Dateline NBC “Something Wicked” April 7 2024 Recap & Preview
Get ready for a chilling two-hour special on “Dateline” titled “Something Wicked,” airing on Sunday, April 7 at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT. Esteemed journalist Andrea Canning takes viewers on a harrowing journey into the mysterious disappearance of Skylar Neese, a case that shook the quiet town of Star City, West Virginia.
Skylar Neese was a beloved daughter, and her sudden vanishing left her family devastated. Initially, authorities believed she had run away, but as the investigation progressed, troubling hints on social media hinted at a darker truth behind her disappearance.
In this special broadcast, viewers will hear firsthand accounts from Skylar’s parents, Mary and Dave Neese, as they grapple with the unimaginable loss of their daughter. Officer Jessica Colebank sheds light on the early stages of the investigation, while Cheryl and Dave Lawrence provide additional perspectives on the case.
With Andrea Canning at the helm, “Dateline” promises an in-depth exploration of the mysterious circumstances surrounding Skylar Neese’s disappearance. Tune in to NBC on April 7 to unravel the truth behind “Something Wicked.”
What Happened to Skylar Neese?
Skylar Annette Neese, a teenage girl from Star City, West Virginia, disappeared from her home on July 6, 2012, only to be tragically found dead in January 2013 across state lines in Pennsylvania. The perpetrators of her murder were revealed to be her high school best friends, Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf.
Initially treated as a runaway, Neese’s disappearance garnered attention when Shoaf confessed to planning and carrying out the murder with Eddy’s help. Their motive was shockingly simple: they no longer wanted to be friends with Neese. Shoaf’s confession led authorities to Neese’s body, located just 30 miles from her home.
Shoaf pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and received a 30-year prison sentence, eligible for parole after 10 years. Eddy, on the other hand, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison, with a possibility of parole after 15 years.
Neese’s tragic death spurred legislative action in West Virginia, leading to the passing of Skylar’s Law. This law modified the state’s Amber Alert system to issue immediate alerts for missing children believed to be in danger, regardless of whether abduction was suspected, thereby aiming to prevent similar tragedies in the future.