Father of Missing Morenci Boys Charged, Fighting Extradition

There is still no sign of the three missing boys from Morenci. Their father is now charged with parental kidnapping. John Skelton is being held in Toledo, and he told a judge on Wednesday he is fighting extradition back to Michigan.

John Skelton showed little emotion as he was wheeled into a Lucas County courtroom Wednesday morning. He appeared before Common Pleas Court Judge Gary Cook after being arrested on charges of parental kidnapping.

"Today, he was brought before the court for the purpose of seeing whether or not he would waive extradition. He refused to waive extradition," said Assistant Lucas County Prosecutor Jeffrey Lingo.

Skelton's booking documents show the 39-year-old was being treated at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center in Toledo following his failed suicide attempt. Tuesday night, FBI agents showed up at his hospital room to arrest him. He was transported from the hospital to the Lucas County Jail where he remains locked up.

"We asked for $1-million on each count for the three counts of kidnapping, and the judge granted that. So, he's currently in on a $3-million bond," Lingo said.

Skelton's court appearance was brief. Throughout the procedure, he sat in a wheelchair. His ankle and foot were wrapped in a cast; injuries believed he suffered while trying to hang himself. When asked questions, he quietly responded yes or no.

Nothing in his demeanor revealed answers to the questions everyone wants to know. Where are Andrew, Alexander and Tanner and are they still alive?

FOX 2 obtained a copy of the warrant for Skelton's arrest. It shows the 5'7", 130 pound father is considered a fugitive from Michigan on three counts of kidnapping, custodial interference. They are charges that could change if it is discovered his little boys are indeed dead.

"In Ohio, the law says if a body is found in Ohio, there's a presumption that the homicide or the death occurred in Ohio. So, therefore, we could go forward with charges here in Ohio," said Lingo.

Keep in mind, the big difference between Ohio and Michigan is that Ohio does have the death penalty.

As for Skelton, he is due back in court on December 14th for another hearing. FOX 2's Ronnie Dahl talked to his attorney via phone. He refused to answer questions as to why they waived extradition. He also would not talk about why his client is being held and whether or not he is talking with police.

Meanwhile, a massive search continued Wednesday for any traces of the missing brothers. People around Morenci still have hope as they brace for the worst.

Nine-year-old Andrew, seven-year-old Alexander and five-year-old Tanner disappeared sometime between last Thursday and Friday. Skelton initially told police he gave the boys to a woman because he planned to take his own life.

Police have hinted Skelton has spoken about the boys' fate, but will not say whether he confessed to killing them.

"I refuse to believe that at this point. It is my desire to maintain hope, but as I said yesterday, the information we have (does) not indicate that this is going to have a positive outcome," said Morenci Police Chief Larry Weeks.

Hundreds of volunteers came to Morenci to help search for any signs of the boys. They boarded buses to scour the rural region straddling the Michigan-Ohio border.

"It's hard for any parent," said Adrian Firefighter Tommy Russell. "As a parent and as a firefighter, it's difficult. We're just hoping for the best."

Outside Pioneer, Ohio, the volunteers combed through fields searching for traces of the boys.

"Taking it mile by mile going through the fields, going through the woods," said volunteer Joyce Beatty.

The volunteers were warmed and fed at the Morenci Fire Department. They have come from the Detroit, Toledo and mid-Ohio areas and even as far away as Tennessee.

These are painful days in this community.

"We'll certainly be diligent in continuing our searches as most efficiently as we can in an effort to locate the boys and bring them home," Weeks said.

The police chief also indicated unless there is a major break in the case, the search by the volunteers will end Friday night and then they will reassess the situation and determine where to go from there.