Re: ANDREW (9), ALEXANDER (7) & TANNER SKELTON (5) - Morenci, Michigan (USA) - 26/11/10

**Twiglet** Mon Jun 06, 2011 8:18 pm

Detroit Free Press

3 June 2011

Arraignment for Morenci dad is Wednesday‎

John Skelton, accused in the disappearance of his three sons, will be arraigned in Lenawee County Circuit Court next Wednesday, the Morenci Police Department said.

Skelton waived his right to a preliminary exam in district court on kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment charges Wednesday afternoon. He remains jailed on $90-million bond.

Skelton's sons, Andrew, Alexander and Tanner Skelton -- ages 9, 7 and 5, respectively -- were last seen with him in late November.

Skelton has said the boys are with an organization, which police have said they haven't found.

He was initially charged with parental kidnapping and his case was bound over to circuit court. Charges of unlawful imprisonment and kidnapping, which carries a penalty of up to life in prison, were later added.

http://www.freep.com/article/20110603/NEWS06/106030379/Arraignment-Morenci-dad-Wednesday

**Twiglet** Wed Jun 08, 2011 8:35 am

Detroit Free Press

Custody battle continues over missing Morenci boys‎

A Morenci man, accused in the disappearance of his three sons, said today during a divorce hearing with the boys' mother that if she is given full custody of the children, "they won't be available to either of us."

This morning, Lenawee County Circuit Judge Margaret M.S. Noe signed a judgment of divorce for John and Tanya Skelton, giving custody of their sons Andrew, Alexander and Tanner, to their mother. The boys -- ages 9, 7 and 5 -- have been missing for more than six months.

The brothers were last in the custody of their father. John Skelton is charged with kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment. He is scheduled to be arraigned on the charges Wednesday in circuit court.

He represented himself during the divorce trial today, asking Tanya Skelton questions.

"Why do you think it would be in the best interest of the children that you have sole legal physical custody?" he asked.

"Because I was granted physical custody of the children with their father being given parenting time and their father did not bring them back to me," Tanya Skelton said.

http://www.freep.com/article/20110607/NEWS06/110607018/Custody-battle-continues-over-missing-Morenci-boys?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE

**Twiglet** Wed Jun 08, 2011 8:37 am

Toledo Blade

7 June 2011

Skelton divorce proceedings head to trial‎

A Lenawee County Circuit Court judge granted a divorce Tuesday morning for a Morenci woman and her estranged husband who is accused of kidnapping their three boys.

Judge Margaret Noe made the ruling after a divorce hearing that lasted less than a hour.

She granted Tanya Skelton full custody of the boys.

The trial was held after John Skelton, 39, said he would not agree to a previous divorce settlement in which he would not be granted access to the boys.

http://www.toledoblade.com/Courts/2011/06/07/Skelton-divorce-proceedings-head-to-trial.html

**Twiglet** Wed Jun 08, 2011 8:39 am

13 abc

7 June 2011

Judge ends marriage of parents of 3 missing boys‎

A judge granted a divorce Tuesday to the parents of three missing boys from southeastern Michigan's Lenawee County, a day before the father returns to court to face kidnapping charges.

It was an unusual scene in court. John Skelton represented himself during the brief hearing and was allowed to pose questions to Tanya Skelton. He repeated his claim that he gave his sons to an "organization," which hasn't been identified, but police don't believe him.

If Tanya Skelton receives full custody of the children, "they won't be available to either of us," John Skelton said.

Circuit Judge Margaret Noe granted the divorce after a trial that lasted less than an hour.

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvg/story?section=news/local&id=8175866

**Twiglet** Wed Jun 08, 2011 7:41 pm

FOX Toledo

7 June 2011

John Skelton loses custody‎
Judge Noe ends marriage of John, Tanya Skelton

Lenawee County Circuit Court Judge Margaret Noe granted a divorce to John and Tanya Skelton, the parents of Tanner, Alexander and Andrew, who have been missing since Thanksgiving 2010.

Judge Noe ended the Skeltons marriage after a very brief trial Tuesday. John Skelton is charged with kidnapping his sons who haven't been seen since Nov. 25, and are presumed dead.

http://www.foxtoledo.com/dpp/news/local/john-skelton-loses-custody

**Twiglet** Wed Jun 08, 2011 7:42 pm

Greenfield Daily Reporter

7 June 2011

Judge grants divorce to parents of 3 Mich. boys who have been missing since Thanksgiving

A judge granted a divorce Tuesday to the parents of three missing boys from southeastern Michigan's Lenawee County, a day before the father returns to court to face kidnapping charges.

It was an unusual scene in court. John Skelton represented himself during the brief hearing and was allowed to pose questions to Tanya Skelton. He repeated his claim that he gave his sons to an "organization," which hasn't been identified, but police don't believe him.

http://www.greenfieldreporter.com/view/story/22ceb5b246574f289f49db48cae631f2/MI--Boys-Search-Michigan/

**Twiglet** Thu Jun 09, 2011 8:31 am

United Press International

8 June 2011

Parents of missing Skelton boys divorce‎

The parents of three Illinois boys missing for more than six months have been granted a divorce as the father remains in jail on kidnapping charges.

Lenawee County Circuit Judge Margaret M.S. Noe granted the divorce to John and Tanya Skelton and awarded custody of the missing children to Tanya Skelton, the Detroit Free Press reported Wednesday.

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2011/06/08/Parents-of-missing-Skelton-boys-divorce/UPI-21161307552858/

**pam supportfromireland** Fri Jun 10, 2011 12:40 am

I hope this won't aggravate an already extremely tense situation ! It is maddening.

**Twiglet** Wed Jun 15, 2011 2:44 am

Toledo Blade

8 June 2011

Mother gets sole custody of 3 children still missing ‎
Judge issues ruling in Skelton divorce

John Skelton, whose three sons have been missing since Thanksgiving weekend, denied Tuesday during his divorce trial that he had any role in the boys' disappearance.

"As far as the children are concerned, I didn't take the kids," Mr. Skelton, acting as his own attorney in the civil case, told Judge Margaret Noe when asked why he desired joint custody of Andrew, Alexander, and Tanner.

Judge Noe rejected arguments from the father that he should share in the parenting of the missing boys, and instead ruled that the boys' mother, Tanya, will have "sole legal and physical custody" if the boys are found alive.

"It is in the best interest of the three minor children to be in the sole legal and sole physical custody of their mother," Judge Noe, of Lenawee County Circuit Court, said as she made her ruling from the bench. "It is hoped they will be returned quickly and safely."

http://www.toledoblade.com/Courts/2011/06/08/Mother-gets-sole-custody-of-3-children-still-missing.html

**Twiglet** Sat Jun 18, 2011 8:41 pm

Adrian Daily Telegram

9 June 2011

Skelton enters pleas of not guilty on kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment charges

John Skelton entered not-guilty pleas by written waiver rather than appear in Lenawee County Circuit Court Wednesday for arraignment on kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment charges.

Judge Margaret M.S. Noe scheduled the Morenci man for a four-day jury trial to begin Aug. 16. He is accused of causing the Thanksgiving Day disappearance of his three sons, Andrew, 9, Alexander, 7, and Tanner, 5.
Skelton was in court Tuesday for a brief trial that settled a divorce action started by his wife, Tanya Skelton, in September last year. Noe granted sole legal custody of their three sons to Tanya Skelton. Joint custody was requested by John Skelton after he claimed the boys will not be returned so long as their mother has legal custody.
“It’s not in my control,” he said Tuesday.
He also denied being responsible for the boys’ disappearance.
“As far as the children are concerned, I didn’t take the kids,” John Skelton said in testifying for his joint custody request.
“The people who have our children,” John Skelton said before being interrupted by Noe. She said she would not allow him to discuss that claim during the divorce trial.
John Skelton testified at a hearing in December that he turned the boys over to a representative of an
“organization” who came to his Morenci home on Thanksgiving Day. He has repeatedly stated at court appearances he is unable to have them returned.

http://www.lenconnect.com/news/courts/x832287399/Skelton-enters-pleas-of-not-guilty-on-kidnapping-unlawful-imprisonment-charges

**Twiglet** Sat Jun 18, 2011 8:42 pm

Toledo On The Move

10 June 2011

Skelton tells wife she will never see her boys again ‎

.... During the divorce hearing Tuesday, Tanya Skelton was given full custody of the boys if they are found. In open court, John Skelton told his wife that she will never see the boys if she has custody. According to reports from the Daily Telegram, Skelton requested joint custody and denied taking the kids. He maintains that he turned the boys over to an “organization” on Thanksgiving Day.

http://www.toledoonthemove.com/news/story.aspx?id=628281

**Twiglet** Sat Jun 18, 2011 8:44 pm

13abc

15 June 2011

Investigators use new technique in search for Skelton boys ‎

Investigators are turning to a new technique to help drum up leads in the search for three missing bothers from Morenci, Michigan and 13abc is helping. It's called a PSA, or "Public Service Announcement." It's just like a commercial, and you'll soon see one about the Skelton brothers.

When Andrew, Alexander and Tanner Skelton disappeared from their father's house in Morenci last Thanksgiving, it sparked a massive search. Tyler Guelde was among the volunteers, combing the woods and fields on an a-t-v.

"I'd rather have some sort of closure," Guelde said. "Like, either find 'em, or bring 'em back home, you know?"

Nearly 8 months later, there is still no sign of the young boys. Morenci's police chief does not expect to find them alive, if at all. Geneva Ballard, who lives in Morenci, told the boys' mother, Tanya, her friends and neighbors are not giving up.

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvg/story?section=news/local&id=8192747

**Twiglet** Sat Jun 18, 2011 8:46 pm

Detroit Free Press

16 June 2011

Morenci police air video asking for leads to 3 missing boys ‎

The search for three missing Morenci brothers is taking to the airwaves.

The Morenci Police Department and an investigation task force collaborated with Toledo TV news station to create a public service announcement, available in 10-second, 15-second and 30-second spots.

http://www.freep.com/article/20110616/NEWS06/110616058/Morenci-police-air-video-asking-leads-3-missing-boys?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE

**Twiglet** Sat Jun 18, 2011 8:48 pm

My Fox Detroit

17 June 2011

Missing Skelton Boys Subject of New Public Service Announcements ‎

Missing Skelton Boys Subject of New Public Service Announcements: MyFoxDETROIT.com

Three brothers have been missing from Morenci for nearly eight months. Now, police are hoping a new strategy will increase awareness and help spread the word about what the public can do to help in this investigation.

Morenci police and the Skelton investigation task force have teamed up to create some public service announcements.

http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/missing-skelton-boys-subject-of-new-public-service-announcements-20110616-wpms

**Twiglet** Sat Jun 18, 2011 8:50 pm

The Republic

17 June 2011

Videos seek help from public in search for 3 Michigan brothers missing since Thanksgiving

Police in southern Michigan have produced three public service announcements to spread the word about three young brothers who have been missing since Thanksgiving.

The videos describe the circumstances surrounding the boys' disappearance and ask viewers to search their properties — especially abandoned structures, ravines and other waterways — for signs of them, The Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press reported.

The boys' father John Skelton, 39, of Morenci, located near the Ohio border, faces kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment charges in the case.

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/27d4fae548904e9bb688173fd9c3c719/MI--Boys-Search-Michigan/

**Twiglet** Sat Jun 18, 2011 8:51 pm

Toledo On The Move

17 June 2011

Authorities hope video will aid in finding missing Skelton brothers ‎

Authorities in Lenawee County in Michigan have released three public service announcements aimed at helping them find three young Morenci who have been missing since Thanksgiving.

The videos describe the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Andrew, Alexander and Tanner Skelton and ask viewers to search their properties - especially abandoned structures, ravines and other waterways - for signs of the boys.

http://www.toledoonthemove.com/news/story.aspx?id=630876

**Twiglet** Fri Jun 24, 2011 6:25 am

WOOD-TV

20 June 2011

PSAs help in search for Skelton boys ‎
Dad charged in case

Police in southern Michigan have produced three public service announcements to spread the word about three young brothers who have been missing since Thanksgiving....

.... The Morenci Police Department said Thursday that it planned to post the videos online, and asks that others do the same.

http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/se_mich/videos-seek-aid-in-search-for-3-missing-boys

**Twiglet** Thu Jul 07, 2011 9:17 pm

Detroit Free Press

4 July 2011

Father of 3 boys says sons safe, but he feels guilty

The boys are gone.

He doesn't want their mother to have custody.

And he can't get his sons back from the people harboring them until he's out of jail.

That is John Skelton's account.

But police say they believe he is guilty of murder.

Skelton of Morenci sits in the Lenawee County Jail, awaiting trial on charges of kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment in the disappearance of his three sons.

In a series of interviews with the Free Press at the jail, Skelton maintained that the boys, missing since late November, are in the custody of members of an underground sanctuary group.

Skelton said they intervened and took Andrew, 9; Alexander, 7, and Tanner, 5, before he could make that decision. He said he feels guilty "that I let these people come into my life."

Still, Skelton insists he does not know where his boys are and won't until he is released. But he faces up to life in prison if convicted of kidnapping.

http://www.freep.com/article/20110704/NEWS06/107040328/Father-3-boys-says-sons-safe-he-feels-guilty

**Twiglet** Thu Jul 07, 2011 9:19 pm

The Republic

4 July 2011

Father of 3 missing Michigan brothers says they're in custody of underground sanctuary group

Three young brothers from southern Michigan missing since Thanksgiving are in the custody of members of an underground sanctuary group, their jailed father says.

In a series of interviews with the Detroit Free Press, John Skelton insisted he didn't know the whereabouts of Andrew, 9; Alexander, 7; and Tanner, 5; and that he won't until he's released from the Lenawee County jail.

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/da08071e5af6429dad9b6a44bad3d901/MI--Missing-Boys-Michigan/

**Twiglet** Thu Jul 07, 2011 9:22 pm

WHTC

5 July 2011

Father of Missing Boys Insists They Are Alive and Safe

The father of three boys missing since Thanksgiving continues to insist they are safe and alive.

http://www.whtc.com/news/articles/2011/jul/05/father-of-missing-boys-insists-they-are-alive-and-safe/
‎

**Twiglet** Thu Jul 07, 2011 9:23 pm

FOX Toledo

5 July 2011

Skelton still says his boys are safe

Three young brothers from southern Michigan missing since Thanksgiving are in the custody of members of an underground sanctuary group, their jailed father says.

http://www.foxtoledo.com/dpp/news/local/Skelton-still-says-his-boys-are-safe

**Twiglet** Mon Jul 11, 2011 7:57 pm

The Hillsdale Daily News

9 July 2011

Father of missing Skelton boys maintains they are with underground sanctuary group

Three young brothers from southern Michigan missing since Thanksgiving are in the custody of members of an underground sanctuary group, their jailed father says.

 In a series of interviews with the Detroit Free Press, John Skelton insisted he didn’t know the whereabouts of Andrew, 9; Alexander, 7; and Tanner, 5; and that he won’t until he’s released from the Lenawee County jail. 

http://www.hillsdale.net/features/x311102482/Father-of-missing-Skelton-boys-maintains-they-are-with-underground-sanctuary-group

**Twiglet** Mon Jul 11, 2011 7:59 pm

Detroit Free Press

9 July 2011

Search effort for 3 missing Morenci boys continues with extra aid ‎

For the first time in months, an organized search is underway today for three missing Morenci brothers.

Andrew, Alexander and Tanner Skelton – ages 9, 7 and 5, respectively – have been missing since late November, when they were last seen in the custody of their father, John Skelton, who is accused in their disappearance.

http://www.freep.com/article/20110709/NEWS06/110709003/Search-effort-3-missing-Morenci-boys-continues-extra-aid?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE

**Twiglet** Mon Jul 11, 2011 8:01 pm

WXYZ

9 July 2011

Police say they found something in the woods Saturday that could be linked to boys' disappearance

‎During a training session and search Saturday in the woods around Morenci police found something – an item or items that authorities are now telling Action News could be linked to the missing brothers Tanner, Alexander and Andrew.

Our camera was rolling when searchers flagged something – possible evidence in the disappearance. Police are not saying what they discovered, but do tell us it’s being sent to a crime lab to be analyzed for DNA.

As for the father of the brothers – the last one known to see them alive – he’s in the Lenawee County Jail.

http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/police,-fire-and-volunteers-fan-out-once-again-looking-for-missing-brothers-from-morenci

**Twiglet** Mon Jul 11, 2011 8:03 pm

Detroit Free Press

10 July 2011

Search and rescue group leads hunt for missing Morenci brothers ‎

They pushed past thorny bushes, tramped through the heat and waded in shallow waters.

"Hey, you guys," a team leader yelled to the group of volunteers making their way through the woods, "tighten up that line."

On Saturday, for the first time in months, an organized search was held for three missing Morenci brothers.

Andrew, Alexander and Tanner Skelton -- ages 9, 7 and 5, respectively -- have been missing since late November, when they were seen in the custody of their father, John Skelton, who is accused in their disappearance. Police have said they are treating the case as a homicide investigation.

http://www.freep.com/article/20110710/NEWS05/107100517/Search-rescue-group-leads-hunt-missing-Morenci-brothers

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