Investigation Uncovers Ruby Franke’s Journey from Momfluencer to Felon
Ruby Franke, the popular YouTube vlogger known for her channel “8 Passengers,” has recently been investigated and charged with child abuse. The shocking details of her case have left viewers stunned and concerned for the well-being of her children. In this in-depth article, we delve into the evidence presented and shed light on the abuse that took place.
The investigation began when Franke’s 12-year-old son, referred to as R, escaped from the home of Jodi Hildebrandt, Franke’s former friend, therapist, and business partner. R was found 250 miles away from his family home in Springville, Utah, in a severely malnourished and stoic state. The release of Ring camera footage showed the stark contrast between his appearance in Franke’s vlogs and his current condition.
Franke and Hildebrandt were sentenced to up to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to four felony counts of second-degree, aggravated child abuse. Their two youngest children, R and his 9-year-old sister E, were the victims of this abuse. However, there was no evidence found that the two oldest children or the middle two teenage daughters were physically abused. Concerns about the children’s well-being had been raised by viewers as early as 2020, with a Change.org petition calling for an investigation into their welfare.
The newly released evidence includes body camera footage, interrogation tapes, crime scene photos, and jail calls, painting a picture of horrific abuse inflicted on R and E. Franke’s journal detailed the isolation, deprivation of food and shelter, and physical and emotional abuse the children endured. The abuse began in May 2023 when Franke brought R and E to Hildebrandt’s home.
In July 2023, Franke wrote in her journal about R’s birthday, where he was forced to stand outside all day in extreme heat as part of his punishment. The abuse escalated, with Franke and Hildebrandt convincing the children that they needed to repent for their sins and that jail was the only way to absolve themselves. R attempted to escape in July, leaving a message in pebbles spelling out “Jail. I will call when I get there.”
The moment of freedom came when R rang a neighbor’s doorbell, asking to be led to the nearest police station. He believed he needed to complete the repentance process and go to jail. His sister, E, was found by officers in Hildebrandt’s home in a closet, scared and reluctant to leave. She ate a pizza offered by first responders, showing signs of severe emotional abuse.
Franke and Hildebrandt’s online personas as life coaches were vastly different from their true selves. They ran a business called ConneXions and posted videos offering self-help tips and discussing parenting. The abuse took place behind closed doors while they maintained their public image. Franke’s estranged husband, Kevin Franke, was initially considered a suspect but was quickly cleared of any involvement.
Currently, R and E are in foster care together and are reported to be doing much better. They have gained weight, look healthy, and have returned to their hobbies. Their father, Kevin, is seeking custody of his four minor children and has filed for divorce.
The shocking revelations surrounding Ruby Franke’s journey from momfluencer to felon have left many questioning the dark side of social media fame. The case serves as a reminder that what we see online may not always reflect reality, and it is crucial to be vigilant about the well-being of those we follow online.
