The disappearance of Andrew, Alexander, and Tanner Skelton remains one of Michigan’s most heartbreaking and mysterious cases, with no answers or closure in sight, even after more than a decade. On Thanksgiving weekend in 2010, the three young boys vanished without a trace, and their mother, Tanya, has been left in agony, still searching for the truth about what happened to her children.
What Happened
On November 26, 2010, 9-year-old Andrew, 7-year-old Alexander, and 5-year-old Tanner Skelton went missing after spending Thanksgiving with their father, John Skelton, in Morenci, Michigan. After the boys were last seen playing in the backyard, they disappeared, and John Skelton’s conflicting stories and odd behavior raised suspicions. Despite an extensive search by law enforcement, volunteers, and the FBI, no trace of the boys was ever found. John, who was arrested and later convicted of unlawful imprisonment, continued to change his story, further complicating the investigation.
Who Are Andrew, Alexander, and Tanner Skelton
Andrew, Alexander, and Tanner Skelton were young brothers from Morenci, Michigan. Andrew was 9 years old, Alexander was 7, and Tanner was just 5 when they vanished. Their disappearance rocked their tight-knit community, and their mother, Tanya, has been searching for answers ever since. The boys’ case gained national attention, with widespread appeals for information about their whereabouts, but despite all efforts, they have never been found. Age-progressed images of the boys have been released, showing what they might look like if still alive.
Background or Timeline
On November 24, 2010, Tanya dropped off her sons for Thanksgiving visitation with their father, John Skelton. After the planned exchange on November 26, Tanya became concerned when John failed to return the boys as agreed. As the day went on, John’s stories changed, and he eventually told Tanya that the boys had been sent with a woman named Joann Taylor, a person who was later found to have never existed. John’s actions, along with his conflicting statements, led police to suspect foul play.
John Skelton’s movements were traced through his cell phone records, which indicated that he traveled from his home in Morenci to an area northeast of Holiday City, Ohio, in the early hours of November 26, 2010. Police believe that this is when the boys were likely disposed of, though their bodies have never been found.
Despite numerous searches, including efforts by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the exact fate of the boys remains unknown. In 2011, John Skelton was convicted of unlawful imprisonment and kidnapping, but he continues to insist that the boys are alive and being hidden by a secret group.
Public or Social Media Reaction
The Skelton brothers’ disappearance has sparked an outpouring of support from the community and nationwide. Public vigils, social media campaigns, and widespread media coverage have kept the case in the public eye, with many still hoping for a break in the case. Every year, updates are shared, and the boys are remembered by their family, their community, and law enforcement agencies that continue to search for answers.
The case remains a tragic example of how the disappearance of a loved one can ripple through a community and affect people long after the initial shock. The Skelton family’s pain is compounded by the lack of resolution, and supporters continue to share their stories in hopes of finding the missing boys.
Official Statement or What Happens Next
John Skelton remains the main suspect in the case, and authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of his sons’ disappearance. The Morenci Police Department is asking anyone with information, particularly about John’s whereabouts on November 26, 2010, to come forward. Investigators are still hopeful that someone will come forward with information that could lead to the discovery of the boys.
For those who may have seen anything suspicious or know something about the boys’ disappearance, the Morenci Police Department can be reached at 517-458-7104. Law enforcement continues to urge the public to help bring closure to this case, and they continue to search areas near where John Skelton’s phone was last traced.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
