AMBER Alert SOPHIA FRANKLIN: Missing from Beaver Dam, WI - 2 Feb 2025 - Age 16

Amber Alert issued for pregnant teenager suspected to be with 40-year-old man

An Amber Alert has been issued for a missing 16-year-old.

www.wsaz.com

Amber Alert issued for pregnant teenager suspected to be with 40-year-old man​

An Amber Alert has been issued for a pregnant teenager who is believed to be with a 40-year-old man.

Sophia Franklin, 16, was last seen Sunday night at her home in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. She is three months pregnant.

Authorities believe she is with 40-year-old Gary F. Day, who is the father of Sophia’s unborn child. He was last seen at Sophia’s home Monday morning.

Day and Sophia have a no-contact order.

They are believed to be traveling in a 2014 model black Buick LaCrosse with Arkansas license plate BBR 20L.



MEDIA - SOPHIA FRANKLIN: Missing from Beaver Dam, WI - 2 Feb 2025 - Age 16

 

[Tresir]

They could have gotten married in Kentucky. Pregnancy trumps parental consent there.

And it's not that far from Wisconsin. I think i said upthread that in the UK marrying is legal at 16 without parental consent in Scotland. Heck, kids used to be able to legally leave school at 14.

Arkansas to Kentucky is only about 500 miles too if they arranged to go there, or anywhere? what's to stop them?

It's been a week now and no news or sightings.

 

[RoundPeg]

And it's not that far from Wisconsin. I think i said upthread that in the UK marrying is legal at 16 without parental consent in Scotland. Heck, kids used to be able to legally leave school at 14.

Arkansas to Kentucky is only about 500 miles too if they arranged to go there, or anywhere? what's to stop them?

It's been a week now and no news or sightings.

Just for kicks, it's close to 9 hours driving time from Beaver Dam, WI to Beaver Dam, KY. 541 miles.

 

[GrandmaBear]

This may be helpful if they are travelling to a state where they can legally marry at age 16 or below. 12 states where that is allowed based on the map in the article video.

What state can you marry at 16? - Geographic Pedia

Understanding the Legal Age of Marriage in the United States As an Ecotourism Specialist, I often receive questions from travelers regarding various aspects of life in the United States. One question that comes up occasionally is related to the legal age of marriage in different states. Marriage...

www.ncesc.com

Which states allow child marriage?​

As of July 2023, five states in the United States have no statutory minimum age for marriage when all exemptions are taken into account. These states are California, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Washington. It’s important to note that child marriage is a complex issue, and there are ongoing efforts to raise awareness and advocate for greater protection of minors.

The one or two I read, it was a bit hard to follow but there was some criteria. I know in one it was both had to agree, and if pregnant and it sounded as if the minor might still need a parent to sign off. If found it a bit unclear and hard to follow.

WHo knows if that is even a thought of theirs but it sure crossed my mind... She's pregnant, he's married before, they are trying apparently to find a way to be and stay together and marriage would make it even harder to undo this mess. They sure knew the laws on what age re sex (rape) was legal with a minor in which state, or at least was not considered statutory rape, and I wouldn't doubt they know the laws on marriage or have looked such up... OR he has...

I'm shocked there are that many states that allow it! That's awful. Imo. In this "enlightened" day and age right? SMDH.

 

[GrandmaBear]

This may be helpful if they are travelling to a state where they can legally marry at age 16 or below. 12 states where that is allowed based on the map in the article video.

What state can you marry at 16? - Geographic Pedia

Understanding the Legal Age of Marriage in the United States As an Ecotourism Specialist, I often receive questions from travelers regarding various aspects of life in the United States. One question that comes up occasionally is related to the legal age of marriage in different states. Marriage...

www.ncesc.com

Which states allow child marriage?​

As of July 2023, five states in the United States have no statutory minimum age for marriage when all exemptions are taken into account. These states are California, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Washington. It’s important to note that child marriage is a complex issue, and there are ongoing efforts to raise awareness and advocate for greater protection of minors.

I think what may be even MORE shocking here is what is it, only THREE where you HAVE to be 18??? MN is actually one of them, hey, I'll give "us" credit for that. [I consider myself a WI girl and always will]

 

[GrandmaBear]

This may be helpful if they are travelling to a state where they can legally marry at age 16 or below. 12 states where that is allowed based on the map in the article video.

What state can you marry at 16? - Geographic Pedia

Understanding the Legal Age of Marriage in the United States As an Ecotourism Specialist, I often receive questions from travelers regarding various aspects of life in the United States. One question that comes up occasionally is related to the legal age of marriage in different states. Marriage...

www.ncesc.com

Which states allow child marriage?​

As of July 2023, five states in the United States have no statutory minimum age for marriage when all exemptions are taken into account. These states are California, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Washington. It’s important to note that child marriage is a complex issue, and there are ongoing efforts to raise awareness and advocate for greater protection of minors.

Alaska and what is that, North Carolina, the other one? Are FOURTEEN???? Seriously??

 

[GrandmaBear]

And it's not that far from Wisconsin. I think i said upthread that in the UK marrying is legal at 16 without parental consent in Scotland. Heck, kids used to be able to legally leave school at 14.

Arkansas to Kentucky is only about 500 miles too if they arranged to go there, or anywhere? what's to stop them?

It's been a week now and no news or sightings.

Driving when he wants something clearly does not bother him and I wouldn't doubt he's changed plates five times by now OR they've went to ground and he has somewhere they are holing up/hiding out. IF the vehicle hasn't even been changed and boy that would make it a LOT harder to find them if so...

I can't get over it is taking this long and that would seem to mean he is doing something right, hate to say it as he's a pretty dumb man for his actions, but why haven't they found them? Unless they do have info and just aren't letting it out...

The marriage thing was just speculation BUT it is something that crosses my mind regularly... He'd maybe not take that chance right now but I wouldn't doubt it is the plan at some point... Hard to say...

 

[Guess Who]

They could have gotten married in Kentucky. Pregnancy trumps parental consent there.

Not totally correct though. Pretty sure they are on notice for this one in many states. They must show id also to get a license.

https://www.findlaw.com/state/kentucky-law/kentucky-marriage-age-requirements-laws.html

Marriage Under 18 Without Parental Consent

Minors under the age of 18 can obtain a marriage license without parental permission in case of a pregnancy or birth of a child by petition the court. The local district court judge can grant permission for the marriage license. This petition has a $5 court cost.

The following applies for individuals who are getting married in Kentucky within 30 days.
If your wedding is being performed within the next 30 days, in Jefferson County, and you have questions please contact our Professional Licensing department at 502.574.5884. MV Branches throughout the Jefferson County are accepting walk-in traffic.
You will be asked to provide:

• Driver’s License
• Check, Credit Card, Cash or Money Order ($50)

 

[Tresir]

Just for kicks, it's close to 9 hours driving time from Beaver Dam, WI to Beaver Dam, KY. 541 miles.

Driving when he wants something clearly does not bother him and I wouldn't doubt he's changed plates five times by now OR they've went to ground and he has somewhere they are holing up/hiding out. IF the vehicle hasn't even been changed and boy that would make it a LOT harder to find them if so...

I can't get over it is taking this long and that would seem to mean he is doing something right, hate to say it as he's a pretty dumb man for his actions, but why haven't they found them? Unless they do have info and just aren't letting it out...

The marriage thing was just speculation BUT it is something that crosses my mind regularly... He'd maybe not take that chance right now but I wouldn't doubt it is the plan at some point... Hard to say...

I wondered if they went overnight by Greyhound like the Health chief assassin. Marriage would also mean they couldn't be made to testify against each other. What actually is the offence if they have absconded? Would it be kidnapping?

 

[Tresir]

Just for kicks, it's close to 9 hours driving time from Beaver Dam, WI to Beaver Dam, KY. 541 miles.

I have driven from Chicago to Kentucky and it didn't take long. Wisconsin is about another 140 miles. Going by overnight train or bus is an option too.

 

[GrandmaBear]

I wondered if they went overnight by Greyhound like the Health chief assassin. Marriage would also mean they couldn't be made to testify against each other. What actually is the offence if they have absconded? Would it be kidnapping?

They definitely could have done something like that. The thing is though I'd think they'd have found his parked vehicle by now then though, of course depending on how far they drove, etc.

Since they recently talked of them being in MO, I figured they had some recent concrete sighting or video or some such possibly...

 

[GrandmaBear]

I wondered if they went overnight by Greyhound like the Health chief assassin. Marriage would also mean they couldn't be made to testify against each other. What actually is the offence if they have absconded? Would it be kidnapping?

I believe he is charged with abduction? Gotten mixed up with all his past charges now, so don't recall for sure. I know he had enticement of a child but that might have been back when. He also violated a no contact order. I know he has a warrant, I am sure of that much, just not sure now of the actual charge, although such is on here above somewhere.

 

[GrandmaBear]

I have driven from Chicago to Kentucky and it didn't take long. Wisconsin is about another 140 miles. Going by overnight train or bus is an option too.

Yeah, honestly they could be anywhere by now. I mean WE know of no actual information or sightings, hopefully LE does...

 

[Tresir]

They definitely could have done something like that. The thing is though I'd think they'd have found his parked vehicle by now then though, of course depending on how far they drove, etc.

Since they recently talked of them being in MO, I figured they had some recent concrete sighting or video or some such possibly...

He could have just left it in a friends garage or driven to another state and left it parked somewhere or swapped cars with someone. Is the Amber Alert nationwide?

 

[GrandmaBear]

He could have just left it in a friends garage or driven to another state and left it parked somewhere or swapped cars with someone. Is the Amber Alert nationwide?

I seriously doubt the Amber Alert is nationwide, jmo. I'd also doubt if you get a few states away most people would even be aware of these two.

I took have thought of him parking his car in a garage and taking another car (does he own another or a residence? I wouldn't think just anyone would want to help him or be involved in this). Also it has occurred to me he could have tried to leave it hidden in some big parking lot or some such but I don't know, the bus thing for instance I think would be risky, if they got on one in WI or MO or AR anyhow... Maybe if they drove states away... He also must have cash if they are paying for anything because with a warrant out on him, they'd probably be able to also get a warrant to track any spending of his if he's using cards, etc...

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

He could have just left it in a friends garage or driven to another state and left it parked somewhere or swapped cars with someone. Is the Amber Alert nationwide?

The official AMBER Alert is active in Wisconsin and Arkansas. Meaning it would have gone out as a cell phone alert in those states and be on highway reader boards in those states.
However, it's getting pretty much nation wide coverage. It was on local news in Seattle. Seen on nation-wide news like News Nation and Crime Online.

 

[Tresir]

The official AMBER Alert is active in Wisconsin and Arkansas. Meaning it would have gone out as a cell phone alert in those states and be on highway reader boards in those states.
However, it's getting pretty much nation wide coverage. It was on local news in Seattle. Seen on nation-wide news like News Nation and Crime Online.

Ah ok, thanks for clarifying.

 

[Tresir]

I seriously doubt the Amber Alert is nationwide, jmo. I'd also doubt if you get a few states away most people would even be aware of these two.

I took have thought of him parking his car in a garage and taking another car (does he own another or a residence? I wouldn't think just anyone would want to help him or be involved in this). Also it has occurred to me he could have tried to leave it hidden in some big parking lot or some such but I don't know, the bus thing for instance I think would be risky, if they got on one in WI or MO or AR anyhow... Maybe if they drove states away... He also must have cash if they are paying for anything because with a warrant out on him, they'd probably be able to also get a warrant to track any spending of his if he's using cards, etc...

I can't see them going to Arkansas or staying in Wisconsin due to this Amber Alert but as you say he will have to have cash to purchase fuel and stay anywhere.
How are you doing BTW? Any improvement? Still doing RICE?

 

[GrandmaBear]

Ah ok, thanks for clarifying.

I can't see them going to Arkansas or staying in Wisconsin due to this Amber Alert but as you say he will have to have cash to purchase fuel and stay anywhere.
How are you doing BTW? Any improvement? Still doing RICE?

Well it was Missouri that was mentioned a few days ago as to where they were thought to be at that point AND it instantly struck me in the post above that Arkansas is in the Amber Alert, as is WI, but Missouri is not. WHY NOT? So good chance they are staying in MO maybe because of that...?

As to money, I'd think it would have to be cash. I doubt she has cards with anything on them but if she did, her parents have every right to grant access to her info as she is a minor.

Yes, I am getting around not so slow and not so shaky, a fair improvement. Not 100 percent but a lot better than a week ago. Less pain too but still gets painful at times or more painful, late in day particularly. Some ways to go I am sure, but the improvement is quite welcome, I was getting pretty to the end of my rope as to what I could take... It's all went on so long and so much pain, etc. without improvement until just recently.

ETA: And thanks for asking

 

[RoundPeg]

Family of missing pregnant teen issue new statement

The family of a missing Beaver Dam teenage girl who is the subject of an Amber Alert released a new statement Monday night

www.wbay.com

BEAVER DAM, Wis. (WBAY) - The family of a missing Beaver Dam teenage girl who is the subject of an Amber Alert released a new statement Monday night:

Sophie has been gone for a week. We don’t know what to do other than wait and pray. It’s a torment. Her absence is felt every moment.There is so much on the horizon for you, Sophie. Hard things, yes, but GOOD things too. And your family is here for all of it. We aren’t going anywhere- we just need you to come back.

Your value isn’t found in how much money you make, how hard you work, or even the affirmation of others. Sophie, you are a soul made by God and fully known by God and entirely loved by God. You are a gift to us.

For all our family and friends: THANK YOU. Please don’t stop sharing. Sophie needs to be home. Please let law enforcement know if you think of anything that might be significant in getting her back.

MORE AT LINK

 

[GrandmaBear]

Not sure what this means from that article, or what the point is, a bit unclear:

“I was shocked that this man is in Wisconsin again, I’ll tell you this, that his family, his mother, tried to report him as missing, and when we got that call is when we were already working with Wisconsin,” said Sheriff Staley.

Is he trying to say that AFTER the fact, when they already knew he took her and were dealing with WI authorities that his mom tried to cover for him by after the fact reporting him as missing...?

I'm not sure about a few of the things said in the message from the family but I'll leave such alone. I guess they know better what the truth is, and one would think know how to get through to their child, I will just say, they didn't seem to be able to get through in this year prior or however long. I'll leave all else alone but don't doubt one or two of my thoughts will cross the minds of others as well.

You know there is one other possibility here and that would be that he does not want her to have the child. I hate to say it but we just kind of assumed otherwise, myself included, but that child is also proof of sexual activity with a minor.

They need to find these two.