Missing Teen Found in Nebraska After Amber Alert Issued

A Wisconsin police department announced Thursday morning that Sophia Franklin, a 16-year-old girl who had been missing for two months, had been located in Nebraska.

Franklin disappeared from the town of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, on February 2nd. Authorities suspected she was traveling with a 40-year-old man named Gary Day, leading to an Amber Alert being issued to locate her.

Missing Wisconsin teen found

According to the Beaver Dam Police Department, a tip originating in Sarpy County, Nebraska, led to Franklin's discovery. Law enforcement officials made contact with a juvenile who was with an adult male matching the description of the suspect, Gary Day. Their identities were confirmed, and as a result, Day was taken into custody. Sophia Franklin was taken to a secure facility to await reunification with her family.

Background of the Case

When she went missing, Franklin was three months pregnant with Day's child, according to local reports. Before the Amber Alert was issued, Franklin reportedly spent four months in Arkansas with Day while her parents believed she was staying with a friend. Her mother, Leah Franklin, told local news that the family was in communication with her daughter during her time in Arkansas.

At the time of Franklin's disappearance, Day was on probation. The elder Franklin stated that she believes Day brainwashed her child and groomed her.