Amber Alert: Beaver Dam teen missing; family speaks out

Family of missing Beaver Dam teen speaks out

The family of a missing pregnant teen is speaking out as the search for their daughter continues.

BEAVER DAM, Wis. - The family of a missing pregnant teen is speaking out as the search for their daughter continues.

Police say 16-year-old Sophia Franklin and her accused abductor, 40-year-old Gary Day, could be on their way to Arkansas. The Amber Alert was recently extended to Missouri.

Pregnant teen missing

The backstory:

Franklin, 16, was last seen at her home on Sunday night, Feb. 2. She is three months pregnant, and Day is known to be the father.

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Day was last seen at Franklin's home on Monday morning, Feb. 3. At that time, it is believed Franklin left with Day.

Sophia Franklin; Gary Day; suspect vehicle (Courtesy: BDPD)

Police described Franklin as 5-foot-9 and around 186 pounds with blue eyes and brown hair. Police described Day as 5-foot-7 and 165 pounds with green eyes and blonde hair.

Family speaks out

What they're saying:

The Franklin family released a new picture of Sophie, along with a message to her, on Monday, Feb. 10:

"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.

Your value isn’t found in how much money you make, how hard you work, or even the affirmation of others. Sophie, you are a soul made by God and fully known by God and entirely loved by God. You are a gift to us. 

For all our family and friends: THANK YOU. Please don’t stop sharing. Sophie needs to be home. Please let law enforcement know if you think of anything that might be significant in getting her back."

Sophia Franklin, via the Franklin family

On the lookout

What you can do:

Investigators said Day is driving a black 2014 Buick La Crosse. Police said the vehicle has been spotted with two different license plates: Arkansas plates BBR 20L and Pennsylvania plates KGW 5186. Police believe Day is switching the license plates to avoid law enforcement.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Beaver Dam Police Department at 888-304-3936 or 911.

Suspect vehicle in Amber Alert for Sophia Franklin (Courtesy: BDPD)

More than 25 Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation agents are working alongside Beaver Dam police officers in what has been described as an "all hands on deck" effort.

Arkansas man charged

Dig deeper:

Court records show Day was charged in Dodge County last Tuesday with two counts of child abduction and two counts of child enticement. A warrant was issued for his arrest.

Gary Day, via Beaver Dam Police Department

Court filings state Franklin's parents tried to restrict her internet access and prevent her from talking to strangers online, but she continued to gain access. 

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A criminal complaint states Franklin and Day began talking online in April 2024. Day came to Wisconsin, picked up Franklin and took her to Arkansas. She was thought to still be in the Beaver Dam area for months until police in Arkansas found her. She returned home last year.

Then, court filings state Franklin's parents came across a conversation in late January while using a computer. Investigators believe that conversation was between Franklin and Day, and there was a fight. There was also mention that Day was on probation in Arkansas for an abuse conviction, and said he stayed out past curfew and that his ankle monitor was flashing.