Skelton's parents say missing Morenci boys are alive

Toledo, OH - Posted by Nick Dutton - email

TOLEDO, OH (WTOL) – The grandparents of three missing boys from Morenci are talking about what they learned after speaking with the boys' father Wednesday.

Roxanne and William Skelton, who now live in Florida and have been in town for a week, visited their son for the first time at the Lucas County jail Wednesday.

After speaking to him for about 30 minutes through a video monitor, they say they believe their grandchildren are still alive.

"He said to tell you that his boys are safe and sound," said Roxanne Skelton.

When the couple was questioned about whether they asked Skelton where they boys were, they said he would not tell them "nor did we want him to tell us."

Nine-year-old Andrew, 7-year-old Alexander and 5-year-old Tanner Skelton haven't been seen since Thanksgiving Day. Skelton jailed on kidnapping charges and fighting extradition back to Michigan.

However, the Skelton's say last week's massive search for the boys unnecessary and that the investigation against their son is biased.

"The system wants to go to this planned thing saying dead bodies and doesn't want to look at the other side of the story," said William Skelton.

They say Skelton told them the boys were the subject of sex acts with his estranged wife.

"He took those boys out of harm's way and I respect my son," said Roxanne Skelton. However, she admits her son is not in good spirits and is depressed.

The couple also says they do not believe he tried to kill himself as he first told police.

"If he wanted to kill himself by hanging himself, he could have done that easy without muffing it," said William Skelton.

However, the pastor of John and his estranged wife adamantly denies the claims of abuse.

If you have any information that can help police, call the Morenci police tip line at 517-458-7104.

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