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.

All three episodes became available simultaneously on March 6, 2026, allowing international audiences to engage with the full story without interruption. The series is accessible both through Hulu and via the Hulu bundle available on Disney+.

**International Significance**

While this case is distinctly American, it resonates with audiences globally. Adolescent violence—particularly when perpetrated by peer groups—presents a phenomenon that transcends borders. Countries across Europe, Asia, and beyond have grappled with similar cases involving teenagers who commit serious crimes, often within established friendship networks.

For Scandinavian and international audiences, the case underscores broader questions about youth psychology, social dynamics, and how modern communication—particularly social media—intersects with adolescent behavior. The documentary's emphasis on digital footprints and online interactions may prove especially relevant in Nordic contexts, where digital literacy and social media usage among teenagers are subjects of ongoing public discourse.

**Broader Context**

The West Virginia homicide emerged during an era when documentaries about true crime were beginning to proliferate across streaming platforms. However, the focus on a young victim and her teenage perpetrators positioned the Neese case as particularly significant within the genre. It raised uncomfortable questions about how society understands and addresses violence among minors.

The case also highlighted the role of confession and cooperation within the criminal justice system. Shoaf's decision to confess became instrumental in solving the crime—a reminder that investigative outcomes often depend on the choices made by those involved, even perpetrators.

**Legacy**

More than a decade after Skylar Neese's death, her story continues to provoke discussion about friendship, loyalty, and the darker impulses that can emerge during adolescence. The new Hulu documentary ensures that her name and memory remain in public consciousness, while prompting viewers to reflect on the complexity of teenage relationships and the potential for tragedy that can lurk within seemingly ordinary social circles.

For international viewers unfamiliar with this American case, "Friends Like These" offers an entry point into a narrative that, despite its geographic specificity, speaks to universal concerns about youth, violence, and the fragility of trust.