Need some snooping help please, important

I need some help and you all know how to find details.

I have taken in two children about a year and a half ago, their families are a mess.
Well, one of the grandparents they were taken from, lives in town with me now,
and have been given the way to contact us. That I can handle, where my problem is, is this.

The grandparents name is Millard W. Ellis, he's a step grandpa, the kids stayed with them when they were removed from the mom, and then they had to be removed from there. These kids' lifes have been nothing short of a nightmare.

We have just had another Ellis arrested here for murder, his name is Michael Ellis and he's 26
They are reporting his home as Elkville, Illinois, and Millard lives in Murphysboro, Illinois.

I was wondering if someone could find out if they are related, I am so concerned about these children.

Thanks for any help in advance.