Michigan Mother Seeks Court Ruling to Declare Missing Sons Legally Dead After 15 Years

A judge is reviewing evidence in the case of three brothers who vanished in 2010 during a Thanksgiving visit with their father, who remains a key suspect but has not been charged in their deaths.

• The Skelton brothers—Andrew, 9, Alexander, 7, and Tanner, 5—disappeared in November 2010 after spending Thanksgiving with their father, John Skelton, in Morenci, Michigan.
• Their mother, Tanya Zuvers, has petitioned a Lenawee County court to declare her sons legally dead, citing the lack of evidence they are alive after nearly 15 years.
• Investigators testified about troubling evidence found at John Skelton's home, including a noose, a Bible with a circled verse, and a note suggesting he anticipated being hated for his actions.
• John Skelton, who has served nearly 15 years in prison for failing to return the boys to their mother, has repeatedly offered inconsistent and unfounded explanations for their disappearance.
• The court ruling could allow Zuvers to pursue closure, such as placing a headstone for her sons, and potentially open the door to civil claims related to their presumed deaths.

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