Two young children from Utah are missing and considered to be in “imminent danger of serious bodily harm or death.” The alert follows after their father, described as “seriously depressed,” did not show up for a scheduled custody exchange. An AMBER Alert was issued on Saturday, May 16, for the two boys, Will Richman, 22 months, and Wesley Richman, 10 months, in Saratoga Springs, Utah.
A concerned relative expressed, “Please, we need your help and prayers for these boys.” The alert gave details about their father, Dane Stephen Richman, who is under financial stress and has reportedly been selling his possessions and abandoned his home. The Utah Department of Public Safety identified him as a suspect.
The children’s mother initially reached out to authorities for a welfare check when Richman missed a court deposition related to an ongoing custody case. After the children were not returned during the scheduled exchange, she contacted the police again, prompting the AMBER Alert.
The alert describes Dane Stephen Richman as 6 feet 2 inches tall, 195 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. The boys, Will and Wesley Richman, have blonde hair and blue eyes. Will is 2 feet 6 inches tall, weighing around 31 pounds, while Wesley is 2 feet 2 inches, weighing about 23 pounds.
Authorities believe they may be in a Black Toyota Camry with Utah license plate A561HL. The car might have a temporary tag, so the license plate could be obscured or not visible.
A family member, identified as Kate Walters, posted on Facebook confirming the situation: “My sister’s children have been abducted,” and appealed for public help and prayers.
What is an AMBER Alert?
An AMBER Alert, or America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response, is a public notification system activated when a child is believed to have been abducted and faces serious danger. When law enforcement confirms an abduction of a child under 17, meeting specific criteria, an alert is issued. This includes details about the child, suspected abductor, and involved vehicle, distributed via multiple platforms such as Wireless Emergency Alerts, TV, radio broadcasts, and highway signs.
The AMBER Alert system has aided in the recovery of over 1,000 missing children since its introduction in the United States. Public participation during the first critical hours of an abduction significantly helps law enforcement efforts in locating missing children and detaining suspects. Authorities highlight the time-sensitive nature of these alerts, which are typically issued within hours to enhance the prospects of a safe recovery.