ICYMI: Pregnant Teen SNATCHED by 40-Year-Old Man—Missouri Authorities on HIGH ALERT!
A pregnant 16-year-old girl vanished with a 40-year-old man facing child abduction charges, and authorities fear they are in Missouri. 🌐 #News #KansasCityMO #Missouri #Crime
KANSAS CITY, MO – The search for a missing teen and her captor has taken authorities to Missouri. In a distressing turn of events, 16-year-old Sophia Franklin from Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, has vanished. Authorities believe she is with 40-year-old Gary Day, the man alleged to have fathered her unborn child. The pair’s disappearance has ignited a multi-state Amber Alert and a fervent plea from her anguished family. Now cops in the Show-Me State need your help to find this young girl!
The Disappearance
Sophia was last seen at her home on February 2 at 9 p.m. The following morning, surveillance footage captured a man resembling Day near her residence. By 8:30 a.m., a vehicle matching Day’s black 2014 Buick LaCrosse was spotted heading south on Highway 151 near Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.
Authorities suspect the duo is traveling toward Arkansas, possibly passing through Missouri. The vehicle has been seen with different license plates: initially Arkansas plate BBR 20L, later Pennsylvania plate KGW 5186.
A Troubling Relationship
The connection between Sophia and Day reportedly began online in April 2024. By July, Day had allegedly transported Sophia from Wisconsin to his home in Cabot, Arkansas. During this period, her family believed she was staying with a friend in Beaver Dam.
In December 2024, during a probation check at Day’s residence, officers discovered Sophia, leading to her return to Wisconsin. Despite a no-contact order, the two reportedly continued their association, culminating in the recent disappearance.
Family’s Heartache
Sophia’s parents, Stephen and Leah Franklin, are enduring unimaginable anguish.
They describe their daughter’s absence as tormenting and have expressed their desperation and hope for her safe return. They emphasize that Sophia’s family is unwavering in their support and eagerly awaits her return.
Suspect’s Criminal Background
Gary Day’s history with the law is extensive and concerning.
In 2020, he pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a minor after a 4-month-old child sustained severe injuries under his care. Although charged with second-degree domestic battery in 2023, the case was dismissed due to insufficient evidence.
Most recently, in December 2024, Day faced charges of interfering with custody and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, with a court appearance scheduled for February 24, 2025.
Ongoing Investigation
The Beaver Dam Police Department has filed multiple felony charges against Day, including child abduction and enticement.
Law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin, Arkansas, and Missouri are collaborating intensively to locate Sophia and ensure her safety.
Public Appeal
Authorities urge anyone with information about Sophia Franklin’s whereabouts to contact the Beaver Dam Police Department at 920-887-4612 or the Amber Alert tip line at 888-304-3936.
The community’s assistance is crucial in reuniting Sophia with her family and bringing the suspect to justice.
RELATED TOPICS: Arkansas | Missing Persons | Missouri | Wisconsin
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