MORENCI (WWJ) - The disappearance of three little boys in Morenci, Michigan has now remained a mystery for nine years.
Andrew, Alexander and Tanner Skelton -- ages 9, 7 and 5 at the time -- were last seen the day after Thanksgiving in 2010 in southern Lenawee County.
When the boys were reported missing, they were in the care of their father, John Skelton. He claimed that he had not harmed the boys, but gave them to unknown individuals in an effort to keep them safe from their mother, who denied all claims of abuse. He later pleaded no contest to three counts of unlawful imprisonment in September 2011 and was sentenced to 10-15 years in prison.
In late 2017, there was movement in the investigation after bone fragments and teeth of three children who fit the ages of the Skelton brothers when they went missing, were discovered in Missoula, Montana. Testing in early 2018, however, determined the remains did not belong to the Skeltons.
Earlier this year, officials released new age-progression photos of the boys, showing what Andrew might look like at age 17, Alexander at 15, and Tanner at 13.
John Skelton remains in custody at the Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility in Ionia. His earliest release date is Nov. 29, 2020.
Anyone who has information on the Skelton brothers is asked to contact Michigan State Police at 517-636-0689 or at michigan.gov/michtip.