea to murder in the second degree. A month after Sheila was sentenced, I was back in the same courtroom for Rachel's sentencing. She faced up to 40 years in prison. But regardless, given her plea deal and the fact that she was only 16 at the time of the murder, Rachel at most would serve only 15 years. There were those in town who found the sentence too light, given the nature of the crime, but Marcia Ashdown and Perry Jo DeChristopher had their reasons.

[David Neese]

We had to take into account the fact that Rachel had been the first one to come forward. The belief at that time was that if she hadn't caved in, the case would have gone on and on unsolved. Potentially. After so much time passes, even in a terrible incident like that or a child gone missing, people move on and it's not on the front of people's minds anymore. It's, you know, it takes a back seat and then more and more time passes and then maybe people begin to forget about it. The case goes cold. The investigation has reached a point where it can't continue and so that was the deal that was made with Rachel Sho for her cooperation.

[Holly Millay]

If she hadn't given that statement, if the whole prosecution had taken place, beginning to end without her giving a statement, without her testifying at trial, there would have been no way for us or law enforcement to know the details of the murder. But for that statement, that prosecution could have gone without any detail from her. It would have only had to been put together by evidence that we had.

[David Neese]

Which was super limited as to why she blurted out that we stabbed her, as opposed to coming up with a milder version of what what happened. They know they just need to come clean. And whoever comes in first to come clean might be in a better position than the one who didn't come in from the cold. So that's really how that happened.

[Holly Millay]

Those sitting in the gallery were familiar as we'd all seen each other at Sheila's sentencing in January. People chatted, waiting for the proceedings to begin. When Judge Clodges came in and delivered a scolding lecture. It has come to my attention from a reliable source. People in the courtroom were tweeting or texting photographs during the proceedings. Was there anybody texting or tweeting or taking any photographs? Head swiveled, not a hand was raised. With that settled, the back door opened and Rachel Shoaf, shackled and outfitted in orange like Sheila, entered and walked up the center aisle. She was also nearly unrecognizable, having gained weight. Her face was doughy and her beautiful long red hair had been cut to her shoulders. Her mother, Patricia, and father Rusty, sat just behind her, clearly distressed.

[Judge Russell Clodges]

We are here this morning in the case of State of West Virginia versus Rachel Shoaf's defendant. It's case number 13F88. This matter is set for sentencing. The record will reflect the presence of the State of West Virginia. By Marcia Ashdown, prosecuting attorney, married to Christopher, Assistant prosecuting attorney.

[Holly Millay]

Rachel's lawyer, John Angotti, stood and addressed the judge.

[Judge Russell Clodges]

Rachel would like to speak to the.

[Britt]

Court first, and then I would like.

[Judge Russell Clodges]

To follow up after she's finished with her statement. Okay, everyone. Shofi would advise you at this time if you're right.

[Holly Millay]

Rachel stood and turned and locked eyes with Mary and Dave, then read to them what she'd written.

[Skylar Neese]

I'm so sorry. I don't know if there's a proper way to make this apology, because there are not even words to describe the guilt and remorse that I feel each day for what I've done.

[Holly Millay]

Turning back, she faced the judge and kept going.

[Skylar Neese]

The person that did. That was not the real me, not the person I am, not what I'm made of and not what I believe in. I don't think I ever thought this would actually happen.

[Holly Millay]

A subtle squirmy energy filled the room. You could see people side eye one another, press elbows with their neighbors and steal glances over to Mary and Dave.

[Skylar Neese]

I became scared and caught up in something that I did not want to do. I never realized the gravity of my actions and how many people I've hurt. I hurt the Nees family and those who love Skylar. I hurt my parents and shamed my family. I hurt my extended family and all of my friends who loved me. I hurt my teachers and those who believed in me. I hurt my church family, my community and those who trusted me. And I hurt my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May God bring eternal peace to Skylar and the entire niece family. Again, I'm so sorry and I pray each day for everyone involved and I pray each day for forgiveness.

[Holly Millay]

As Rachel was reading, Dave stared at her, his face tight as a fist. Mary, looking down, wept quietly.

[Britt]

With that, Rachel sat down and wiped away tears with a Kleenex as her lawyer spoke of her, quote, genuine remorse and empathy for the Neese family, noting that it would be, quote, detrimental to Rachel's health to place her in a prison with Sheila Eddy. At the next table, Assistant Prosecuting attorney Perry Jo DeChristopher sat stone faced with her arms folded across her chest. Next to her, lead prosecutor Marcia Ashdown looked locked and loaded, ready to speak, armed with the details of Rachel's confession and law enforcement evidence. But first, members of Skylar's family would give victim impact statements. Two sheriff's deputies quietly appeared between where Rachel was sitting and Dave Neese stood. He was brief, saying how their lives had been a living hell since Skylar disappeared, and he asked Judge Claudges to sentence Rachel to 40 years plus.

[Holly Millay]

Lastly, Dave niece's younger brother Michael approached the lectern. He spoke for over 10 minutes about how he'd xeroxed 200 missing persons flyers and handed them out in the Kroger parking lot and tucked them under windshield wipers on cars. He didn't know that tears were rolling down his cheeks until a shopper stopped and asked him if he was okay. He said every time he was driving his wife would tell him to look for Skylar, she could be walking on the side of the road and that he still looks for her. He spoke of the only time he went to Skylar's site and how Dave and Mary stood by the oak tree where she was found. He could hear them sniffling. Mary, talking to Skylar, said, I always told you to never sneak out. And Dave, so sad, said, you see where that got you? Michael was crying hard now, barely able to speak. Then he recalled the last time he saw Skylar was at his mother's funeral and she ran over to him and hugged him so hard she put a kink in his neck. Mary was weeping. Many in the courtroom were crying, including Rachel, who covered her face in her hands.

[Judge Russell Clodges]

I know in my heart Skylar fought that night for her life and now she's gone. Your Honor, I'm here today to fight for her as hard as she did to stay alive. The admitted murder sitting here today has nothing but blatant disregard for human life and deserves the maximum sentence for her role, and I quote, this extremely horrific and vile crime she committed on my niece. She may have admitted to murder, but at what cost, you, Honor? Showing no emotion or care in the world for six months.

[David Neese]

Should be dealt.

[Judge Russell Clodges]

With with no compassion towards her because she never gave Skylar one ounce of mercy.

[Holly Millay]

He concluded with a single quote, those.

[Judge Russell Clodges]

Given to harming others bear within themselves the seeds of their own destruction. Thank you very much.

[Ashley Flowers]

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[Britt]

Learn [e-mail] partners NetCredit credit to the.

[Marcia Ashdown]

People this New Year enrich your life by learning a new language with Rosetta Stone. Their immersive courses ensure long term language retention and their true accent feature even gives you pronunciation feedback. Plus, Rosetta Stone's FLE learning options let you learn anywhere, anytime. Start the new year off with a resolution you can reach today. Listeners can get 50% off Rosetta Stone's lifetime membership by visiting RosettaStone.com pod50 that's 50% off unlimited access to 25 language courses for the rest of your life. Visit RosettaStone.com pod50.

[Britt]

The last to speak for Skylar was prosecutor Marcia Ashdown. She wore a black suit, white button down shirt and black and white scarf. The courtroom fell silent as she stood and walked to the lectern.

[David Neese]

This is what Rachel Shoaf finally told police on January 3, 2013 and this is information from the documentation of her statement to police on that day. She said, we stabbed her, referring to herself and Sheila Eddy. They killed Skylar because the girls always fought with Skylar and she was quote in the way of the friendship between Rachel and Sheila.

[Britt]

In an even tone, Ashdown recounted the events starting in the spring of 2012, when Sheila and Rachel sat in science class complaining about Skylar and Rachel joked, we should kill her and how. At that moment, the decision was made. Rachel and Sheila discussed methods of murdering Skylar without access to firearms. They decided on knives. As reflected in their tweets during the last months of school, the conflict intensified and the idea took hold. That first week of June, when Sheila and Skylar were on vacation in Myrtle Beach, Their fighting escalated and once again they came to physical blows. Back in Morgantown, Sheila told Rachel, and the two decided to kill Skylar before Rachel left for church camp in July. Having set the stage, Marcia Ashdown then detailed what happened the night of the crime. Those in the gallery who'd attended Sheila's sentencing were braced for what they'd heard then, but still couldn't believe. Those hearing the facts for the first time were sat, stunned. The temperature on that terrible night, July 5, 2012, was in the 90s, dropping to 80 degrees after midnight. Hot as it was, Rachel and Sheila wore hoodies under which they had knives Sheila brought from her mother's house. In the car trunk were a change of clothes, cleaning supplies, and the shovel Rachel took from her father's garage. Once, in brave Pennsylvania, they were walking into the woods to get high when Skylar turned to go back to the car for her lighter. Rachel initiated the violence with their practiced on three command. 1, 2, 3. At one point during the frenzy, Skylar got away, but Rachel tackled her. In the struggle, Skylar managed to take Rachel's knife and cut her below the knee. But Sheila caught up with them, and Skylar could not escape them both. Then Marsha Ashdown added a detail no one had heard before, the image of which is unshakable.

[David Neese]

Rachel Shoaf described the scene as having lots of blood and was never cleaned up following the attack, and blood remained on the gravel Ripple Road. Rachel Shoaff estimated that skylar was stabbed 10 times before she died, and she explained that during the attack, Skylar Neese's neck made weird sounds and they both continued to stab her until those noises stopped.

[Britt]

Ashdown said that during the commission of that murder, Eddie and Rachel Shoaff stabbed Skyler with kitchen knives that they'd hidden on their bodies and that the two.

[Skylar Neese]

Girls stood over Skylar's body until the very last breath.

[Holly Millay]

As horrific and exact as Rachel's confession had been, she did not admit the actual number of times they'd assaulted Skills Skyler. That was determined by the FBI's forensic pathologist who examined the Knick marks on her bones? Chris Berry.

[Mike Benninger]

Again, stuff against Marsha. She's going to base on Rachel. But we, we learned it was over 50 times. That was from the mouth. The medical examiner himself even quit counting because her assignment, she goes, we know we're at 50, but he goes, it could be more. I couldn't figure that out. Wow. We couldn't find the knives. Well, the girls wouldn't tell us where the knives were. Honey and I, we looked and looked. But I mean, he got to the point, he's like, fuck it. We got the confession.

[Britt]

After the FBI seized Sheila's car on January 9, they sprayed the trunk with luminol. And there inside, Skyler's blood, DNA lit up in fluorescent blue. That was the ultimate evidence of the murder and who had committed it. Skylar's DNA, unseen by the naked eye, had survived not only the July, August and September heat, but also Sheila and Rachel's rigorous cleanup job after the crime.

[Mike Benninger]

Readers are sloppy about it. Blood transfer would go a long, long way. Our crime scene, I could pricked my thumb, go over and put on that post right by that plate and five years from now you can go test it and still prove it's me by my DNA. So blood goes for a long way. If they don't light this table, this fingerprint will stay here for another two years and you can still lift it. You could actually use the sweat the DNA off of it and prove it's me. Sweat, blood, tears and all.

[Britt]

While Rachel's lawyer, John Anne Gotti, had argued that Rachel should be sentenced to a juvenile detention facility until she turned 18, citing that her confession had solved the case, Marcia Ashdown countered that argument. She ended her statement to the judge with these words.

[David Neese]

Rachel Shoaff began to understand how she needed to and how she might be able to reduce her excellent exposure. That's when she came in from the cold alone. And first, that's when she confessed for a price. She sold her confession to police for the ultimate bargain of her plea to second degree murder in West Virginia. That's what happens to solve some criminal cases. To the extent that Rachel Shoes confess, for which she extracted this benefit, assisted the investigation, she has been compensated by the agreement for her plea to second degree murder and therewith her sentence of substantially less than a life term. That is her reward and it is more than sufficient, surely for this oh, so adult crime of cold blooded planned premeditated murder. There is no proper sentence other than an adult sentence.

[Britt]

Judge Clodges agreed. For her conviction of murder in the second degree, he sentenced Rachel Shoaf to 30 years in an adult prison, which would make her eligible for parole in 10.

[Holly Millay]

Marcia Ashdown's stood in the back of the room with the Neece family, surrounded by reporters and answered questions.

[Judge Russell Clodges]

In the catalog of cases that cross your desk, how would you characterize this one?

[David Neese]

Well, murders are murders, and every murder is a loss to a family. It's a tragedy. This has been definitely up a few more notches because of the youthfulness of Skylar, our victim, and the youthfulness of these girls and the evil character of it that really, I'd say, wants again, I cannot understand. No one can understand that. And it's hard to look at, it's hard to think about. And I don't know what to say beyond that. I think everyone agrees that it's a horror.

[Britt]

Kelly Kearns, who'd written a character reference on behalf of Rachel to the judge, recalls seeing Alex Lang's overnight coverage in the Dominion Post.

[Ashley Flowers]

I had to go to school the next day, and I took the newspaper with me, and I was subbing and I opened it, and there across our newspaper with giant bold letters, it said guilty. And it had Rachel's picture. And I pretty much dropped to the ground. And they had to get a sub for the sub because I could not. I could not wrap my head around it. It was. I just, I. Till I saw those words, I just could not believe.

[Britt]

That.

[Ashley Flowers]

She actually did this.

[Holly Millay]

At the end of the day, the big question was still unanswered. Why did Sheila and Rachel go to the extreme of killing Skylar? As Ronnie Gaskins told me in 2014.

[Judge Russell Clodges]

That'S something that I asked Rachel on.

[Mike Benninger]

The day of her confession.

[Judge Russell Clodges]

And her only response was, we didn't like her. I knew there was more to it than just that. But to this day, I can't give you an actual and honest answer as to why.

[Ashley Flowers]

What bothers me the most is she was very verbal. I mean, if she. She didn't agree with something, she was very verbal about it. So why was she not that way with those two? It's like she let them run over her and guide her. I mean, just like them having their little tete a tete and having Skyler locked in the room with them. And you know why? I cannot see Skylar allowing that. That blows my mind, that it doesn't seem like Skylar to me, but. And even the night she snuck out, if they were truly having those issues that all the kids are saying they would school and all this, why in the world would she go with them.

[Britt]

Next time on three.

[Ashley Flowers]

Every day. We see each other all day. They're on the yard together all the time. When Rachel first got there, Sheila cuts her out for telling on her publicly.

[Britt]

Like there were a lot of people witnessed. Who witnessed.

[Holly Millay]

Oh yes.

[Ashley Flowers]

Oh yes. There is no secrets in prison.

[Judge Russell Clodges]

We are coming to you through Google Meets through video to the Lake and Correctional Center. Ma'am, are you Rachel shoaf with the doc number 3573506 and a date of.

[Britt]

Birth of Date of birth of June 10, 1996?

[David Neese]

Yes sir.

[Judge Russell Clodges]

And may my records indicate this is.

[Britt]

Your first time up in front of.

[Judge Russell Clodges]

The parole board on this charge, Is that correct?

[Skylar Neese]

Yes sir.

[Britt]

Three is an original production of Waveland. The series is created and written by Holly Millay and me, Justine Harmon. The executive producer is Jason Hoak who produced and edited the series. Associate producers are Lydia Horne and Leo Culp. Fact Checking by Lydia Horne, sound engineering by Shane Freeman, music by Robert Ellis, Studio Recording at CDM Studios in New York and Wildwood's Picture and Sound in Los Angeles. Special thanks to Dave and Mary Neese in the city of Morgantown, West Virginia. If you love the series, leave a review and please tell your friends. Follow Waveland on Instagram avelandmedia for more on this series and upcoming new shows. Thanks for.

[Judge Russell Clodges]

Foreign.

[Britt]

Netcredit is here to.

[Ashley Flowers]

Say yes because you're more than a credit score. Apply in minutes and get a decision as soon as the same day. Loans offered by NetCredit or lending partner banks and service by NetCredit application subject to review and approval.

[Britt]

Learn more at netcredit.com partners netcredit credit.

[Marcia Ashdown]

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