A mother from Utah is urgently calling for help amid fears that her two sons might have been taken by their father, who is described by officials as being “severely depressed.”
In a heartfelt video shared online, Lizzie Tomich asked for the safe return of her children, Will Richman, age 1, and Wesley, 10 months. They were last seen on May 16.
“Please like, share, and repost everything,” she pleaded in her message.
Tomich shares custody of the boys with Dane Steven Richman, who picked them up during a routine custody exchange in Sheldon, Washington, but has since failed to return them after a week.
Richman, 46, had reportedly told Tomich he was camping with the boys but missed a scheduled custody hearing, raising serious concerns.
Authorities conducted a welfare check at Richman’s residence in Saratoga Springs before issuing an Amber Alert.
“At that point, we called the police to check on his welfare,” Tomich explained.
When police arrived, they found the house empty and noticed belongings had been removed. “There was no car, and Dane and the boys were not home. I knew something was wrong,” she said.
Tomich shared a concerning text conversation with Richman, where she asked, “Where are you? Where are your children now?” to which Richman vaguely replied, “You’ll drive with me” before claiming, “I’m camping.”
Tomich noted that she had shown up 15 minutes earlier than arranged for the meeting. As time ticked by, she started calling and texting him, but got no response. “Around 12:01 p.m., I started panicking and called the police,” she said.
Brittany Skinner, Tomich’s family attorney, added that police learned Richman quit his job and sold nearly all his possessions, indicating his intention not to return with the children.
“Please like, share, repost everything. Tell your family, friends, anyone,” Tomich’s voice trembled as she described her sons, mentioning their “contagious smiles, dimples, and blue eyes.”
Richman now faces a charge of interference with custody, a third-degree felony, and there are worries he may have crossed into Mexico. Reports suggest he was in Carlsbad, California, on May 18 and likely left the country the next day.
An Amber Alert was issued, emphasizing that “the suspect has fallen into severe depression, sold property, faced financial stress, and abandoned his home, raising concerns for the safety and well-being of his children.”
Additionally, it came to light that the brothers’ aunt, Katie Walters, intercepted a “moving truck” while police were checking on their welfare. “He had completely moved out of the home where his children were supposed to live,” she stated.
The movers mentioned they had only communicated with Richman through text, having never met him personally.
Tomich expressed her affection for Richman and the kids, saying, “Dane, please stay safe. We love you and we love those kids.”
Police are on the lookout for Richman, who is believed to be driving a black Toyota Camry with Utah license plate A561HL, which they think might have temporary tags.
