The Three SKELTON Brothers - 9, 7, 5 yo (2010) - Morenci (on OH border, W of Toledo) MI

AMBER ALERT involving three young children from Lenawee County. Police from the city of Morenci are looking for three brothers: Andrew Skelton,9, Alexander William Skelton, 7, and Tanner Skelton,5.

Their father is in the hospital after attempting suicide. Police say he left a disturbing message on his Facebook page. They were last seen Friday around 2:30 p.m. Police say their father gave the boys to a woman he met on the internet to return them to their mother, but that woman, Joann Taylor, allegedly took the boys. Taylor is believed to be from Jackson and may be driving a silver van. Police say the father tried to take his own life. He's in the hospital. Investigators are still looking into his story and trying to determine whether Joann Taylor really exists. Andrew is described as 4 ft.- 1in. tall, 57 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Alexander is 3 ft.- 9 in. tall, 45 pounds, with brown hair, brown eyes. He has a scar on his hairline and on his chin. Tanner is 3 ft. - 6 in. tall, with blues eyes and blonde hair. Anyone with information is asked to call 911.

Police and neighbors were searching for three young Michigan boys Saturday who have been missing since their father claimed he dropped them off with a woman before trying to kill himself a day earlier. The father survived his suicide attempt and is being cared for in a mental health facility, said Morenci, Michigan, Police Chief Larry Weeks on Saturday. But Michigan authorities do not know what has happened to his boys -- 5-year-old Tanner Skelton, 7-year-old Alexander William Skelton and 9-year-old Andrew Skelton -- prompting them to issue an Amber Alert on Friday. Weeks said that the boys' father, John Skelton, told police that he dropped the boys off Friday morning with a woman he identified as Joann Taylor -- in part to ensure they didn't see him while and after he tried to commit suicide. John Skelton told police that the woman, whom he allegedly met on the internet, was supposed to drop the boys off at their home in Morenci, a southern Michigan town of about 2,400 people about 40 miles west-northwest of Toledo, around 3 p.m. Friday. But the boys never went home and, Weeks added, authorities still aren't sure if John Skelton's story -- including Joann Taylor's existence -- is true or a fabrication. "We have not been able to locate a Joann Taylor or confirm that she even exists," Weeks told reporters Saturday evening. The last non-family member saw the boys at 5 p.m. on Thursday, according to the chief. Their mother, Tanya, has been with police "virtually the entire day" on Saturday, answering questions and serving as what Weeks called a "valuable resource at this time." Weeks said Tanya Skelton had "contact with someone alleging to be Joann," adding only that this communication was not necessarily by phone or in person. According to the Amber Alert, Taylor may have been from Jackson or Hillsdale counties and may be driving a silver van. Still, Weeks reiterated that they have yet to confirm she is real and, if so, if she is with the boys. Saturday's press conference was crowded with media and residents of Morenci, many of whom have been searching for the young boys. Dozens spent Saturday searching along Bean Creek, Wakefield Park and the Riverside Natural Area -- all in Morenci -- according to Toledo-based CNN affiliate WUPW. "We just hope they're somewhere safe and warm playing video games," volunteer Carol Garcia told WUPW. But authorities thus far have offered few tips pointing community members to places where the young Skeltons might be. "We understand their drive and desire to be out there," said Weeks. "The fact is, I cannot tell the community there's a specific location they should be searching."
The alert notes that Tanner is 3 feet, 6 inches tall, has strawberry blond hair, has blue eyes and weighs about 40 pounds. Alexander is 3 feet, 9 inches tall, has brown hair and eyes, weighs about 45 pounds and has scars on his hairline and chin. The oldest brother, Andrew, is 4 feet, 1 inch tall, has brown hair and eyes and weighs roughly 57 pounds.

3 missing Mich. boys feared to be in danger

(AP)–1 day agoMORENCI, Mich. (AP) — Police were searching Sunday for three young brothers who haven't been seen since their father tried to hang himself, and investigators unraveling the man's strange story fear the boys are in grave danger.At the heart of the investigation is a perplexing account by the father, 39-year-old John Skelton, who told investigators he'd left the boys in the care of a woman with whom he had an online relationship. Yet by late Saturday, officers had no luck finding the woman.Skelton was being treated at a hospital in Ohio for "mental health issues" on Saturday, one day after he tried to kill himself, said Morenci Police Chief Larry Weeks. Morenci is about 75 miles southwest of Detroit and just north of the Ohio state line.Skelton told investigators Friday that he didn't want the boys in his house when he committed suicide, so he asked a woman named Joann Taylor to take them to their mother, who is separated from Skelton. Weeks said Saturday that officers haven't been able to confirm that Taylor exists.An Amber Alert was issued Friday for Skelton's sons: 9-year-old Andrew, 7-year-old Alexander and 5-year-old Tanner.When asked if Skelton was a suspect in the boys' disappearance, Weeks said: "We haven't ruled anything out, yet."Skelton said he met Taylor several years ago and that the two had been involved in an online relationship. She was believed to live in Jackson or Hillsdale counties in southern Michigan.But officers Saturday had no success tracking down a woman by that name or the silver van Skelton said she was driving."The bulk of our action has been putting together a timeline and trying to locate this Joann Taylor," said Weeks, whose agency was joined in the search by Michigan State Police and the FBI.http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hVG2FsObwku2M55YSQyFMt7WN7QQ?docId=45e23480b4d6467ebf638bbbfcc6753e

Community members held lighted candles and prayed silently during a vigil at a local church Sunday, while authorities continued to seek public help in locating three boys missing since Friday.

More than 200 people filled Morenci United Methodist Church, where the Zuvers, the family of Tanya Skelton, the mother of Andrew, Alexander, and Tanner Skelton, regularly worship.

“It was good for everyone to come together and pray, pray for the best,” said Carrie Joughin, a high school classmate of Ms. Skelton. She said grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins of the boys were in the church.

“I think people are trying to figure it out. I think there are a lot of gut instincts that don't look good,” Ms. Joughin said.

During a news conference an hour before the vigil's 5:30 p.m. start, Morenci Police Chief Larry Weeks said the public search for the missing boys would be suspended at nightfall and resume Monday morning.

“It would not be safe to have so many people out in the dark wooded areas,” the chief said, urging those interested in volunteering Monday to contact the Morenci Fire Department.

Andrew, 9, Alexander, 7, and Tanner, 5, all pupils at Morenci Elementary School, were reported missing Friday by their mother, Tanya, one day after they were last seen in the back yard at the home of their father, John Skelton.

Mr. Skelton subsequently told police he handed his sons over to a woman named Joann Taylor on Friday morning and asked her to take the boys to their mother's house. Mr. Skelton then attempted to hang himself, but was not successful.
The Skeltons are in the midst of divorce proceedings, and while Ms. Skelton had custody of their sons, Mr. Skelton retained visitation rights and had them visit at the former family home on East Congress Street for Thanksgiving.

Chief Weeks said Mr. Skelton remains hospitalized in a “mental health facility” following his suicide attempt.

Asked whether Mr. Skelton has been assisting police, Andrew Arena, special agent in charge of the FBI's Detroit office, declined to talk about specifics.

“We're not narrowing in on any one person,” Mr. Arena said. “That's the biggest mistake we can make is put all our eggs in one basket and focus on one person and miss something going by us.”

Because police have been unable to find Joann Taylor or even verify that she exists, law enforcement and civilian volunteers began searching in earnest for the children on Saturday, following the late Friday issuance of an Amber Alert.

Hundreds of volunteers along with firefighters from 12 area departments in Ohio and Michigan, Lenawee County Sheriff's deputies and mounted patrol officers, the Michigan State Police, and the FBI were out in full force again Sunday, combing wooded areas outside Morenci as well as Harrsion Lake State Park near Fayette, Ohio, and Lake Hudson State Park east of Hudson, Mich.

Chief Weeks stressed that investigators had no direct evidence or information that the children were in any of those locales.

“These searches are being conducted in places where the boys had frequented or areas that they may have been seen in the past,” the chief said.

Morenci firefighter Steve Meller, who was coordinating volunteers from the command center at the fire station, said well over 200 people showed up Sunday morning to help search. Many were sent out to do straight-line searches through wooded areas along Lime Creek Highway, where Mr. Skelton reportedly used to hunt, Mr. Meller said.
Possible clues?
Searchers were told to stay within 10 feet of each other and move in the same direction. They were to look for anything that seemed suspicious but not to touch any objects they found.

Law enforcement officers were dispatched when possible clues were reported — ground that appeared to be freshly turned, a padlock lying along the roadside.

Christal Varga was among those who turned out early to search and she intended to spend the entire day looking for the Skelton boys, who go to school with her children. She was with two other friends, also mothers of the boys' classmates.

“If it was our kids, we wouldn't want to be sitting at home,” she said. “We'd want everybody in the whole town out here.”

Barb Stover, a neighbor of Mr. Skelton, showed up at the fire station with her two children to help with the search.

“We're ready to do anything. Those boys meant a lot to us,” she said, adding that she's hoping they're found alive.

Michael Osborne, superintendent of the Morenci Area Schools, said clergy and social workers would be on hand Monday in the district's buildings to provide support for staff and students as needed.

A message recapping the Skelton boys' disappearance and outlining the district's response plan was e-mailed to district parents Sunday evening, Mr. Osborne said, and announcements also will be made in the schools Monday morning.

Chief Weeks said that because of the large number of city employees involved in the search and investigation, municipal offices would be closed Monday. Reopening will be evaluated on a daily basis, he said.

The FBI's Mr. Arena said investigators are keeping their focus intentionally wide. In addition to its child-abduction response team, the FBI has brought in behavioral science experts, he said, “to give us an overview of who would've done this, the mindset, that kind of thing, and any suspects we develop they're going to give us an assessment.”
‘We need tips'
Mr. Arena encouraged anyone who knows anything or sees anything that could offer a clue to the children's whereabouts to call the hot line set up by Morenci police, 517-458-7104.

“We need calls. We need tips,” Mr. Arena said. “Anything that's out there — no matter how incredible you may think it is — call.”

Chief Weeks said investigators particularly need to know where the boys were from 2:30 p.m. Thursday to 1:30 p.m. Friday.

He said investigators remain unsure whether Mr. Skelton truly gave his sons to Joann Taylor.

“We continue to search to verify whether or not this woman exists,” the chief said. “At this point no information has been collected to lead us to this person so, again, contact the hot line if you're familiar with who Joann Taylor is or any information regarding her, her husband, or their potential whereabouts.”

Chief Weeks also said police have “examined a number of electronic devices,” but wouldn't divulge whether they have specifically inspected Mr. Skelton's computer for e-mails between him and Joann Taylor.

Family spokesman and friend Kathye Herrera said Tanya Skelton was staying close to home in hopes of being there if and when the children come home.

“She's sad, probably number one, because she wants her babies,” Ms. Herrera said. “She's scared and just praying they're OK and somebody's taking care of them, and she's exhausted. The stress has just done her in.”

Ms. Herrera said Ms. Skelton had been wary about her estranged husband's intentions since he took the children to Florida, where his parents live, two months ago without telling her.

Ms. Skelton considered it kidnapping, she said, but because they were still married at the time, it was legal for him to take them to Florida. She filed for divorce afterward.

Ms. Herrera said Ms. Skelton did not think he would hurt the boys.

“I don't think that was ever an issue,” she said. “Maybe that he would take them to Florida again, but not physically harm them. The boys loved their Dad. They loved their Mom.”

During the vigil, lay leader Bob Dister implored God for protection.

“Relieve the sufferings of the Skelton and the Zuvers families. Grant them peace of mind and a renewed faith in your protection and care. Protect us all from the violence of others and keep us safe from the weapons of hate,” Mr. Dister said.

Members of the Zuvers family sat close together in the front row, tearful faces visible, and accepted hugs and whispered encouragements from worshipers who also dabbed away tears as they filed by to take and light candles. Christmas music played faintly in the background while the congregation was invited to pray in silence.

Mr. Dister said afterward that Tanya Skelton was in the church, but no one from the family spoke. He said she has “held up pretty well, as well as could be expected when you don't know where your kids are at.”

Earlier Sunday across this rural community 40 miles west of Toledo, people hoped for the best but feared the worst.

Delite Gillen discussed the case with friends at the Morenci Dari-ette over lunch. She didn't know the boys, she said, but was concerned for their safety “because it's a small town and we're just caring about everyone. That's what a small town is.”

After exiting the church participants in the prayer service said they wanted to help the family of the missing boys.

“Mainly it was to support the families, show them that we care as a community,” said Sharon Bruce, 67, of Morenci. She said she is friends of Beverly and Donald Zuvers, Ms. Skelton's parents, and at one time she taught piano to Tanya.

“I think people are hoping for the best and preparing for the worst,” Ms. Bruce said. “We're thinking this can't be happening in Morenci. That's what we're thinking.”

Neighbors of three Michigan boys who were last seen the day before their father tried to commit suicide are holding onto hope that the children will be found safe, even though investigators believe the boys are in "extreme danger." Police in Morenci, about 75 miles southwest of Detroit, plan to resume their search Monday for 5-year-old Tanner, 7-year-old Alexander and 9-year-old Andrew Skelton. A prayer vigil was held for the boys Sunday night after the FBI, police and numerous volunteers scoured fields, farmland and wooded areas near the Ohio-Michigan border. The boys' father, 39-year-old John Skelton, was being treated at a hospital in Ohio for "mental health issues" after he tried to hang himself Friday, Police Chief Larry Weeks said. When asked if Skelton was a suspect in his sons' disappearance, Weeks said: "We haven't ruled anything out yet."
Authorities said John Skelton claimed that he gave the boys to a female friend before he attempted suicide, but officers haven't been able to confirm whether the woman exists. The boys were last seen Thursday and reported missing the next day by their mother, Tanya Skelton, Weeks said. A family friend said the boys were with their father as part of court-ordered visitation and their parents were going through a divorce. FBI child abduction teams and behavioral science experts, along with planes and search dogs, aided in the search Sunday. That night, about 200 people gathered for a prayer vigil at a church in Morenci, a small, mostly blue-collar and farming community just north of the Ohio state line. Lights were strung on poles along the town's main street, and festive decorations adorned windows in some of the shops and eateries in town.
Residents of the small town combed the rural area Sunday, the Detroit Free Press reported, making their way through thick brush and creeks in an effort to find the missing boys. Buffy Nash, 33, explained the volunteers' willingness as she and a search team walked by a field: "Bonds of a small town," she told the newspaper. Friends said the Skelton boys also started celebrating the holidays early by making greeting cards. One of the older brothers wrote "Jesus is awesome" on his and drew a Nativity scene, said Kathye Herrera, a friend of Tanya Skelton who is serving as the family's spokeswoman. "They love church. They love the interaction, and they know all about Jesus," Herrera said. Herrera said the boys' parents have been married for 10 years but are in the process of getting a divorce. She said that earlier this year, John Skelton picked his two older sons up from school and took them to Florida, but later returned to Michigan. Custody was awarded to Tanya Skelton, though John Skelton "had been seeing the boys with no issues," Herrera said.
Herrera said Tanya Skelton attends a local college or community college and John Skelton was a long-haul truck driver who hasn't been working in while.
'He would not harm his boys'
John Skelton's mother, Roxann Skelton of Jacksonville, Fla., told the Detroit Free Press that her son wouldn't hurt his children. "I know my son, he's not a monster," she told the newspaper. "He's a good son and he would not harm his boys. In my heart I know my grandchildren are safe somewhere. I know those children are ... still with us." Authorities said John Skelton told investigators Friday that he wanted the boys out of his house when he committed suicide, and asked a woman named Joann Taylor to take them to their mother. John Skelton claimed that he met Taylor several years ago and the two had been involved in an online relationship, and she likely lived in southern Michigan. But officers haven't been able to find a woman by that name or the silver van that Skelton said she was driving.
The weekend search for the boys extended to an Ohio state park just south of the Michigan state line, according to the sheriff's office in Fulton County, Ohio. The FBI got involved Friday, shortly after being contacted by Michigan authorities, said Andrew Arena, head of the agency's Detroit office. Many of those who attended Sunday night's vigil tried to hold back tears, though others allowed them to flow freely. As "Silent Night" and other Christmas hymns played, each filed slowly past the altar, lighting small white candles before returning to the pews to continue prayers for the boys' safe return. "Give us courage to face our fears," church Lay Leader Bob Dister said as part of a short prayer before leading into "The Lord's Prayer." He wept as the vigil ended.

More than 200 volunteers, including out-of-towners from Ohio and Indiana, joined authorities Monday searching for three missing Michigan boys.
The search included a northern Ohio campground, border areas and the southern Michigan town of Morenci, where the boys were last seen Thursday in the backyard of their father, John Skelton.
Morenci Police Chief Larry Weeks said Monday that Skelton lied about their disappearance. Weeks said Skelton, 39, told investigators he gave the boys — Tanner, 5, Alexander, 7, and Andrew, 9 — to a woman named Joann Taylor before he unsuccessfully attempted to hang himself. But Weeks disputed the claim.
"We can confirm that there's no established relationship between he and the person he described as Joann Taylor," Weeks said.
Skelton hasn't been named a suspect, but Weeks said police have also haven't ruled him out.
The boys were reported missing Friday by their mother, Tanya Skelton, Weeks said. The parents were going through a divorce, and the boys were with their father as part of court-ordered visitation, according to Kathye Herrera, a neighbor of the boys' maternal grandparents and spokeswoman for the family.
Police are interested in talking to anyone who saw John Skelton's blue 2000 Dodge Caravan between 2:30 p.m. Thursday and 1:30 p.m. Friday, and especially from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. Friday, Weeks said. The FBI said the vehicle was on the Ohio Turnpike during that time.
Police have searched Skelton's home and collected things "to assist us with the investigation," Weeks said.
Volunteers have been searching around Morenci, about 75 miles southwest of Detroit, for days. On Monday, they checked fields, farms and wooded areas along the state boundary, Weeks said.
Weeks said Skelton was being treated at an Ohio hospital for "mental health issues" after telling them he tried to hang himself Friday.
Earlier Monday, more than 60 law enforcement officers and firefighters searched the Lazy River Campground near Pioneer, Ohio. Owner Doug Rowland said he didn't know of Skelton staying there.
"I have no record of him having camped here, at least under that name," Rowland said. He added that Skelton could have stayed there under reservations made in someone else's name.
John Skelton's mother, Roxann Skelton, said from her home in Florida she believes her grandchildren are OK.
"In my heart, I know my grandchildren are safe somewhere," she said. "I know those children are … still with us."

The Morenci Police Department are still searching for three young brothers who haven't been since since Friday. Investigators say the father, John Skelton, gave the boys to a subject he met on the internet to return them to their mother; he has now been hospitalized after trying to hang himself.Monday, Morenci Police Chief Larry Weeks said there is no reason to believe that the boys' father, John Skelton, ever had a relationship with a Joann Taylor, a mystery woman who he claims he gave the boys to. "Well, we've received a number of tips into the tip line from citizens that have done research on the internet and you can find a number of Joann Taylors out there. So, to say that a Joann Taylor doesn't exist would be negligent. What I'm saying is a reported relationship between Mister Skelton and Joann Taylor does not exist."State records show the mother of the three missing boys is on Michigan's sex-offender registry for a misdemeanor committed in 1998. Tanya Skelton's offense was fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. There are no other details on the website.

The children were last seen at 2:30p.m. on Friday, November 26. Police say they are in extreme danger.

Alexander William Skelton is 7 years old, 3-feet 9 inches, 45 pounds and has brown eyes, brown hair and a scar at his hairline and on his chin. Also missing is Tanner Skelton, 5 years old, 3-feet 6 inches, with blue eyes, blond hair, and Andrew Skelton, 9 years old, 4-feet tall with brown eyes and brown hair.

The Morenci Police Department says Alexander William Skelton was allegedly abducted by Joann Taylor. Joann Taylor is believed to be from Jackson or Hillsdale counties. The suspect is driving a silver van.

When asked if Skelton was a suspect in the boys' disappearance, police said they haven't ruled out the possibility.

Skelton was being treated at an Ohio hospital for mental health issues on Saturday.

Morenci is about 75 miles southwest of Detroit and just north of the Ohio state line.

If you have any information on the alleged victim, abductor or vehicle, call 911 immediately, or Morenci Police Department at 517-263-0524.

The father of three missing Michigan boys was out of work, his marriage had fallen apart and he'd lost custody of his children in the months before he told police that he gave the boys to an acquaintance and tried to kill himself.
Police said Monday that they don't believe John Skelton's claim that he handed his children over to a woman he met online and had crews searching areas in Michigan and along an Ohio highway where the FBI said Skelton's blue minivan had been seen Thursday or Friday. Morenci Police Chief Larry Weeks said police spent several days searching extensively in records and by other means for the woman and couldn't find any evidence she existed.Skelton's sons — Tanner, 5, Alexander, 7, and Andrew, 9 — were last seen Thursday in the backyard of their father's southern Michigan home, and authorities said they believe they are in danger. Weeks did not name Skelton as a suspect in the boys' disappearance, but he said investigators haven't ruled him out. Skelton, 39, has been in an Ohio hospital since Friday, receiving treatment for "mental health issues" after telling police he tried to hang himself, Weeks said.The boys were reported missing Friday by their mother, Tanya Skelton, who was awarded custody after filing for divorce on Sept. 13. They had been with their father as part of court-ordered visitation.The Skeltons married in 2002. It was the second marriage for both.Jennifer O'Brien, who said she was John Skelton's cousin and had introduced the couple, told the Detroit Free Press that John Skelton had been secluding himself for years and Tanya Skelton had wanted to separate. O'Brien did not return a message left Monday by The Associated Press.The day Tanya Skelton filed for divorce her husband picked up their two oldest sons from school and texted her from Ohio that he was taking them to Florida, according to her motion for custody. Tanya Skelton called Weeks, who contacted John Skelton and convinced him to return the boys. But later that day, John Skelton picked them up at home and drove to Florida with them, the motion said.John Skelton later returned the boys and had been seeing them "with no issues," said Kathye Herrera, who identified herself as a spokeswoman for Tanya Skelton.But court records show the custody fight continued to be nasty. John Skelton filed a motion for custody on Sept. 27, saying his wife was a registered sex offender.Tanya Skelton, 44, pleaded guilty to fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct in 1998, according to court records. Her misdemeanor plea was part of a plea bargain after she was accused of having sex with a 14-year-old boy who had worked for her and her former husband at rental properties in Morenci. Her divorce attorney, David McFarland, declined to comment.Herrera said early Monday that Tanya Skelton's conviction was not relevant to the children's disappearance. She did not return a call later Monday after the AP obtained records detailing the complaint.Lenawee County Circuit Judge Margaret Noe told the AP that Tanya Skelton received exclusive custody after John Skelton returned from Florida with the boys, but the couple subsequently negotiated an agreement that allowed visitation."The agreement was without my intervention," Noe said. "It is not unusual for judges to encourage parents to engage in agreements between themselves relative to visitation because they best know the circumstances."She said the brothers' disappearance was "sad and unfortunate" and declined further comment.Tanya Skelton's original divorce motion asked for custody because John Skelton was a long-haul truck driver gone for long periods of time, but Herrera said John Skelton hadn't worked in a while. Tanya Skelton, who described herself in court documents as an at-home mother, attends a local college or community college, Herrera said.The couple had filed for bankruptcy in 2003, and the case was cleared later that year. Tanya Skelton asked for alimony and child support when she filed for divorce in September.Authorities and volunteers searched Monday afternoon along busy U.S. 20 in northern Ohio highway for evidence of the boys. Cambridge Township fire chief Scott Damon said he had a crew searching east of Pioneer, Ohio, about 12 miles from the boys' home in Morenci."It's pretty flat land. We're just walking along," Damon said. "We're looking for any type of evidence. My group has not found anything."About 50 people spent nearly three hours searching the Lazy River Resort Campground in Pioneer. The owner, Doug Rowland, said he was told cell towers in the area carried calls from John Skelton's phone last week. The campground is closed, but some trailers are parked there for the winter."They looked in every nook and cranny," Rowland said. "They peered in windows of campers and checked doors to see if they were locked. I just feel bad. I wish they would find something so the mother could get some resolution. The search turned up empty."

OK, I have a crazy, off the wall, out of the box theory on this case...
The obvious "go to" theory is that despondent dad got rid of the boys because of the custody issue.
The old " if I can't have 'em you can't either" story....BUT
What if the sex offender mom had to quiet the kids (permanently) as they were getting to that age?
What if dad decided to help the mom by staging this incident to cover the crime(s)?
Why does this sound like the Zahra Baker case?
What's your theory?

A frantic search for three missing Michigan brothers continues. The boys disappeared Friday - the same day their father tried to kill himself.

After 39-year-old John Skelton tried to hang himself, he told police he gave his three sons - Andrew, Alexander and Tanner - to a woman with whom he had an online relationship.

Now, police are saying that this woman never existed, and the whereabouts of the boys remains a mystery.

On day three of the desperate search that as hundreds of volunteers joined police, firefighters, and the FBI in looking for the missing brothers, their father's story fell apart.

Skelton's sons were last seen on Thanksgiving during a court-ordered visitation with their father. He claimed he turned his children over to a woman named Joann Taylor because he didn't want them around when he committed suicide.

Now, police are saying Skelton's story is a lie, that he made Taylor up "out of thin air".

Morenci, Mich., Police Chief Larry Weeks said, "What I'm saying is a reported relationship between Mr. Skelton and Joann Taylor does not exist."

Search parties are concentrating their efforts in an area along the Ohio turnpike, an area where Skelton's minivan was spotted around the time the boys disappeared. One search leader was overheard telling searchers Skelton "may have just dumped them on the road".

Weeks said, "Since we can last pinpoint the boys in the backyard on Thursday afternoon and we know that the vehicle wasn't at the home at a period of time there, you certainly want any leads that we could gather for that period of time on where that vehicle is at."

Police have searched Skelton's home and vehicle, and though he remains a suspect, no arrests have been made. Skelton, currently under observation at a local hospital, has yet to explain what actually happened to his three young sons.

Wendy Murphy, a former prosecutor, surmises, "We don't know why he lied, but we're certain that he lied, and when a father is not telling the truth to the cops about the disappearance of all of his children, that's a good reason to be suspicious."

This is not the first time Skelton has taken his children without permission. Skelton took the boys to Florida in September on the same day his wife filed for divorce.

Glor said Skelton kept his children there until a judge ordered him back to Michigan.

Ernie Allen, president and chief executive officer for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, said Tuesday his team has been helping in the search for the boys.

He said, "We have a program called Team Adam that uses retired law enforcement experts to advise and assist on the scene. We've been helping with grid searches of rural areas, looking for clues, looking for indications that the children have been there. We're circulating their photographs, widely to try to generate those key leads and information. We need to do more to bring these three little boys home."

Allen added, "We know that in 90 percent of these cases the children are recovered, the cases are resolved within the first 24 hours. And we know that when children are abducted by strangers, and murdered, that in three-fourths of the cases the children are dead within the first three hours. So law enforcement has moved quickly. There's been enormous attention to it. We remain hopeful, but the passage of time is not encouraging."

Allen explained in cases when a parent abducts a child, the motive for taking them is anger or revenge directed at the other spouse.

He said, "What is perhaps most encouraging in this case is we also know that it is very rare for an abducting parent to do physical harm to the children. This is usually directed more at the other spouse. So it's not unprecedented, but there certainly is hope that these three little boys are still alive and still out there somewhere."

Allen remarked, "This is a really troubling scenario. We're very concerned for the safety of these children. Our hope is that somebody knows, and that somebody will come forward and provide information. It's really important that people respond now and not feel intimidated because they know someone or have a relationship. Somebody knows where these children are."

Allen said he thinks the boys will be recovered.

"I think we've put such emphasis on the importance of time and rapid response that, to lots of people, that means that if you don't recover them in 24 hours or 48 hours there is no hope," he said.

Allen continued, "There are lots of examples of children being found and coming home after long periods of time. Most recently Jaycee Dugard after 18 years. So there is hope that we can find them. Law enforcement, state, federal, local law enforcement in two states, Ohio and Michigan, are working aggressively. There are volunteers helping. We think there is still hope that these children can be found and can be returned to their mom."

Authorities Do Not Expect 'Positive Outcome' in Search for Missing Michigan Boys

Published November 30, 2010

| FoxNews.com
Michigan law enforcement officials say they "do not anticipate a positive outcome" in the search for three missing boys who disappeared last week before their father's suicide attempt.

Morenci Police Chief Larry Weeks said Tuesday that statements made by the children's father, John Skelton, indicate that the search for them will not end as authorities had hoped. He did not elaborate further.

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Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/11/30/records-custody-dispute-missing-michigan-boys/#ixzz16nIhmgLa

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/11/30/records-custody-dispute-missing-michigan-boys/#ixzz16nId9gdl

Authorities arrested the father of three missing Michigan boys Tuesday, charging him with parental kidnapping, officials said. John Skelton was arrested immediately upon his release from a mental health facility where he was being treated after an attempted suicide, Morenci, Michigan, Police Chief Larry Weeks told reporters. Weeks said investigators have not found the children, despite internet rumors that began circulating Tuesday of their whereabouts. Local authorities and federal investigators have been trying to find the children since Friday. But Tuesday morning, Weeks said investigators "do not anticipate a positive outcome." Investigators are skeptical of information Skelton has provided them, he said. Skelton said he left the three boys with a woman, whom he identified as Joann Taylor, the morning before he tried to take his own life -- in part to ensure they did not witness his suicide attempt. Skelton said Taylor was supposed to take the boys to their home in Morenci, a southern Michigan town of about 2,400 people about 40 miles west-northwest of Toledo, Ohio, Friday afternoon, Weeks said. But the boys -- Tanner Skelton, 5, Alexander William Skelton, 7, and Andrew Skelton, 9 -- never arrived. Earlier, authorities determined that Skelton had no "established relationship" with the person he named as Taylor, and they aren't certain that she even exists. Authorities continue to ask for the public's help, hoping that someone saw Skelton's blue 2000 Dodge Caravan, in which he was believed to be carrying the boys from 2:30 p.m. Thursday to 1:30 p.m. Friday somewhere along a 25-mile stretch of road between Morenci and Holiday City, Ohio. Weeks had been more optimistic Monday, saying, "We remain hopeful. "That's why we're doing what we're doing, and hope to bring these boys home." The last time a non-family member saw the boys was at 5 p.m. on Thursday, according to the chief. Police say Tanner is 3 feet, 6 inches tall with strawberry blond hair and blue eyes, and weighs about 40 pounds. Alexander is 3 feet, 9 inches tall, has brown hair and eyes, weighs about 45 pounds and has scars on his hairline and chin. The oldest brother, Andrew, is 4 feet, 1 inch tall, has brown hair and eyes and weighs roughly 57 pounds.
Andy Arena, a special agent with the FBI, also has called for help from the public. "We need calls. We need tips. Anything that's out there, no matter how incredible you may think it is, call. Let us know," he said Sunday.

This is so upsetting. I doubt there's any hope.

My opinion is, I think the dad probably killed the boys to get back at his wife and, "says" he tried to kill himself as a cover. It was said he had to call somebody for a ride to the hospital so nobody actually saw him try to hang himself, I don't think he ever did. He knew it would buy him some time in a hospital being treated for a mental issue. I'd like to know why these precious boys were allowed alone with either parent???

alwaysbelieve wrote:My opinion is, I think the dad probably killed the boys to get back at his wife and, "says" he tried to kill himself as a cover. It was said he had to call somebody for a ride to the hospital so nobody actually saw him try to hang himself, I don't think he ever did. He knew it would buy him some time in a hospital being treated for a mental issue. I'd like to know why these precious boys were allowed alone with either parent???

I agree with everything you said Tom.

kiwimom wrote:

alwaysbelieve wrote:My opinion is, I think the dad probably killed the boys to get back at his wife and, "says" he tried to kill himself as a cover. It was said he had to call somebody for a ride to the hospital so nobody actually saw him try to hang himself, I don't think he ever did. He knew it would buy him some time in a hospital being treated for a mental issue. I'd like to know why these precious boys were allowed alone with either parent???

I agree with everything you said Tom.

---Only I didn't write that...AB did. Thanks just the same for the vote of confidence...and welcome back my Island sister!

You never know what you might find online. There is a question about what John Skelton wrote on his MySpace page. Could those words contain a clue as to what really happened to his boys? This is certainly eerie. It appears a few years ago Skelton wrote a poem called "The Dumpster." It describes what a child might be thinking after being thrown away like trash. Unnamed police officials believe this is far more than a coincidence. Skelton's last log-in to his MySpace page was on November 6th. The page has pictures of him and his estranged wife, Tanya, as well as one of him with one of his missing sons enjoying his motorcycle a few years ago. However, a song is raising serious questions. It is dated May 2007 and titled "The Dumpster". It appears Skelton wrote it while he was on the road. It describes a child's last moments as it dies in a dumpster. It expresses a sense of abandonment and says, in part, "I'm cold and alone in this metal room with plastic bags and a worn out broom. Nobody hears my calls for you. Come back mommy because I need you." The song ends with these lines. "It's my dying breath, and I see a glow. It's an angel from heaven, and he's taking me home. John Skelton." The paragraph following the ominous song says he wrote it to steer pregnant women away from abortion, but considering Skelton allegedly told police he threw his own children in a dumpster, this song could now have a very different meaning. This is not the first time John Skelton's web postings have been the center of suspicion. Just a day before the boys vanished, he posted a message on his Facebook page saying, in part, "May God and Tanya forgive me".

Dad of 3 missing boys fights extradition to MI

Posted: Dec 01, 2010 9:02 AM CST
Updated: Dec 01, 2010 1:40 PM CST


TOLEDO, OH (WTOL) - John Skelton will fight extradition to Michigan for parental kidnapping charges of his three sons, who remain missing.

Skelton was charged while in a Lucas County hospital, which means he has to be extradited back to Michigan.

Bond was set at $3 million, and a second hearing is set in Toledo Municipal Court for Dec. 14.

Nine-year-old Andrew, 7-year-old Alexander and 5-year-old Tanner Skelton have not been seen since Thanksgiving, when they were with their father in Morenci, MI.

For complete coverage of this search, view The Search for Missing MI Boys.

http://www.wtol.com/Global/story.asp?S=13594800

Coverage of the Missing Skelton Boys:

http://www.wtol.com/Global/category.asp?C=201779

TomTerrific0420 wrote:

kiwimom wrote:

alwaysbelieve wrote:My opinion is, I think the dad probably killed the boys to get back at his wife and, "says" he tried to kill himself as a cover. It was said he had to call somebody for a ride to the hospital so nobody actually saw him try to hang himself, I don't think he ever did. He knew it would buy him some time in a hospital being treated for a mental issue. I'd like to know why these precious boys were allowed alone with either parent???

I agree with everything you said Tom.

---Only I didn't write that...AB did. Thanks just the same for the vote of confidence...and welcome back my Island sister!

I'm a dingbat! I agree with you AB Wow, that song is so creepy! Here's a controversial question. If sick people didn't think children become angels and are happily running round heaven picking up daisies after they've been brutally murdered, do you think they would still have been killed?

kiwimom wrote:

TomTerrific0420 wrote:

kiwimom wrote:

alwaysbelieve wrote:My opinion is, I think the dad probably killed the boys to get back at his wife and, "says" he tried to kill himself as a cover. It was said he had to call somebody for a ride to the hospital so nobody actually saw him try to hang himself, I don't think he ever did. He knew it would buy him some time in a hospital being treated for a mental issue. I'd like to know why these precious boys were allowed alone with either parent???

I agree with everything you said Tom.

---Only I didn't write that...AB did. Thanks just the same for the vote of confidence...and welcome back my Island sister!

I'm a dingbat! I agree with you AB Wow, that song is so creepy! Here's a controversial question. If sick people didn't think children become angels and are happily running round heaven picking up daisies after they've been brutally murdered, do you think they would still have been killed?

That question just baffles me, doesn't take much to do that.
It made me chuckle that you thought you were reading what Tom wrote, he must be on your mind for some reason, maybe he needs extra prayers or something. This Zahra case has me really upset, I would love just 5 minutes alone with those dang not-parents, I would be edward scissorhands with them. Kiwi, what could they possibly have for a defense? What can they dream up that precious Zahra did to deserve to be cut up and thrown out, in several different areas??? I'm sorry but, I truly believe that not everybody "deserves" a trial, there is not one thing these sub-humans can come up with that would even remotely be a defense. I am just so damn mad.

kiwimom wrote:

TomTerrific0420 wrote:

kiwimom wrote:

alwaysbelieve wrote:My opinion is, I think the dad probably killed the boys to get back at his wife and, "says" he tried to kill himself as a cover. It was said he had to call somebody for a ride to the hospital so nobody actually saw him try to hang himself, I don't think he ever did. He knew it would buy him some time in a hospital being treated for a mental issue. I'd like to know why these precious boys were allowed alone with either parent???

I agree with everything you said Tom.

---Only I didn't write that...AB did. Thanks just the same for the vote of confidence...and welcome back my Island sister!

I'm a dingbat! I agree with you AB Wow, that song is so creepy! Here's a controversial question. If sick people didn't think children become angels and are happily running round heaven picking up daisies after they've been brutally murdered, do you think they would still have been killed?

Hi again--it's one of those nites. This is another case where the involved need to be hung, properly so it works.