MI MI - Tanner Lucas, Alexander William, & Andrew Ryan Skelton, Morenci, 26 Nov 2010 #7

[Chimera]

What a difficult holiday tomorrow must be for the young boy's mom, my heart goes out to her.

 

[Vaderman]

Missing Skelton brothers: 14 years later, Thanksgiving disappearance remains unsolved

On Thanksgiving 2010, Andrew, Alexander, and Tanner Skelton were spending time with their father. It was the last day they'd be seen.

www.fox2detroit.com

I cannot believe it's been 14 years and this case still hasn't been resolved. I was just freshly graduated from college and this dominated the local news.

 

[PommyMommy]

JAN 9. 2025

Where are the Skelton Brothers? | Vinnie Politan Investigates​

Where are the #SkeltonBrothers? #VinniePolitanInvestigates the mysterious disappearance of Andrew, Alexander, and Tanner Skelton, their possible whereabouts, and their father, John Skelton’s story.

00:00 Vinnie Politan Investigates: Where are the Skelton Brothers?
02:14 When Did the Boys Disappear?
12:35 Why Haven't They Been Declared Dead?
23:19 What is John Skelton's Story?
37:14 Will John Skelton Ever be Charged with Murder?

 

[MrsWatson]

Michigan mother asks judge to declare 3 missing sons dead nearly 15 years later

A Lenawee County judge will begin hearing testimony Monday at an unusual hearing.

www.nbcnews.com

 

[Vaderman]

LIVE UPDATES | Trial to declare Skelton Brothers legally dead begins; chief says he believes John Skelton killed the boys

The boys from Morenci, Michigan, went missing in 2010, and despite extensive searches and investigations, they have never been found.

www.wtol.com

While physical searches were taking place, digital searches of Skelton's computer were taking place simultaneously. Searches found in Skelton's history in mid-November included "can rat poison kill a person" and "how to break a neck and spine." A Facebook post on Nov. 24 stated, "I love my wife very much. May God and Tanya forgive me." Text messages recovered between Skelton and Zuvers showed him texting her that the boys weren't with him, but were with Joanne Taylor.

 

[Vaderman]

LIVE UPDATES | Trial to declare Skelton Brothers legally dead begins; chief says he believes John Skelton killed the boys

The boys from Morenci, Michigan, went missing in 2010, and despite extensive searches and investigations, they have never been found.

www.wtol.com

10:30 a.m. - Weeks testimony, continued: "I am confident they are deceased"​

John Skelton was arrested in Toledo and charged with three counts of kidnapping. Weeks said that Skelton's story changed repeatedly during interviews and at one point, Skelton admitted to lying about Joanne Taylor and that Taylor was a cover story.

"Do you believe John Skelton killed his three children, on or about Nov. 26, 2010?" Zuvers' attorney asked.

"I do," Weeks confirmed.

"In fact, you announced this was a murder investigation within a couple of months of this happening, is that correct?" Zuvers' attorney questioned.
"Yes, I did," Weeks said.

Weeks went on to say he found no evidence the children were alive during his time working on the case.

"No, I'm confident they are deceased," Weeks said.

When asked if he was confident they were killed on or about the date once more, Weeks confirmed twice before Zuvers' attorney finished the question.

The final question regarded what happened with the case once Weeks left the Morenci police department. Weeks explained everything related to the case was turned over to Michigan State Police at that time.

Allexis Stang, representation for the brothers, took over questioning at that point. Weeks continued to repeat his belief that Skelton had killed the boys early on in the investigation and that the brothers were no longer alive.

Around 10:45 a.m., court went into a brief recess.

 

[Nina Michigan]

My heart is breaking again for Tanya and those boys

 

[Vaderman]

'The impact of this ruling is not lost on this court': Judge issues opinion in Skelton brothers declaration of death case

The judge granted the request to declare the brothers dead in part and denied in part, saying that evidence did not fully establish John Skelton murdered his sons.

www.wtol.com

Sala's decision granted Zuvers' request in part - and denied it, in part.

* * *

Sala said many questions were left unanswered and the loss remains unresolved.

"Given their undisputed disappearance for over 14 years, the statutory presumption of death applies," Sala said. "The presentation of evidence, however, does not present clear and convincing evidence that John Skelton murdered these children. The information provided in this trial provides ample opportunity for speculation and theories, but to make such a finding the court would only be joining those voices offering such speculation and theory given the lack of information."

* * *

However, Sala granted Zuvers' wish, in accordance with the statutory declaration of death, which is five years without proof of life.

"It is with the gravest of condolences that it is ordered Alexander William Skelton, Andrew Ryan Skelton, and Tanner Lucas Skelton are presumed to be deceased as of Nov. 26, 2015," Sala said.

 

[mlhenn]

Tanner Lucas Skelton – The Charley Project

Andrew Ryan Skelton – The Charley Project

Alexander William Skelton – The Charley Project

Updated March 2025