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Morenci Mom Believes Boys Missing One Year Are Alive

MORENCI (WWJ) - Tanya Zuvers greets visitors to her father's home wearing a black sweatshirt printed with the names of her three missing children. By the front door sit three eternal candles with the names of the boys on them.

It's been a year since anyone has seen 9-year-old Andrew, 7-year-old Alexander and 5-year-old Tanner Skelton -- but Zuvers believes they are alive and will return home.

The three were last seen with their father, Zuvers' her ex-husband, John Skelton last Thanksgiving.

Skelton claims he gave the children to an "underground organization."  Despite massive searches, the boys were never found and Skleton is serving time in a Michigan prison for parental kidnapping.

morenci-boys-home
(WWJ Photo/Marie Osborne)

Zuvers told WWJ Newsradio 950's Marie Osborne that she is simply taking things day by day. "Some days are better than others," she said.

Police have said publicly the case would not turn out well, but Zuvers said her mother's instinct tells her otherwise.  She thinks her ex-husband gave her children to someone, and that he did not act alone.

When asked if police had presented her with evidence her children were harmed, Zuvers declined to answer, saying only she believes the children are alive.    Zuvers said this Thanksgiving will be a difficult one but she is grateful for her family and friends who have supported her.

To the thousands of people who help search, pray and hold out hope along with her she said, "Words can not express how thankful I am for you."

Zuvers also had this message for her sons: "Andrew, Alexander and Tanner if you can hear me, know that I love you from here to the moon and back.  And I will not stop looking for you."

Anyone with information on this case to contact Morenci Police at (517) 458-7104.

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