Shelia Eddy, a convicted murderer, was born on September 28, 1995, in Blacksville, West Virginia. Raised as an only child by her parents, Tara Clendenen and Greg Eddy, Shelia experienced the divorce of her parents in 2000. Tara Clendenen relocated with her new husband Jim Clendenen from Illinois in October 2010. Shelia then started attending University High School, marking a significant transition in her life.
The Murder of Skylar Neese
In an incident that shocked the community, on July 6, 2012, Shelia Eddy and her high school best friend Rachel Shoaf were implicated in the murder of their 16-year-old friend, Skylar Neese. West Virginia authorities generated considerable public awareness when Shelia was named a second suspect on September 4, 2013.
On September 6, 2013, Shelia was charged by a grand jury with kidnapping, first-degree murder and conspiracy. By agreement with prosecutors, she entered into a plea bargain that acknowledged her role in Skylar’s tragic death by accepting first degree murder as part of her agreement.
Discovery and Legal Proceedings
The police discovered Neese’s lifeless body in Wayne Township, Greene County, Pennsylvania, in January 2013. However, the breakthrough in the investigation didn’t occur until December 2012 when Shoaf confessed her involvement and revealed the chilling plot she and Shelia Eddy had devised. She led the police back to the crime scene seven months later, where Neese’s remains were eventually recovered.
Shelia plead guilty to first-degree murder in January 2014 and received a life sentence, with parole eligibility after 15 years. Rachel Shoaf was found guilty of second-degree murder on May 1, 2013, receiving a 30-year prison term with parole eligibility after 10 years.
Shelia Eddy’s Parents and Their Defense
In the wake of the heinous crime, Shelia’s mother, Tara, filed a motion in Monongalia County Circuit Court, asserting her innocence and absolving herself of any responsibility for the murder. This came amidst legal action taken by Mary Neese, the victim’s mother, against Rachel Shoaf, Shelia Eddy, Patricia Shoaf (Rachel’s mother), Tara Clendenen, and others.
Tara defended herself by stating she did not have control over her daughter on the murder night when Shelia stayed at the Shoaf residence. She also referred to public statements made by Mary Neese on social media, expressing that she doesn’t blame Eddy’s parents for their daughter’s actions.
The Aftermath and Current Status
In the aftermath of the trial, Shelia is serving her sentence at the Lakin Correctional Center in Mason County, West Virginia, alongside her co-defendant, Rachel Shoaf.
Personal Details: Shelia Eddy’s Religion and Ethnicity
While Shelia’s religious beliefs and ethnicity remain undisclosed, her life has been scrutinized due to the high-profile murder case. The personal details about Shelia Eddy’s life outside of the crime are less known to the public. As a single child of her parents, she does not have any siblings.
