Authorities have issued an Amber Alert for Sophia Martha Franklin, a 16-year-old pregnant teen from Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, who is believed to be with 40-year-old Gary F. Day, a man suspected of being the father of her unborn child.
Details of Disappearance
Sophia was last seen at her home around 9 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 2. According to the Beaver Dam Police Department, Day was seen at her home the following night at 7:48 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 3.
Authorities believe Sophia and Day are traveling together in a Black Buick LaCrosse. Initially, the vehicle was reported to have Arkansas license plate BBR 20L, but later updates indicate it was spotted in Wisconsin with Pennsylvania plate KGW5186.
Description of Individuals
- Sophia Franklin
- Age: 16
- Height: 5’9″
- Weight: 186 lbs
- Hair: Brown
- Eyes: Blue
- Gary F. Day
- Age: 40
- Height: 5’7″
- Weight: 165 lbs
- Hair: Blonde
- Eyes: Green
Authorities have also confirmed that there is a no-contact order in place between Day and Sophia.
Criminal Charges and Investigation
Court records reveal that Day has been charged with two counts of child abduction and two counts of child enticement-causing mental/bodily harm—all felony charges. An arrest warrant for Day was issued on Tuesday, Feb. 4.
According to investigators, Day and Sophia met online in April 2024 before he traveled to Wisconsin to take her to Arkansas. Though she eventually returned to Wisconsin, police recently discovered renewed online conversations between them, leading authorities to suspect that they planned to reunite.
The Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office in Arkansas has stated they have reason to believe that Day and Sophia are traveling toward Austin, Arkansas, where Day has known connections. Authorities also confirmed that Day is currently on probation and under investigation for crimes against children.
How to Help
Anyone with information on their whereabouts is urged to call the Beaver Dam Police Department at 920-887-4612 or the Amber Alert tip line at 888-304-3936.
If you suspect child abuse, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or visit www.childhelp.org. The hotline is confidential, available 24/7, and supports over 170 languages.
