CULLMAN, Ala. – Local woman Tabitha Lynn Franklin has been missing since Aug. 13, 2009. Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, announced through social media that the reward in the case has been increased to $20,000, thanks to an anonymous donor.
“The Governor’s office has posted the maximum $10,000.00 reward for information leading the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Tabitha’s disappearance,” the post said, in part. “After consultation with the Governor’s Office and (Cullman County) Sheriff Matt Gentry, I am announcing that this reward is being doubled to $20,000.00 thanks to an anonymous donor who wants justice for Tabitha and her family.”
Crocker said those with information should contact the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office or Investigator David Nassetta in the Cullman County District Attorney’s Office (256-736-2800). The DA’s Office can also be reached at tips@cullmanda.org.
To report criminal activity anonymously to the CCSO, call the secret witness number at 256-734-0210. The CCSO’s main number is 256-734-0342.
Franklin, a mother of three, was 28 at the time she disappeared. According to the Justice for Tabitha Lynn Franklin Facebook page, Franklin “was last seen with her ex-boyfriend. He stated on police record that he dropped her off at his place of business and when he returned she was nowhere to be found.” Reporting at the time said the place of business was in Hueytown.
Back in 2014, following two indications by cadaver dogs from HEMSI and a ground penetrating radar analysis showing anomalies, investigators with the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office excavated an area located at 1140 County Road 1136, searching for evidence in Franklin’s disappearance. However, following two days of excavation, investigators removed all concrete, gravel and under burden until they hit solid earth, with no signs of possible evidence.
The Cullman Tribune (then CullmanSense) was on the scene, and captured this photo:
