Authorities have expanded the search for 16-year-old Sophia Franklin, issuing an Amber Alert that now includes Missouri as the investigation into her alleged abduction intensifies.
Franklin was last seen at her home in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, on the night of February 2. According to the Beaver Dam Police Department, she was allegedly taken by 34-year-old Gary Day, the father of her unborn child. Surveillance footage captured Day at Franklin’s residence the following morning at 7:48 a.m., despite an active no-contact order between them.
Officials believe the pair may be traveling through Missouri toward an unknown destination in Arkansas. Day is reportedly driving a black 2014 Buick LaCrosse, potentially bearing Arkansas license plate BBR20L or Pennsylvania plate KGW5186.
Details on the Victim and Suspect
Franklin is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 186 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. She is three months pregnant.
Day has a documented history of violent offenses, particularly involving children. In Independence County, Arkansas, he was convicted of first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor after his four-month-old son was found with a broken femur and additional injuries consistent with blunt force trauma. He was sentenced to 72 months of probation for that case.
In 2023, Day was also charged with second-degree domestic battery in Lonoke County, Arkansas, following an alleged assault on his then-four-year-old son.
Authorities first encountered Franklin at Day’s residence in Lonoke County during a probation check in December. She attempted to flee but was apprehended. At that time, Day was charged with interference with child custody and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Franklin was returned to Wisconsin, but on February 5, her father reported her missing once again. Surveillance footage showed her getting into a vehicle believed to be driven by Day.
Legal Actions and Ongoing Investigation
Dodge County, Wisconsin, authorities have since filed charges of child abduction and enticement against Day. A recent court petition also accuses him of violating multiple bond conditions, including lying about his sexual relationship with Franklin, whom he allegedly transported to Arkansas last year after communicating with her online since April 2023.
The Amber Alert, initially issued in Wisconsin and Arkansas, has now been extended to Missouri as law enforcement continues efforts to locate Franklin and apprehend Day.
Anyone with information on their whereabouts is urged to call 911 or contact the Beaver Dam Police Department at 888-304-3936.
