Police say a 40-year-old man took 16-year-old Sophia Franklin from her family’s Wisconsin home more than a week ago. Now, her parents are speaking out and relying on faith for her safe return.
“We don’t know what to do other than wait and pray. It’s a torment,” parents Stephen and Leah Franklin said on Facebook, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel “Her absence is felt every moment.”
As CrimeOnline previously reported, police believe that Sophia Martin Franklin is with Day, the father of her unborn child. Franklin was last seen at her home on February 2 at 9 p.m., near 4th and Beaver, in Beaver Dam.
Police issued an arrest warrant for Day. He faces two counts of child enticement and two counts of child abduction in Dodge County.
“This man is a predator,” Sheriff John Staley, of Lonoke County, Arkansas, told WISN 12 News Wednesday. “We’re going to have to figure out how to hold him accountable.”
Prosecutors charged Day, of Cabot, Arkansas, with four felonies related to Sophia’s disappearance, including two counts of child abduction and two counts of child enticement
According to the AMBER Alert and a criminal complaint filed in Dodge County, Sophia is three months pregnant, and Day is the father.
Arkansas court records show that Day is on probation for child endangerment and has a history of harming children.
Authorities issued the AMBER Alert on February 3, after Sophia’s sister reported seeing a black Buick LaCrosse parked with its engine running a block from the family’s home. Investigators confirmed the vehicle belongs to Day.
Sophia’s father reported her disappearance to the Beaver Dam Police Department. When officers arrived, he showed them surveillance footage that showed “a male appearing to be Gary Day” approaching the house.
“There is so much on the horizon for you, Sophia. Hard things, yes, but GOOD things too,” her parents said. “And your family is here for all of it. We aren’t going anywhere − we just need you to come back.”
According to the complaint, the two met online in April. Day first drove to Wisconsin on July 29 and took Sophia to his home in Arkansas. Her parents stayed in contact with her, believing she was staying with friends in Beaver Dam, the complaint read.
Arkansas law enforcement officers discovered Sophia at Day’s home during a probation check on December 10, revealing she had not been staying with friends as her parents believed.
After she returned to Wisconsin, Day began sending her messages on January 26, reportedly threatening to harm himself over their separation.
“Your value isn’t found in how much money you make, how hard you work, or even the affirmation of others,” the parents continued. “Sophia, you are a soul made by God and fully known by God and entirely loved by God. You are a gift to us.”
Franklin is described as a white female who stands 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighs around 186 pounds. She has brown hair and blue eyes.
Police described Day as a white male, standing 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighing approximately 165 pounds. He has blonde or balding hair and green eyes
The sheriff’s office encourages anyone with information to email tips@lonokeso.com(mailto:tips@lonokeso.com) to remain confidential. For immediate assistance, call 911 or 501-676-3000.
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[Feature Photos via Beaver Fam PD]