Morenci Police asking public for any clues in case of missing brothers

MORENCI, Mich. (WXYZ) - The Morenci Police Department is asking hunters and farmers to report anything they see that might be of interest in the case of three missing brothers.

Andrew, Alexander and Tanner Skelton went missing the day after Thanksgiving nearly a year ago.

Their father, John Skelton, was sentenced back in September and will serve 10-15 years in prison in connection with their disappearance.

Police will be canvassing the area of US 127 and Morenci Road this coming November 25.

John Skelton was the last person known to have seen Tanner, Alexander and Andrew. The brothers were only 5, 7, and 9 when they vanished.

While police are calling his sons’ disappearance a murder investigation Skelton maintains they are alive. He says he gave the brothers to an underground organization to protect them from his now ex-wife, Tanya Skelton.

Tanya has never been accused of any wrongdoing by law enforcement, and John has not offered any proof that his story is true.

Skelton could face additional charges should further evidence surface in the case.

John's parents say they don't condone how he handled the situation but sympathize with him, believing his claims that no one would listen when he said Tanya was a danger to the children.

"I hate to see a young man with a lot of potential to be put away for something that is unconditional love," Roxann said.

Tanner, Alexander and Andrew were last seen playing in John’s yard at his home in Morenci on Thanksgiving last year.