Missing boys case now murder investigation

MORENCI, Mich., Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Police in Michigan said the disappearance of three young brothers has transitioned from a kidnapping case to a murder investigation.

The boys -- Andrew, 9, Alexander, 7, and Tanner Skelton, 5, of Morenci -- have been missing since Thanksgiving, when they were last seen in the custody of their father John Skelton, the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News reported Wednesday.

At a court hearing last week regarding Skelton's divorce from his wife Tanya, Skelton told the judge he was unable to return the children to their mother.

Skelton was charged with parental kidnapping and contempt of court for not handing over his sons in a custody dispute. He is being held in the Lenawee County Jail in lieu of $30 million bond.

Morenci police Chief Larry Weeks said Skelton provided investigators with misinformation about the boys. Skelton said the children are with an apparently non-existent group, the United Foster Outreach and Underground Sanctuaries.

"This is no longer a missing persons case, but a murder investigation. I'm sure that when the time is appropriate, charges will be requested," Weeks said.