"For months, her body lay decomposing, hidden beneath a canopy of pine and oak trees, first absorbing humidity, then freezing over with ice. For months, she waited for someone to find her." — Holly Malay
"Three is a crowd, especially if you are a teenage girl and four or five or more against all mathematical reason isn't. Any girl who's been caught in a social triangle knows this. She knows, too, the undercurrent of anxiety felt by all, recognizing that the degrees of love and the balance of power are always shifting." — Justine Harmon
"The very last time Dave and Mary Nees saw their only child Skyler was in a grainy, black, and white video. In it, she's sneaking out of her ground floor bedroom window in the middle of the night." — Holly Malay
This episode introduces the harrowing story of Skyler Nees, a 16-year-old whose life was tragically cut short. The narrative is framed by the podcast "Three," created by Holly Malay and Justine Harmon, who delve into the case with an investigative approach. The episode sets the scene of Skyler's disappearance on July 6, 2012, detailing the grim circumstances of her body being found months later in the Appalachian Woods. The introduction also highlights the initial confusion and false leads in the investigation, including numerous unconfirmed sightings.
The report then transitions to the personal impact of Skyler's death, featuring poignant accounts from her father, Dave Nees, who guides the hosts to the memorial site. This section explores Skyler's personality and interests, painting a picture of a vibrant, empathetic, and outdoors-loving teenager. It contrasts her deep emotional connections with her family and friends with the complex and evolving dynamics of her relationships with her close friends, Sheila and Rachel, particularly in the context of their burgeoning social lives and the pervasive influence of social media.
Finally, the episode delves into the social context of Skyler's life, examining the intricate relationships between the three teenage girls. It highlights how social media platforms served as a primary mode of communication, often unfiltered, and how group dynamics, jealousy, and shifting power balances within the trio may have played a role. The narrative suggests that Skyler's increasing assertiveness may have disrupted the established group dynamic, leading to significant friction in the weeks preceding her disappearance, culminating in her leaving her home on the night she vanished.