Two Utah Children Missing, Police Warn of 'Imminent Danger' After Father Disappears Following Custody Exchange

The authorities have launched a massive search operation after two children below the age of two went missing, after their father missed a scheduled custody exchange on May 23. The father, who is “seriously depressed,” is also missing, according to The Daily Mail.

Authorities in Utah have issued an Amber Alert and launched a large-scale search after the children went missing on May 23. Police warned that the children could be in "imminent danger" as concerns about the man's mental state continue to grow.

On May 23, authorities issued an Amber Alert for 1-year-old Will Richman and 10-month-old Wesley Richman.

Authorities were alerted after their father, a 46-year-old man, failed to appear for a scheduled custody exchange in Saratoga Springs. The man has been identified as Dane Stephan Richman.

The children are scheduled to spend alternate weeks with each parent amid an ongoing custody battle. However, they have not been seen since before the missed custody exchange with their father.

Authorities have since launched an urgent search as family members and law enforcement work to locate the children.

Police described the father’s recent behavior as troubling, raising concerns about the children’s safety. Officers said Richman is “seriously depressed” and is also facing financial difficulties. Investigators believe he may have abandoned his home before disappearing with the boys.

According to the Amber Alert, there is serious concern for the children’s safety as Richman is experiencing depression and financial distress and has been selling his possessions. Authorities also said he has left his home.

The alert raised fear among the investigators that the children could face imminent danger, including bodily harm.

The boy's aunt, identified as Kaite Walter, first reported their disappearance in a Facebook post. Walter said the family became concerned after the boys’ mother, Lizzie Tomich, arrived for a legal proceeding and realized something was wrong. Tomich learned during the proceeding that Richman had fired his lawyer.

When Tomich was unable to reach Richman, she requested a welfare check at his house. Richmon was last seen with the children after picking them up from their mother's house in Shelton, Washington, on May 16. He allegedly told his wife that he would be away camping with them. However, when police arrived at his home, a pickup truck was seen leaving the driveway.

Walter said Richman had moved out of the home without notifying anyone.

Authorities said they are working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and believe there is a possibility Richman has left Utah.