WISCONSIN — The family of the missing Beaver Dam teen is speaking out after their daughter has been missing for over a week.
An Amber Alert is still in effect in both Wisconsin and Arkansas for Sophia Martha Franklin, 16, who was last seen at her residence on Feb. 2 at 9 p.m. On Wednesday night, the alert extended to Missouri. Police said she is about three months pregnant. She is believed to be with 40-year-old Gary Day, who is known to be the father of her unborn child, according to police.
“Sophie has been gone for a week. We don’t know what to do other than wait and pray. It’s a torment. Her absence is felt every moment,” the family shared in a statement“Sophie has been gone for a week. We don’t know what to do other than wait and pray. It’s a torment. Her absence is felt every moment,” the family shared in a statement on Facebook Monday. “There is so much on the horizon for you, Sophie. Hard things, yes, but GOOD things too. And your family is here for all of it. We aren’t going anywhere- we just need you to come back.”
The family on Wednesday shared some additional descriptions of Franklin:
- "She is wearing glasses
- "She does not look pregnant right now
- "She has been dealing with hives on her arms, legs and even face
- "Her eye makes an involuntary movement when she chews
- "She has been struggling with morning sickness
- "She has been wearing a rose gold ring with a pink, heart shaped gem on her left hand"
In one message, the family thanked family and friends for sharing information about the case and asked that anyone who has information to get her back to contact law enforcement.
On Feb. 7, the Missouri State Highway Patrol issued an Endangered Person Advisory saying the pair are possibly heading to Arkansas via an unknown route of travel through Missouri.
Authorities have filed four felony charges against Day. An arrest warranted has also been issued for Day.
The Dodge County, Wisc. District Attorney’s Office late Tuesday filed two felony charges of Abduction of a Child and two counts of Child Enticement-Causing Mental/Bodily Harm. The first abduction and child enticement count have an offense date of July 29, 2024, while the other two have an offense date of Feb. 3, 2025.
Police said they believe Franklin is with Day. He was last at his residence at 7:48 a.m. on Feb. 3 and there is a no-contact order between him and Franklin. His last known address was in Cabot, Arkansas.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Dodge County against Day, video from a home surveillance system showed a person — who appeared to be Day — walking near a house. The person was dressed in black pants, a black long sleeve shirt and a grey winter hat. Video shows the person walking near a home in Beaver Dam, walking up a driveway and then running as they approached the back of the house. The person is seen looking around but the clip then ends.
The criminal complaint also stated a black Buick vehicle was parked one block south of Franklin’s residence around 5:20 a.m., according to a witness. The vehicle appeared to be running. Day’s mother confirmed she bought her son a black Buick.
According to the complaint, a black vehicle matching that description was seen on Wisconsin Department of Transportation cameras traveling southbound on Highway 151 near Sun Prairie, Wis., at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 3. That would be about 45 minutes after the person matching Day’s description was seen on home surveillance video.
Authorities said the suspected vehicle in this case is a black 2014 Buick LaCrosse and that the vehicle has utilized various license plates. The latest license plate is listed as Pennsylvania license plate KGW5186.
Day has a long criminal history and is already a convicted felon, according to court records.
In previous statements, the family indicated they were cooperating fully with authorities.
“They (authorities) have done an outstanding job in looking for our daughter and making sure that when she is found justice will finally be served,” the family said at a prayer meeting.
Anyone with information is asked to contact authorities at 888-304-3936 or by calling 911.
“To say we are heartbroken over Sophie’s disappearance is an understatement,” the family shared at a recent prayer meeting. “As a family, she is a big piece missing in the fabric of our home. As parents, we have worked tirelessly and fiercely within the bounds of the law and common decency to protect and love Sophie for her entire life, but especially in these last 7 months.”
“We want to remind Sophie that the best is yet to come- vacations, graduations, impromptu karaoke sessions, bonfires and so many memories to make together.”
