ADRIAN, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – A grieving mother whose three children went missing in 2010 can now have some closure after a judge declared them dead on Wednesday.

Lenawee County Judge Catherine Sala declared Andrew, Alexander, and Tanner Skelton dead. It’s been more than 14 years since the three brothers went missing. They were 5, 7, and 9 at the time of their disappearance. Their father, John Skelton, did not return the boys to their mother, Tanya Zuvers, after a visitation. Zuvers believes Skelton is responsible for killing the boys. Skelton is currently completing a 15 year prison sentence for not returning the boys.

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“This is a case of terrible and longstanding impact on the community of Lenawee,” Judge Sala said. “No condolences will ever be enough for such loss suffered.”

Zuvers testified that a formal declaration of death would give her closure and provide “respect” to the boys. They have not been found, despite countless searches in Michigan, Ohio, and nationwide.