A sign in front of a home shows the names of three missing brothers on Sunday, November 28, 2010, in Morenci, Michigan.TOLEDO, Ohio — The grandparents of three southern Michigan brothers last seen on Thanksgiving said the boys' jailed father assured them Wednesday that the children are safe, but wouldn't say where they are.
John Skelton's parents said they talked with him for about a half-hour in the Ohio jail where he is being held on parental kidnapping charges.
"He said to tell you his boys are safe and sound," his mother, Roxanne Skelton, told reporters from Toledo and Detroit TV stations.
The boys' mother, Tanya Skelton, reported them missing Nov. 26 after their father didn't return 9-year-old Andrew, 7-year-old Alexander and 5-year-old Tanner from a court-ordered visitation at his home in Morenci, Mich.
Police have said John Skelton lied to investigators when he said he gave the boys to a female acquaintance to hand over to their mother before he tried to commit suicide.
Investigators have said they don't expect a positive outcome to the case.
Hundreds of volunteers along with authorities have searched fields, rivers, ditches and vacant buildings in both southern Michigan and northern Ohio since the boys disappeared. The disappearance and search has consumed Morenci, a town of about 2,000 residents 75 miles southwest of Detroit.
Authorities suspended the search last weekend, but say they are continuing to check out tips.
William and Roxanne Skelton told WDIV-TV in Detroit after their visit Wednesday that they believe their son.
His mother said he seemed depressed. "He's not in good spirits, but I'm happy to see him," she said.
Skelton, an unemployed truck driver, is fighting extradition to Michigan. He is in jail on a $3 million bond and due in court for an extradition hearing next week.
Skelton's court-appointed attorney for the extradition case has said he wouldn't comment on anything about the case.