Search teams across Utah and surrounding states are mobilizing after Bountiful Police issued an Endangered Missing Advisory for 5-year-old James Despain. (Photo by Utah DPS/Bountiful Police Department
After the Bountiful Police Department issued an Endangered Missing Advisory for 5-year-old James Despain, a massive search operation is now underway across Utah and the neighboring states. After more than 48 hours without a trace, authorities have concluded that Benjamin Despain, the child’s 45-year-old noncustodial father, abducted him.
Benjamin brought up James for a three-hour visitation on Tuesday night, and that was the last time anybody saw him. The authorities said that was the last verified sighting of the youngster. It was pitch black inside Benjamin’s home in Murray, Utah, when his mother, Natalie Despain, got there to get him. Not only that, but the father’s car and the recreational vehicle trailer that were in the driveway were also missing.
Soon after, Natalie received an alarming email from Benjamin. In the message, he told her that he was taking James “away to prevent him from having surgery.” He wrote that he would contact her by Friday or Saturday, but as of now, no contact has been made. Calls and messages to Benjamin continue to go unanswered.
Police indicate that the motive remains obscure; however, Natalie’s email has heightened the urgency of determining Benjamin’s whereabouts and the child’s location. Authorities suspect that the father may be motivated by personal convictions or apprehensions regarding the child’s medical treatment, thereby prompting concerns about his mental state. Natalie informed investigators that she is profoundly concerned, stating that recent interactions have caused her to query his emotional stability.
Investigators have followed several leads across state lines. They checked possible locations in Idaho and Montana, where Benjamin has relatives, but found no sign of him or James. Police are now exploring another possibility after learning that Benjamin had once talked about wanting to visit historical sites on the East Coast. Detectives say this may indicate a long-distance trip, and they are requesting that law enforcement agencies in multiple states stay alert.
While police say they do not yet have evidence that James is in immediate physical danger, they stress that his age, the length of time he has been missing, and concerns about his father’s mental state make the situation urgent. Officials say they are prepared to activate the Davis County Child Abduction Response Team if new information suggests James is at greater risk.
Authorities have released details about the vehicle Benjamin is believed to be driving. They are asking the public to keep an eye out for the following:
Make and model: 2006 red Toyota Tacoma
License plate Utah 255PCJ
Additional detail: The truck was last seen towing a travel trailer
The trailer could allow Benjamin and James to travel long distances without needing to stop or stay in hotels, which adds another layer of challenge to the search.
Police are urging anyone who spots the truck, the trailer, or anything that may help locate Benjamin or James Despain to immediately contact local authorities or the Bountiful Police Department.
They emphasize that any small detail may help bring James home safely. The search remains active, and investigators say they will continue following every lead until the five-year-old boy is found.
Found Safe
A 5-year-old child from Utah, reported missing and presumed to be with his non-custodial father, has been located unharmed, and the father now faces criminal charges.
Benjamin was later apprehended, and accusations of custodial interference are forthcoming, according to law enforcement. He is now incarcerated at the Davis County Correctional Facility.
“The child’s safety was our paramount concern, and we are grateful to all who contributed to achieving a favorable resolution in this case,” said the police.
