New tips coming to Michigan State Police regarding missing Morenci boys

As prosecutors filed murder charges against John Skelton for the deaths of his sons Alexander, Andrew, and Tanner earlier this month, the public began reaching out to investigators with new information.

MORENCI, Mich. (WTVG) – With a murder charge pending, Michigan State Police tell the 13 Action News I-TEAM that new tips are now coming in about the missing Morenci boys.

Skelton, the boys’ father, is charged with murder, and once again the public is offering investigators potentially valuable information.

Fifteen years ago, during Thanksgiving weekend, tips also started pouring in. That was the last time anyone saw the Skelton boys. The holiday still resonates deeply with people in southwest Michigan, and it may prompt someone to come forward with a crucial piece of information.

Lt. Rene Gonzalez said detectives noticed a rise in calls after Michigan State Police and Lenawee County prosecutors announced murder charges against Skelton earlier this month.

“We did see an influx or increase in tips coming through. Our detectives are following up on all of those of course to build on this case should something come up,” Gonzalez said.

The boys vanished 15 years ago, and no trace of them has been found since. Despite the charges and the upcoming trial, investigators say the public may still hold key information needed to secure a conviction.

“We may be getting information that’s very old or will be. We have to follow up on that. There’s a chance that maybe someone knows something out there and we try to follow up and they’re not there anymore,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez noted that his sector of the state police has secured two recent convictions in cases where no bodies were found. Still, the absence of the Skelton boys makes this case particularly challenging. Finding them would significantly change the direction of the trial.

“What we’re looking for, find those boys so we can have some closure for the family,” Gonzalez said.

Skelton is expected back in court next month. Some hearings have already been delayed, so a trial is not expected until well into 2026.

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