ADRIAN, Mich. (AP) — Nearly 15 years after the disappearance of her three sons, a Michigan mother is requesting a judge to declare them dead. Tanya Zuvers has not seen Andrew, Alexander, and Tanner Skelton since their father did not return them after Thanksgiving in 2010. Authorities suspect John Skelton is responsible for their deaths but have yet to charge him with murder.
- Michigan woman seeks declaration of sons' death
- Father John Skelton suspected but not charged
- Court hearing to discuss yearslong investigation
- Personal closure and legal claims possible
- Community memorializes missing Skelton brothers
The case of the Skelton brothers has haunted Morenci, Michigan since November 2010 when they vanished while under the care of their father during a custody dispute. John Skelton was supposed to return the boys to their mother on November 26 but instead reported that they were with an underground group for safety. Investigators believe he is responsible for their presumed deaths but have only convicted him for failing to return them.
In anticipation of the upcoming court hearing, which begins Monday, witnesses including police investigators and Tanya Zuvers are expected to provide testimony regarding efforts made over the years to locate the children. The investigation revealed that shortly after Thanksgiving, John Skelton’s phone was traced to Ohio before it was turned off and then back on in Morenci.
- The brothers were aged 9, 7, and 5 at the time of their disappearance.
- A plaque honoring Andrew, Alexander, and Tanner can be found in a local park.
- Tanya Zuvers hopes this legal declaration will help her find closure or pursue civil claims related to her sons’ disappearance.
Despite extensive searches by community members and law enforcement agencies across Michigan and Ohio, no trace of the boys has been found. As John Skelton nears completion of his prison sentence later this year for unrelated charges, many still hold onto hope that answers may eventually emerge regarding what happened to Andrew, Alexander, and Tanner.
This tragic case continues to impact both Tanya Zuvers and the community as they seek answers about the fate of the missing brothers nearly fifteen years later.
