SARATOGA SPRINGS, Utah, May 26, 2026 (Gephardt Daily) — Warrant-related court documents filed by Saratoga Springs investigators reveal that Dane Stephen Richman, named as the suspect in the disappearance of baby son Wesley Dane and toddler son Will, may have crossed into Mexico on May 19.
Court documents filed by Saratoga Springs police in connection with the Amber Alert case reveal that prior to picking up is sons for what he agreed was a temporary custody visit, Richman had quit his job, purchased a satellite phone, and given away some of his possessions.
“It seems that Dane has possibly been planning this attempt to kidnap the children several days if not multiple weeks in advance,” says a court document filed in support of an arrest warrant.
Richman faces possible charges of two counts of custodial interference, a third-degree felony.
Court documents also fill in a timeline of what investigators believe happened before the Amber Alert was issued on Saturday. Much of it happened before the boys, ages 10 months and 22 months, were known to be missing, so no investigation had yet been initiated.
Wesley and Will Richman. Photo: Saratoga Springs Police
May 11, a Monday,: Richman informed his employer he was quitting the job, court documents say.
“Detectives have continued to investigate this case, they have learned that Dane’s financial situation was dire, including being upside down on his mortgage after it appears that he took out an additional line of credit on the home equity,” court documents say.
“Dane’s boss said that Dane simply told him that he was unable to continue working due to the current ongoing legal battles with his ex-girlfriend over the custody of his children,” court documens say.
“Dane’s boss also said that Dane had mentioned that Dane needed to move as he was losing his house to foreclosure.”
May 16, a Saturday: Richman picks up his sons from the Washington state residence of his former girlfriend for scheduled visitation. The two had reportedly agreed she could pick Wesley and Will up on May 23 at Richman’s Saratoga Springs residence.
May 22, a Friday: The boys’ mother contacted Saratoga Springs Police after learning Richman canceled a custody deposition appointment with his attorney and fired her. SSPD officers performed a requested welfare check at Richman’s residence and find no one appears to be home, and see no signs of trouble.
According to a TikTok video, the boys’ mother said she was able to contact Richman by phone text, and he reportedly said he was camping with the boys and would see her Saturday, as planned.
Lizzie Tomich (left), the mother of missing boys Will and Wesley Richman, posted a TikTok appeal for people to report sightings of her sons.
May 23, a Saturday: The boy’s mother went to Richman’s residence to pick up the boys, in keeping their agreement. She finds no one at the residence, and another SSPD welfare check revealed the the residence was vacant and is empty of important personal items.
Police interviewed neighbors, court documents say. Neighbors reported they had not seen Richman for several days, and at least one neighbor revealed the missing man had purchased a satellite phone.
SSPD officials filed paperwork for an arrest warrant for Richman.
May 24, a Sunday: An Amber Alert was issued for the boys, and the notice said Richman was believed to be seriously depressed, and been selling his belongings, and could pose a survival threat to Wesley and Will.
Court information revealed that on May 18, a Monday, surveillance video from a Carlsbad, Calif., car wash showed Richman’s black, 2025 Toyota Camry, and captured an identifiable image of his face. Video from an ATM also captured his image on that day, the statement.
T-Mobile cell phone records obtained by police revealed that his phone was last reported in San Diego on May 19, a Tuesday
“Detectives have also obtained information from Federal Law Enforcement indicating that Dane’s Black Toyota Camry crossed the border traveling south into Mexico on May 19, 2026, later that day,” court documents say.
The court documents note that under the current custody arrangement, children cannot be taken out of the state unless both parents formally agree.
Gephardt Daily will share additional information as it is confirmed.
