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Police Ask Deer Hunters To Keep Eyes Peeled For Evidence In Case Of Skelton Brothers, Missing Nearly 4 Years

MORENCI, Mich. (WWJ) - It's been nearly four years since three young brothers vanished from southern Lenawee County.

Michigan State Police Det./Sgt. Jeremy Brewer says they are still actively investigating the disappearance of Andrew, Alexander, and Tanner Skelton, whose father failed to return them to their mother on the day after Thanksgiving, 2010.

As firearms deer hunting season begins on Saturday, Brewer said investigators are asking hunters to keep an eye out.

"Four years later...evidence could still be there — whether it be, you know, clothing items or just anything that looks suspicious," Brewer told WWJ Newsradio 950. "People that hunt certain areas are pretty familiar with their surroundings out there, and if they see anything that looks out of place — anything they think could be helpful to us as we investigate this."

"...They can kinda be our eyes and ears out there as they're walking through the woods and doing their thing," he said.

Andrew, Alexander, and Tanner Skelton were nine, seven and five years old respectively when they went missing from the tiny town of Morenci.

John Skelton, who is serving 10-15 years for unlawful imprisonment in the case, claims he didn't harm his sons but instead turned them over to an underground safety organization. He's serving 10 to 15 years in prison for unlawful imprisonment.

Police have said they believe the Andrew, Alexander and Tanner are likely dead — but is there any chance that they're alive?

"We always have that hope. You know, until we get some concrete answers on this, we can never give up hope on that," said Brewer. "...It's difficult for us because we have not found the boys; and no matter what condition that we might believe they're that in, until we do find some answers we always will hope that they're alive."

Brewer said police still get tips from all over the country and investigators do follow up on every one.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact Michigan State Police at  855-642-4847 or report it HERE.

[Catch up on this case].

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