Skelton brothers missing since 2010: Mother seeks closure

In November 2010, three young boys disappeared after spending Thanksgiving with their father. Andrew, 9, Alexander, 7, and Tanner, 5, were last seen in their father’s home in Morenci, Michigan. They were supposed to return to their mother, Tanya Zuvers, after the holiday, but they never did. The boys’ disappearance has haunted their mother for over a decade. Tanya believes her ex-husband, John Skelton, is responsible for their deaths. The case remains unsolved, and the search for answers continues.

John Skelton sentenced, but the mystery remains

The boys’ father, was convicted for not returning his sons to their mother. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison for this crime. However, he was never charged in connection with their deaths. Despite the conviction, the mystery of the boys’ fate still lingers. Tanya has always believed that John killed her sons. There have been no signs that the boys are still alive. The case has been stuck in limbo for years, with no clear answers or resolution. Tanya has spent more than a decade searching for justice for her children. Her pain and frustration are only deepened by the lack of closure.

Court hearing for legal death declaration

In March 2025, a Michigan court heard a case to legally declare the boys dead. Tanya filed for this decision in December 2023. She wants the court to recognize her sons as deceased after more than 10 years without answers. The decision would allow her to mark a date on their headstone and honor them properly. Investigators have found no evidence that the boys are still alive. In November 2010, when the children did not return after Thanksgiving, police traced John’s phone. They tracked it to Ohio at 4 a.m. and back to Michigan by 6 a.m. This raised suspicions about his involvement in the boys’ disappearance.

A chilling discovery at John Skelton’s home

While John Skelton was in the hospital recovering from an ankle injury, police searched his home. They found disturbing evidence that raised many questions. Among the items they discovered was a noose hanging from the second floor. This was an eerie sign that something was seriously wrong. Police also found an open Bible with a verse circled, along with a note. The note appeared to be directed at Tanya, reading: “You will hate me forever and I know this,” according to FBI agent Corey Burras. These unsettling findings suggested that John may have been planning something dark. When questioned by his pastor about the boys’ whereabouts, John said, “I sent them home.” His words were chilling, and investigators believed they indicated he may have killed the children.

Investigators believe the boys are dead

Many people involved in the investigation are convinced that the boys are dead. Larry Weeks, the Morenci police chief in 2010, is one of them. He testified in court, saying there were no signs the boys were alive. The evidence found in John Skelton’s home only strengthened that belief. John had made internet searches about how to break a neck, which raised further concerns. This was another clue that pointed to foul play. John also lied about the boys’ whereabouts. He claimed that they were handed over to other people for safety. Tanya recalled that John even said the boys would “hibernate until they graduate.” These lies only deepened the suspicions surrounding John’s involvement in their disappearance.

Tanya Zuvers seeks closure

Tanya is desperate for closure. She believes that declaring her sons dead is the only way to move forward. It would allow her to honor their memory and put a date on their headstone. Tanya explained in court that this decision came after much thought and discussion. She said, “I owe them the respect. Because any loving father would not have done what he did.” Tanya also described the emotional toll this process has taken on her. “No parent wants to lose a child,” she said. “But to have to have the courts step in and declare them deceased is just unfathomable.” For Tanya, the pain of losing her sons is unbearable. But the lack of answers makes it even worse.

John Skelton’s legal trouble

John Skelton’s legal troubles are far from over. While he was convicted for not returning his sons, he has not been charged with their deaths. He is serving his 15-year sentence, but justice for the boys is still not fully served. On March 3, 2025, John appeared in court via video. He chose not to participate in the hearing. He stated, “Everyone has got lawyers. I don’t. I’m at a disadvantage.” John’s lack of cooperation only added to the frustration of those seeking answers. Tanya and many others hope the court will declare her sons dead and bring an end to the long search for justice.