The disappearance of Tabitha Franklin seven years ago today has been the subject of an exhaustive investigation and numerous stories.

While her disappearance is considered a cold case among law enforcement officials, it’s not something that’s forgotten by them, and certainly not family members.

Franklin’s birth is Sept. 15, which would make her 36 years old this year. After many searches and leads that led to various places with no results, family members plan to host a candlelight vigil and prayer in about a week in Cullman. They will announce an exact time and date in the coming days.

“We’re always hoping that someone will come forward so we can know what happened. Her children are older now and we want to have some closure,” said Shalon Thomas, a sister-in-law of Franklin’s at the time of her disappearance.

Franklin had been in Michigan for seven months with a man who became a suspect in the case. Franklin returned to Cullman County and was known to associate with several people locally until the night of Aug. 13 when she was last seen at a residence in West Point. She reportedly left the home with another person but has never been seen again.

“There was a lot of family searches in the beginning before we could get the police involved,” Thomas said. “There were dives at Smith Lake and some clothing was found.”

Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry said 14 searches were conducted within the past year by the sheriff’s office, ALEA Missing Person Division, FBI, Walker County Sheriff’s Office, Winston County Sheriff’s Office, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Hueytown Police Department. In addition, there have been K9 searches and ground penetrating radar used to search for her The searches were conducted in Cullman, Jefferson, and Walker counties.

“Missing person cases are very important to us because they are very heart-wrenching for the families who are searching for answers to their loved ones. Our investigators work nonstop to uncover new leads in the hope that the next lead might be the one that brings peace to the family” Gentry said.

Thomas said family members have remained hopeful that an answer can be found concerning Franklin’s disappearance.

“Tabitha’s children are 18, 16 and 15 now,” Thomas said. “They’re growing up and we keep hoping someone will come forward for their sake.”

Other cases of missing Cullman County residents also remain under investigation. They include:

 

Jordan Lee Wilson

Reported missing May 2016.

Last seen in the northern part of Walker County

 

David Michael Burney

Last seen at Jep-Pep in the Battleground community.

Reported missing August 2007

 

Donnie McArthur Williams

Last seen on Highway 69 S in the Bug Tussle community.

August 1994

 

David Palmer may be contacted at 256-734-2131, ext. 116.