Ruby Franke, the matriarch of the infamous YouTube family vlogging channel 8 Passengers, has become the subject of national attention and outrage. Her criminal charges, centered around the abuse of her own children, astounded the world. This story, highlighted by Hulu’s Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, chronicles the unraveling of a seemingly perfect family. What led to her downfall, and where is she now? Here’s an in-depth look at the timeline of events and the consequences she faces.
The Rise of the 8 Passengers Channel
In 2015, Ruby Franke launched her YouTube channel 8 Passengers, which quickly became popular for offering a behind-the-scenes look into her family’s daily life. The channel documented everything from homeschooling routines to mealtime moments, capturing the lives of her husband Kevin and their six children: daughters Shari, Abby, Julie, and Eve, and sons Chad and Russell. When the channel began, their children ranged in age from 1-year-old Eve to 11-year-old Shari.
Franke’s mission was clear. As she described in an early video, her dream was to be a stay-at-home mom, cooking for her family and raising children. However, as the years went by, the content of the channel began to raise questions. Although at its peak, the channel earned up to $100,000 a month, it was also becoming clear that the Frankes’ parenting methods were controversial.
Controversial Parenting Methods and Growing Suspicion
As the Franke family grew more well-known, viewers began to take notice of certain troubling behavior exhibited on their videos. Among the most concerning were instances of harsh punishment, which many felt were abusive. For example, Ruby was seen refusing to bring her 6-year-old daughter, Eve, lunch at school when she forgot to pack it. Additionally, the family’s sons, Chad and Russell, were reportedly denied dinner after a wrestling incident, and Eve was forced to sleep on the bathroom floor after an accident. These extreme actions, shown to millions, sparked a growing concern.
In one of the more disturbing punishments, Ruby and her husband Kevin made their son Chad sleep without a bed for seven months as punishment for a prank. Such videos began to stir controversy, with many viewers expressing concern over the welfare of the children. Despite the mounting criticism, Ruby continued to post similar content, leading to increasing scrutiny.
A Dangerous Partnership: Ruby and Jodi Hildebrandt
In a disturbing turn, Ruby sought the guidance of a family therapist, Jodi Hildebrandt, who would soon play a pivotal role in the family’s downward spiral. Hildebrandt’s controversial methods, combined with Ruby’s vulnerable state, made for a toxic combination. Ruby became more and more influenced by Hildebrandt’s beliefs and practices. Together, they even launched a podcast and social media presence under the name Moms of Truth, where they promoted their philosophy of strict discipline and emotional control.
However, as the relationship between Ruby and Jodi deepened, the situation worsened for the children. Kevin Franke, Ruby’s ex-husband, later shared that he felt things started spiraling out of control when Jodi entered their lives. Ruby became increasingly isolated from her family, even moving into Hildebrandt’s home in Ivins, Utah, with the two younger children. This left her teenage daughters, Abby and Julie, alone in the family’s original home in Springville, Utah, a few hours away.
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The Arrest That Horrified the World
The culmination of the disturbing events came in August 2023 when Ruby Franke’s 12-year-old son managed to escape from Jodi Hildebrandt’s home. The boy ran to a neighbor’s house, begging for help, and police were called. Upon arrival, authorities discovered that he had been bound with duct tape and showed clear signs of physical abuse and malnourishment. As they searched further, they found Ruby’s 9-year-old daughter hiding in a closet, also severely malnourished.
An investigation revealed the horrific conditions the children were forced to endure. They were denied basic necessities like food, water, and sleep. They were subjected to grueling physical labor, forced to carry heavy boxes and stand for hours on end without rest. In extreme heat, the children worked outside without proper clothing, suffering both physically and emotionally. The case details show that they were regularly beaten, and the children were manipulated into believing that they deserved such abuse.
Ruby Franke’s Prison Sentence: How Long Will She Serve?
In December 2023, Ruby Franke was formally charged with six counts of aggravated child abuse. She pleaded guilty to four of those counts, acknowledging that she had tortured her children. Franke, influenced by Jodi Hildebrandt’s teachings, later claimed that she believed her children were possessed, which led her to subject them to abuse in an attempt to rid them of these supposed demons. Her statements revealed a deep delusion, as she expressed regret for her actions but continued to justify them through a distorted lens.
In February 2024, Ruby Franke was sentenced to 4 to 60 years in prison, while Jodi Hildebrandt received the same sentence. Both women must serve at least four years, with the possibility of serving up to 30 years. At her sentencing, Ruby made a public statement, admitting that she had been trapped in a dark delusion for years, one that led her to isolate herself from anyone who challenged her behavior. She expressed sorrow for the harm done to her children and claimed that she had believed she was doing what was best for them.
Ruby Franke’s Current Location: Where Is She Now?
Currently, Ruby Franke is incarcerated at the Utah State Correctional Facility in Salt Lake City. She has been held there since her sentencing in early 2024. Jodi Hildebrandt is also serving her sentence at the same facility, though the two are housed in separate sections of the prison’s Dell housing unit, which is designated for women. Despite their separation, there is a possibility that they may cross paths during their time at the facility, as they share the same programming times and facilities.
While Ruby and Jodi are serving time in the same facility, they are not in direct contact with each other on a regular basis. However, their shared incarceration marks the end of their influence on the Franke family, as well as the end of their harmful teachings that once dominated the lives of Ruby’s children.
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