Sixteen-year-old Sophia Martha Franklin, who has been missing for over a month, remains unaccounted for as authorities intensify their search efforts. The pregnant teenager was last seen at her residence in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, on February 2, 2025, at approximately 9:00 PM.
Disappearance and Suspected Abduction
Sophia is believed to be with 40-year-old Gary F. Day, the father of her unborn child. Day was observed at Sophia’s home on the morning of February 3, 2025, at 7:48 AM, according to surveillance footage released by the Beaver Dam Police Department.
Authorities suspect that Day traveled from his residence in Cabot, Arkansas, to Wisconsin to be with Sophia.
Background of the Relationship
The relationship between Sophia and Day reportedly began in April 2024. In July 2024, Sophia was found at Day’s residence in Arkansas during a probation check and was subsequently returned to Wisconsin. Despite this incident, contact between the two allegedly continued, leading to Sophia’s current pregnancy.
AMBER Alert Activation and Expansion
An AMBER Alert was issued on February 3, 2025, following Sophia’s disappearance. The alert has since been expanded to include Wisconsin, Illinois, Arkansas, and Missouri as authorities believe the pair may have traveled across state lines.
The Wisconsin AMBER Alert Plan is a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies, including the Wisconsin Department of Justice and local law enforcement, designed to rapidly disseminate information about child abductions to the public.
Suspect and Vehicle Description
Gary Day is described as a white male, 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing 165 pounds, with blonde hair and green eyes. He has a history of endangering children and is currently on probation for a related offense.
The pair is believed to be traveling in a black 2014 Buick LaCrosse, initially bearing Arkansas license plate BBR 20L, but later observed with Pennsylvania plate number KGW 5186.
Authorities caution that the vehicle’s license plates may have been changed to avoid detection.
Family’s Plea and Public Assistance
Sophia’s family has been vocal in their appeals for her safe return. In a statement, her parents expressed their anguish, stating, “We don’t know what to do other than wait and pray. It’s a torment.”
They urge anyone with information to come forward and assist in bringing Sophia home.
Legal Actions and Ongoing Investigation
Gary Day faces charges of child abduction and child enticement, with an arrest warrant issued on February 4, 2025. Despite the issuance of the AMBER Alert and ongoing investigations, there have been no confirmed sightings of Sophia or Day since their disappearance. The Beaver Dam Police Department continues to collaborate with federal and state agencies to locate Sophia and ensure her safety.
AMBER Alert Criteria and Recent Legislative Changes
The activation of an AMBER Alert in Wisconsin requires that the child be 17 years old or younger and in danger of serious bodily harm or death. Additionally, there must be sufficient descriptive information about the child, the suspect, and/or the suspect’s vehicle to believe that an immediate broadcast alert will help locate the child.
In April 2024, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed the bipartisan “Prince Act,” broadening the criteria for issuing AMBER Alerts following tragic child abduction cases.
Public Urged to Remain Vigilant
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any information that could lead to Sophia’s whereabouts. Tips can be reported to the Beaver Dam Police Department at (888) 304-3936 or by dialing 911. The public’s assistance is crucial in cases like this, where timely information can make a significant difference in the outcome.
Conclusion
As the search for Sophia Franklin enters its second month, the combined efforts of law enforcement agencies and the public remain focused on her safe return. The expansion of the AMBER Alert to multiple states underscores the urgency and seriousness of the situation. Authorities continue to encourage anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that no detail is too small in the effort to bring Sophia home safely.
(Source : newsbreak.com )
