Mom granted sole custody of "missing" sons; authorities assume boys were killed by father during visitation (Morenci, Michigan)

It is utterly repugnant that dad JOHN SKELTON was allowed to play these twisted mind games with his ex-wife in a court of law. The police believe that this arrogant @$$hole killed these three boys as a way to punish his ex-wife, the boys' mother. And yet he has the freaking audacity to ask for joint custody of kids he apparently murdered during his visitation. What a sick f***.

http://www.lenconnect.com/breaking/x795259618/Tanya-Skelton-granted-custody-of-missing-sons-John-Skelton-says-she-wont-see-them

Tanya Skelton granted custody of missing sons; John Skelton says she won't see themMike Dickie

Tanya Skelton of Morenci was granted sole custody of her three young sons at her divorce trial Tuesday in Lenawee County Circuit Court. Her ex-husband, John Skelton, is in the Lenawee County Jail on kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment charges. He is accused of kidnapping the couple's sons on Thanksgiving last year. They have not been seen since then.

By Dennis Pelham
Daily Telegram
Posted Jun 07, 2011 @ 07:25 PM
Last update Jun 08, 2011 @ 09:55 AM

ADRIAN, Mich. — John Skelton said at a divorce hearing Tuesday his wife will not see their three missing sons again if legal custody is given to her.

“It’s hoped they will be returned to her quickly and safely,” Lenawee County Circuit Judge Margaret M.S. Noe said after awarding sole custody to Tanya Skelton. She ruled it would be in the boys’ best interests to be with their mother.

Noe also granted the couple’s divorce.

John Skelton, 39, has been in jail since shortly after Andrew, 9, Alexander 7, and Tanner, 5, disappeared from his Morenci home during a Thanksgiving visit. He is being held in lieu of $90 million in bonds while he awaits trial on kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment charges that carry maximum life and 15-year prison terms.

He turned the boys over to an “organization” on Thanksgiving Day, Skelton has claimed.

“I’d like joint legal custody,” John Skelton said at the closing of the 20-minute trial. “I didn’t take the kids.”

Acting as his own lawyer, John Skelton questioned his wife about their sons who are believed by police to be homicide victims.

“Why do you think it would be in the best interests of the children for you to have sole legal and physical custody,” John Skelton asked her.

Tanya Skelton directed her answer to Noe without looking at her husband.

She said the children were sent to his home for a Thanksgiving Day visit.

“Six months plus later I have not seen my children and he will not say where they are,” she told the judge.

“Do you believe they are safe?” he asked.

“No, because they are not with either parent,” she answered.

“Do you believe the children are still alive?” he asked.

“Ask another question,” Noe quickly ordered.

“I don’t have anything,” he said, ending his questioning about their children.

The divorce trial was nearly avoided. Tanya Skelton’s attorney, David McFarland of Adrian, announced he had an agreement signed by John Skelton and his client resolving custody and property issues.

John Skelton said he changed his mind about the agreement while Tanya Skelton was being questioned about custody terms.

“Do you have any questions for your wife?” Noe asked.

“Are you OK with not seeing your kids anymore?” John Skelton asked.

He said he has tried to explain that they will not be returned if she has sole legal custody.

“It’s not in my control,” he told the court.

He asked for a trial on the divorce judgment.

“I was given assurances,” John Skelton said, implying the custody language in the agreement is not what he expected.

The trial began after a 10 minute break. In addition to the custody issue, John Skelton brought up a personal debt of $2,700 he paid in 2009 for his wife as well as other property issues.

McFarland said his client is not asking her husband to pay her attorney fees or for alimony. John Skelton had raised objections to those issues in past hearings.

Noe ruled John Skelton would be solely responsible for any remaining indebtedness for the marital home because he lived there alone at the time of the separation. Either party can file bankruptcy to resolve their individual debts.

The house in Morenci has already been foreclosed.