Missing teen, Sophia Franklin, is believed to be with a man who has a felony background and allegations of violent abuse against children. It is believed that the suspect, Gary Day, is possibly traveling to Arkansas with Sophia Franklin.

In 2024, the two met online and Gary Day traveled to Wisconsin where Sophia lives. They traveled back to Arkansas where Gary Day faces an ongoing investigation for custodial interference and other criminal cases related to endangering children. Sophia became pregnant by the suspect and was later reunited with her family in Wisconsin in November of 2024.

Communications between the two were allegedly found by Sophia’s family in January, violating a court order that prohibited Gary Day from communicating with Sophia Franklin.

The overall details are complex, Gary Day is alleged to have emotionally manipulated Sophia Franklin by claiming to be suicidal. In a prior case of child endangerment Gary was accused of causing a child multiple fractures, the court documents claim that a witness alleged that Gary “snapped” and abused the child verbally and physically.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Gary Day and he is officially charged with child abduction and child enticement. It is believed that Sophia was last seen at her family residence on the night of February 2. The following morning, Gary Day was seen on a security camera approaching Sophia Franklin’s family home

Gary Day has a prior criminal history including battery, an ongoing investigation in relation to abuse against children, and new charges that are now filed against him in relation to the disappearance of Sophia Franklin. Day was allegedly using emotionally manipulative tactics to coerce Sophia to leave her home a second time.

In December of 2024, Day was arrested in Arkansas for custodial interference. He is currently out of custody and free on bond in that case. A warrant has been issued by law enforcement in Wisconsin for his arrest. He is believed to have a collection of various license plates that he could be using to avoid detection by law enforcement.

Misinformation about Sophia’s disappearance is regularly posted on social media, specifically in relation to Sophia’s parents and what they might have known prior to her recent disappearance. The most important immediate goal should be accurate information and locating Sophia safely. Once those objectives are met, a full investigation should follow. We will continue reporting until all matters are resolved, including Gary Day’s various criminal cases.

It is highly important to hold people accountable for negligence and direct abuse against children, it is equally important to understand the facts and evidence before assuming what the situation might be. 

In the days following her disappearance, the vehicle of Gary Day, a 2014 black Buick LaCrosse, was captured multiple times and utilized various license plates.

• Arkansas: BBB 20L
• Pennsylvania: KGW5186

If you see Gary Day and/or Sophia Day, call 911 and do not approach them.

Sophia Franklin Description:
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Blue
Weight: 186 Lbs.
Height: 5 Feet 9 Inches

Gary Day Description:
Hair: Blonde
Eyes: Green
Weight: 165 Lbs.
Height: 5 Feet 7 Inches

If you have information that could possibly assist law enforcement in finding Gary Day and Sophia Franklin, please contact the Beaver Dam Police Department: 888-304-3936.