The Legacy of Skylar Neese: How Dave and Mary Neese Keep Their Daughter’s Memory Alive

Dave and Mary Neese continue the fight for their daughter Skylar’s legacy 14 years after her murder. Details on Skylar's Law and the new Hulu documentary.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 7, 2026, 7:52 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from People

A Crime That Shook West Virginia

The story of Skylar Neese remains a harrowing case of betrayal and violence among teenagers. In July 2012, Skylar disappeared from her home in Star City, leaving in a vehicle her parents did not recognize. After six months of desperate searching, the truth emerged when Rachel Shoaf, one of Skylar's two best friends, confessed that she and Shelia Eddy had lured Skylar to the Pennsylvania woods and stabbed her over 50 times. The chillingly simple motive provided by the killers was that they "just didn’t like her" anymore.

Legal Advocacy and Skylar’s Law

Rather than surrendering to despair, Dave and Mary Neese became the catalysts for significant legislative change. After discovering that authorities had not issued an Amber Alert immediately because Skylar was initially categorized as a runaway, they lobbied for a change in protocols. In March 2013, "Skylar’s Law" was passed in West Virginia, requiring authorities to immediately issue alerts for missing children without waiting for proof of abduction. This law is now considered a vital protection for adolescents who may be in immediate danger.

The Skylar’s Promise Initiative and Awareness

Skylar’s parents established the "Skylar’s Promise" initiative, a pledge that encourages youth and adults to report any plans or conversations that could potentially harm someone else. Dave Neese travels to prisons, schools, and churches to share his daughter’s story, emphasizing the "ripple effect" a single crime has on society. Additionally, they established a scholarship fund for law students at West Virginia University, symbolically fulfilling Skylar’s own dream of becoming an attorney.