x
Breaking News
More () »

Search for missing Morenci boys turns up nothing

The boys disappeared without a trace last week and police, the FBI and searchers have had no luck locating them.

MORENCI, MI (WTOL) – Volunteers have finished their organized searches for three missing brothers from Morenci Friday.

The boys disappeared without a trace last week and police, the FBI and searchers have had no luck locating them.

For many, ending the search without finding boys is difficult, yet allows them to hold out hope that the boys are still alive.

The formal search for the boys also continued Friday as several teams searched the St. Joseph River and Lazy River Campground near Pioneer.

Also, Angola Fire Department crews searched the water at the Lazy River Campground using sonar technology, which gives searchers a 3D-like image of the river bottom.

Crews cleared 700 yards of water and did not find any sign of the boys.

Nine-year-old Andrew, 7-year-old Alexander and 5-year-old Tanner Skelton haven't been seen since Thanksgiving Day. Their father is jailed on kidnapping charges.

In a news conference Wednesday, Morenci Police Chief Weeks asked for volunteers to take a break from formal searches this weekend.

However, Weeks says the FBI and investigators will continue to search Saturday and Sunday. He also asked folks who live in rural areas to search their own properties over the weekend.

Police say they will use the weekend to evaluate evidence and reassess the search.

Volunteers may be asked to regroup next week if needed.

Police still want anyone who may have seen Skelton's minivan last week to call police.

Officials want anyone who may have spotted the blue 2000-model Dodge Caravan with Michigan license plate 9JQH93 last Thursday and Friday to call at 517-458-7104.

Related Stories: 

COMPLETE COVERAGE: The search for missing Morenci brothers

  • Search for 3 missing MI brothers consumes hometown
  • Volunteers search for missing Morenci brothers for final day
  • Police ask for volunteers on final day of Morenci ground search
  • Mayor holds hope 3 missing MI brothers are alive
  • Students to hold candlelight vigil for missing boys Thursday
  • Saturday prayer vigil scheduled for Morenci boys
  • Morenci police chief wants searches of private property for missing boys
  • Donor offers big reward for finding missing MI boys
  • Volunteer search efforts for missing boys to end temporarily on Friday
  • Dad could be key in search for missing MI brothers
  • Dad of 3 missing boys fights extradition to MI
  • Father of missing boys charged with 3 counts of kidnapping
  • Amid Morenci search, expert advises on custody disputes
  • Morenci Police: 'We no longer expect positive outcome'
  • Records show custody fight over missing MI boys
  • Search resumes Tuesday morning for missing brothers
  • Missing MI boys' dad lied about woman; search shifts to OH town
  • Mom of missing MI boys is on sex-offender list
  • Search continues for 3 missing Morenci boys
  • 3 Michigan boys missing

  • Before You Leave, Check This Out