The weight of loss hangs heavy over Morenci as the community approaches both Thanksgiving and the 15-year mark since the disappearance of the Skelton brothers.
Many neighbors say the holiday season’s emotional burden is so intense that they choose to skip Thanksgiving altogether.
“Every year around Thanksgiving, it’s kind of like you can almost feel the shift in the air,” said Amber Alamia, who is neighbors with the boys’ mother.
The quiet streets of Morenci continue to buzz with unanswered questions, theories, and tips to police, while prayers continue for the boys’ mother and family members who knew and loved them.
“There’s some deep wounds from this whole thing,” Morenci Police Chief Michael Creswell said, reflecting on the case’s impact. “It was felt by the whole community.”
The case has taken a new turn with John Skelton, the boys’ father, now facing murder and evidence tampering charges, just two weeks before his scheduled release.
--> Skelton brothers’ father charged with murder 15 years later: What we know
Andrew, Alexander, and Tanner Skelton have been missing for 15 years. To this day, the Skelton brothers have never been found, and their whereabouts remain unknown.
“Justice needs to be served, and I feel like to do that to your own kids, that’s just horrifying in its own aspect,” Raymond Brighton, a Morenci resident, said about the new charges.
Over the years, John Skelton’s accounts of what happened to the boys have changed multiple times.
“Someone somewhere knows the truth besides John Skelton,” Tanya Zuvers, the boys’ mother, has previously stated.
Law enforcement remains frustrated by the lack of cooperation from Skelton.
“I don’t think he’s been cooperating,” the police chief said. “He hasn’t cooperated up to this point so it’s hard.”
---> Full documentary: The story of the missing Skelton brothers
Alamia believes the case may remain unresolved.
“Honestly, I think it’s going to be one of those massive massive taken to the grave secrets,” Alamia said. “And that’s heartbreaking. That is so heartbreaking. At least give her some closure.”
Despite the time that has passed, community support remains steadfast.
“I’m praying for her. I love her. I still think about the boys a lot,” said resident Carsyn.
The mother of the boys released the following statement:
“I have been informed that murder charges have now been filed against John Skelton in connection with the disappearance of my sons.
This development marks a significant moment in a long and painful journey. While I understand the public interest in this case, I ask that my family’s privacy be respected as we process this news and continue to grieve the loss of Andrew, Alexander, and Tanner.
I want to express my gratitude to the law enforcement agencies and prosecutors who have worked tirelessly over the years to seek justice for my sons.
I will not be making further public comments at this time and ask that the media respect my request for privacy."
Tanya Zuvers
The family released a statement expressing their pain and hope for justice:
“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."
Family Statement