Father of 3 Michigan boys missing since 2010 charged with murder, tampering with evidence
By Paula Wethington, Joseph Buczek
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MORENCI, Michigan (WWJ) — John Skelton, the father of three Morenci, Michigan, boys who have been missing for 15 years, has been charged with murder.
This step happens about two weeks before his expected release from prison on earlier charges stemming from the investigation of the whereabouts of his children.
According to Lenawee County District Court records, Skelton, 53, was charged Wednesday with three counts of open murder and three counts of tampering with evidence. The dates listed as the dates of offense are Nov. 25, 2010, the last known date that the boys were seen alive. The Michigan State Police, Monroe post, is listed as the investigating agency.
This is the latest development in a case that had lingered for years over the deaths of Andrew, 9, Alexander, 7, and Tanner, 5, who were last seen in November 2010. The boys have never been found, despite repeated searches in Michigan and Ohio.
A judge formally declared the three dead in March 2025, upon the request of their mother, Tanya Zuvers. But at that time, Lenawee County Judge Catherine Sala rejected a request to declare that John Skelton murdered the children.
“To make such a finding, the court would only be joining those voices offering such speculation and theory given the lack of information,” Sala said at the time.
Skelton’s previous conviction in the case involved a plea of no contest to three counts of unlawful imprisonment over failure to return the boys after a court-ordered visitation in the Lenawee County community of Morenci. He was issued a 15-year sentence. The Michigan Department of Corrections scheduled Skelton to be released from the Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility on Nov. 29.
In response to the latest criminal charges, the family issued the following statement:
“It has been fifteen long years since our three boys – Andrew, Alexander, and Tanner- went missing. Throughout this time, our family has lived with unimaginable pain, unanswered questions, and the constant hope that one day we might learn the truth about what happened to them.
“Today, we have been informed that an arrest warrant has been issued for John Skelton, who has been incarcerated for the past fifteen years and was scheduled for release in just over two weeks. This latest development has left us shocked and heartbroken all over again.
“Our priority has always been – and continues to be – finding out what happened to Andrew, Alexander, and Tanner and seeking justice for them. We ask that the investigation be allowed to proceed thoroughly and without interference so that the truth may finally come to light.
“We also ask for privacy and respect during this incredibly difficult time as we process these devastating developments and await further information from law enforcement.
“We remain deeply grateful to all who have supported us, prayed for us, and kept our boys in their hearts over these many years.”
CBS News Detroit has reached out to the Lenawee County Prosecutor’s Office for additional details.
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