Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
An FBI digital forensic examiner testified on Day 6 of John Skelton’s preliminary examination about internet searches found on Skelton’s laptop after his three sons disappeared.
Walter Sharp testified that the laptop contained several references to breaking someone’s neck, including searches made Nov. 20, 2010 — five days before Andrew, Alexander and Tanner Skelton were last seen. He also described a search about whether rat poison could kill a person and whether it was odorless and tasteless.
During cross-examination, the defense asked whether someone contemplating suicide might search for that type of information. Sharp acknowledged that was possible.
Sharp also testified that Skelton’s computer accessed the CafeMom website 53 times during November 2010. He linked the computer and its IP address to online activity involving “Joanne Taylor,” a person Skelton claimed was involved in taking the boys.
The defense suggested Taylor could have been a real person using Skelton’s laptop. Prosecutors raised the possibility that Skelton was posing as Taylor. Sharp testified that either scenario could produce the same computer and IP information, meaning the evidence could identify where the activity originated but not who was at the keyboard.
Sharp also examined a computer belonging to the boys’ mother, Tanya Zuvers. He testified that he found nothing of concern, including no child sexual abuse material.
This proceeding is a preliminary examination, not a trial. There is no jury. The judge will decide whether prosecutors have presented enough evidence for the murder charges against Skelton to proceed to trial.
The preliminary examination is scheduled to resume Thursday, when prosecutors are expected to conclude their presentation.
An FBI digital forensic examiner testified on Day 6 of John Skelton’s preliminary examination about internet searches found on Skelton’s laptop after his three sons disappeared.
Walter Sharp testified that the laptop contained several references to breaking someone’s neck, including searches made Nov. 20, 2010 — five days before Andrew, Alexander and Tanner Skelton were last seen. He also described a search about whether rat poison could kill a person and whether it was odorless and tasteless.
During cross-examination, the defense asked whether someone contemplating suicide might search for that type of information. Sharp acknowledged that was possible.
Sharp also testified that Skelton’s computer accessed the CafeMom website 53 times during November 2010. He linked the computer and its IP address to online activity involving “Joanne Taylor,” a person Skelton claimed was involved in taking the boys.
The defense suggested Taylor could have been a real person using Skelton’s laptop. Prosecutors raised the possibility that Skelton was posing as Taylor. Sharp testified that either scenario could produce the same computer and IP information, meaning the evidence could identify where the activity originated but not who was at the keyboard.
Sharp also examined a computer belonging to the boys’ mother, Tanya Zuvers. He testified that he found nothing of concern, including no child sexual abuse material.
This proceeding is a preliminary examination, not a trial. There is no jury. The judge will decide whether prosecutors have presented enough evidence for the murder charges against Skelton to proceed to trial.
The preliminary examination is scheduled to resume Thursday, when prosecutors are expected to conclude their presentation.
