Father Tries to Get Custody of Missing Sons

Even though his boys have been missing since Thanksgiving weekend, John Skelton tried to obtain joint child custody.

However, Judge Noe saw through Skelton's arguments and denied his request, ruling instead that their mother, Tanya, will get "sole legal and physical custody" if and when the boys are found alive. In addition to his child custody case, Skelton has also recently visited the courthouse to be arraigned for his missing boys. He has been charged with three counts of unlawful imprisonment and kidnapping. If found guilty, he could receive multiple life sentences; he is now being held at the county jail in lieu of $30 million bond.

Witnesses last placed the three boys - Tanner, 5; Alexander, 7; and Andrew, 9 - in their father's backyard during the holiday weekend. When Mrs. Skelton alerted police that her ex-husband had failed to return the boys after the weekend, a manhunt ensued that involved state, local and federal investigators, along with hundreds of volunteers.

Need assistance with a child custody matter?  Contact us to speak with a Riverside family lawyer.