W. Va. teen allegedly killed by "friends"

Skylar Neese, a 16-year-old honors student, vanished July 6, 2012 after slipping out of the bedroom of her Star City, W. Va. home, but few believed she'd run away. The truth emerged on Jan. 3, 2013 when one of Neese's friends admitted plotting with another teenage girl to kill her, a revelation that shocked even police. Two girls that Skylar considered among her best friends, had carried out a plot to stab her to death then bury her in the Pennsylvania woods some 30 miles away. A transcript of a secret plea hearing reveals that 16-year-old Rachel Shoaf told police she and the second girl, later identified as 16-year-old Sheila Eddy, carried out a plan to kill Neese. Shoaf also reportedly led police to where Neese's body was buried. It wasn't until March 2013 that authorities confirmed the body was that of Neese. Shoaf and Eddy allegedly lured Neese out of her family's apartment in the middle of the night, stabbing her to death at an agreed-upon moment and hid her body under branches in a Pennsylvania township about 30 miles away from her house, according to court documents. Shoaf pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on May 1 and awaits sentencing. Eddy, whose identity was initially shrouded by the confidentiality of juvenile court, has been moved to adult court. She has not entered a plea to the murder charge against her.

Rachel Shoaf, 16, left, pleaded guilty to second degree murder in the death of Skylar Neese.

Skylar Neese in an undated personal photo.

A missing poster for Skylar Neese.

Screenshot of a Facebook group for Skylar Neese.