MORENCI, Mich. – Morenci Police Chief Larry Weeks said bones that were recently found in the southern Michigan community are not being considered evidence in the case of the three missing Skelton brothers.
The brothers, 9-year-old Andrew, 7-year-old Alexander and 5-year-old Tanner Skelton, have been missing since Thanksgiving, when their father, John, didn't return them to their mother, Tanya, after a scheduled visit.
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"There has been conflicting reports that items obtained during Saturday's search exercise were in fact evidentiary in nature. Those reports are inaccurate," Weeks said in a release. "None of the items collected were confirmed as having any connection with Skelton case and no laboratory analysis is planned at this time. A number of bones were located, all of which appear to be animal in nature and not human."
Hundreds of people have searched woods and waters in Ohio and Michigan for the boys. In February, Weeks, concerned that people had false hope of the boys' return, said the case had turned into a homicide investigation.
John Skelton faces three charges of parental kidnapping in connection with the boys' disappearance. He has said he gave them away to an organization, of which police said they have been unable to find.