Slideshow: Missing Skelton boys' dad may have ‘dumped them on the road’ (photos)

Slideshow: Missing Skelton boys' dad may have ‘dumped them on the road’ (photos)

Investigators are now combing over 18 miles of road in Fulton and Williams counties in Ohio, where authorities believe John Skelton may have left his three little boys by the roadside.

According to the Detroit News, Fire Chief Scott Damon of Cambridge Township, Michigan told a group of firefighters preparing to search for Andrew, 9, Alexander, 7, and Tanner, 5, who were last seen Friday, their father "may have just dumped them on the road."

Skelton said he gave the boys to a female acquaintance, Joann Taylor, prior to a suicide attempt on Friday, however, police now believe that is a lie.

Police in the boys’ hometown of Morenci, Michigan say a task force has been formed that developed evidence that Skelton, 39, may have driven the boys to Pioneer/Holiday City/West Unity, Ohio, sometime between 2:30 p.m. on Thursday and 1:30 p.m. Friday when they were reported missing.

Police Chief Larry Weeks told the Detroit News that investigators have evidence that Skelton’s blue 2000 Dodge Caravan may have been in that area between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. Friday.

Weeks added “We have been able to eliminate the reported established relationship between Joann Taylor and Mr. Skelton based on recent information we’ve gathered from a number of sources.” Skelton claimed he met the woman years ago, but just reconnected with her on the Internet.

Skelton attempted to hang himself Friday, but failed and sustained a broken ankle in the process. He is being treated at a secured mental facility in Ohio.

Authorities are now searching for information from anyone who may have seen the blue Caravan with Michigan license plates 9JQ H93.

Andrew is 4-feet-1 inch tall, weighs 57 pounds, and has brown eyes and hair. Alexander is 3-feet-9 inches tall, weighs 45 pounds, and has brown eyes and hair, and a scar at his hairline and on his chin. Tanner is 3-feet-6 inches tall, weighs 40 pounds, and has blonde hair and blue eyes.

Anyone with information on the alleged victims, abductor or vehicle is asked to call 911 or the Morenci Police Department at (517) 263-0524.

To see photos regarding the case, click on the slideshow to the left of this article, or click here.

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