Overview
- Lenawee County records show John Skelton, 53, was charged with three counts of open murder and three counts of tampering with evidence, with the offenses dated Nov. 25, 2010.
- Andrew, 9, Alexander, 7, and Tanner, 5, vanished over Thanksgiving in Morenci and were declared legally dead in March 2025, though their remains have not been found.
- Investigators say the case draws on years of evidence, including phone data placing Skelton traveling into Ohio and a pattern of false leads he provided early in the search.
- Prior court testimony described items found in Skelton’s home, a note interpreted as a tacit admission, and internet searches about harming people, according to law enforcement witnesses.
- An arraignment date has not been announced, Michigan State Police are leading the ongoing investigation, the boys’ mother has requested privacy, and a conviction could mean life in prison.