Amber Alert: Missing 16-Year-Old Pregnant Girl Believed to Be with 40-Year-Old Suspect

Amber Alert issued for 16-year-old girl believed to be with 40-year-old Gary Day, who is charged with child abduction and enticement.

Authorities have issued a statewide Amber Alert for 16-year-old Sophia Franklin, who was last seen at her Wisconsin home on Sunday night. Investigators believe she is with 40-year-old Gary Day, who has now been charged with child abduction and enticement.

Suspect Identified & Arrest Warrant Issued

Online court records reveal that Day faces two counts of abducting a child and two counts of child enticement—one set of charges linked to Franklin’s recent disappearance and another stemming from an incident in July 2024.

Franklin’s family reported her missing on February 3 after discovering she had been in contact with Day again, despite a no-contact order against him. Surveillance footage captured a man resembling Day near Franklin’s home early that morning, while a black 2014 Buick LaCrosse, believed to be his, was spotted in the area.

Authorities have urged the public to look out for the suspect’s vehicle, which may have Arkansas license plate BBR 20L or Pennsylvania license plate KGW5186.

A Disturbing Relationship Uncovered

According to court documents, Franklin first met Day online in April 2024. At the time, she was in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, while he was in Cabot, Arkansas. She told police she had initially reached out to him and that they discussed his ongoing divorce and custody battle.

Despite knowing Franklin was only 16, Day pursued a relationship with her. Her parents had previously tried to restrict her internet usage due to concerns about her speaking to strangers online.

In July 2024, Franklin went missing for several days but was not reported as such because her parents believed she was staying with a friend and continuing to go to work. However, in December, authorities in Arkansas notified them that Franklin was there—after she had been in contact with Day.

Franklin admitted to police that she had lied to her parents about her whereabouts, stating she preferred to be with Day over staying at home. She also disclosed that their relationship became physical upon arriving in Arkansas, as they knew it would be illegal in Wisconsin and Illinois.

Authorities Searching for Franklin and Day

On January 31, Franklin’s parents caught her communicating with Day online and immediately informed the police. Just days later, she disappeared again. Surveillance footage and traffic cameras confirmed sightings of Day’s vehicle heading south from Wisconsin.

Authorities are now urgently working to locate both Franklin and Day. Given that Franklin is three months pregnant and the father of the child is believed to be Day, there is growing concern for her safety.

How You Can Help

If you have any information on Sophia Franklin’s whereabouts or have seen the suspect, Gary Day, please contact law enforcement immediately.

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