Missing Mich. Boys Update: Father, John Skelton, Claims He Gave Sons to an "Organization"
ADRIAN, Mich. (CBS/AP) John Skelton, the Michigan father allegedly responsible for the disappearance of his three sons, said Thursday that he gave the boys to someone from an "organization" who visited his home on Thanksgiving, when the boys were last seen.
PICTURES: Missing Children, Where are They?
During a custody hearing in a Lenawee County courtroom, the 39-year-old Skelton told Judge Margaret Noe that he gave the children to a "person in a van," The Daily Telegram reported on its Web site. It was the first time that Skelton had publicly discussed his sons since his arrest Nov. 30 on parental kidnapping charges.Nine-year-old Andrew, 7-year-old Alexander and 5-year-old Tanner were last seen on Thanksgiving when they were at their father's home in Morenci, a small town on the Michigan-Ohio border. Hundreds of searchers spent days scouring the countryside on both sides of the state line, but found no trace of the boys.
When questioned by the judge as to what organization he gave his children to, Skelton replied, "I would rather not say at this time," according to the newspaper.
Morenci Police Chief Larry Weeks said he's heard similar references to what Skelton said in court. "I'm skeptical of what he's saying," Weeks told the Telegram. "We're not expecting a positive outcome."
The boys' mother, Tanya Skelton, was in court wearing a shirt with the boys' photos and a message that read, "Prayers for a safe return home."
Last week, the boys' grandparents said John Skelton assured them the children were safe and that he insisted on protecting them from their mother, who he claims was sexually abusing the boys.
In court John Skelton pointed to his finger and asked his estranged wife, "Why aren't you wearing your ring, hon?" She did not respond. The couple was reportedly going through a divorce when the children disappeared.
In a written statement, Weeks said police have followed up on 900 tips, including some suspected sightings, but "we have been unable to confirm that any of them are the Skelton boys."
John Skelton is being held in the county jail on $30 million bond.
COMPLETE COVERAGE OF THE MISSING MICHIGAN BOYS ON CRIMESIDER
