Family vlogs often present a curated version of life filled with joy, laughter, and relatable parenting moments. Ruby Franke’s YouTube channel, 8Passengers, was the same. It showcased the daily life of Ruby, her husband Kevin, and their six children. However, as the saying goes, not everything that glitters is gold. Beneath the surface, a troubling narrative was unfolding—a narrative that has since led to Ruby Franke and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, being sentenced to up to 30 years in prison for aggravated child abuse.
Table of Contents
The Rise and Fall of 8Passengers
From Family Fun to Allegations
Ruby Franke launched 8Passengers in 2015, quickly amassing over 2 million subscribers. The channel featured various aspects of family life, from school runs to family dinners. However, the seemingly innocuous content began to raise eyebrows. In 2020, viewers were appalled when Ruby revealed that her son Chad had been sleeping on a beanbag chair for seven months as punishment for pranking his brother. It was just the tip of the iceberg.
When Parenting Becomes Punitive
Allegations of child abuse became more frequent as Ruby Franke’s punitive parenting methods came to light. Withholding food as punishment and publicly shaming her children were just some of the actions that viewers found disturbing. Despite thousands of viewers signing a petition calling for an investigation into this matter, initially, it was closed due to lack of evidence. Ruby defended herself by saying she made choices in everything, but people did not believe her.
The Horrifying Discovery
An Escape for Survival
In a dramatic turn of events, Ruby Franke’s twelve-year-old son one day escaped from Jodi Hildebrandt’s home. He ran next door, seeking help from a neighbour who called the police after seeing him emaciated with open wounds, stating he hadn’t eaten or drunk anything for days. The police were immediately called, and their investigation led to the discovery of Ruby’s 10-year-old daughter in a similarly malnourished state.
The Aftermath
Both children were rushed to the hospital and subsequently placed under the care of Utah’s Department of Child and Family Services. Ruby and Jodi were arrested and charged with multiple counts of felony child abuse. The Washington County Attorney’s Office accused them of causing severe physical and emotional harm to the children, crimes that carry up to 15 years in prison per count.
The ConneXions Controversy
A New Venture with Old Problems
After the 8Passengers fallout, Ruby Franke joined forces with Jodi Hildebrandt, a controversial life coach, for a new venture called ConneXions. Marketed as a support group for mothers, the platform quickly gained notoriety for its authoritarian teachings. Critics labelled it a “cult,” citing harmful directives such as children not deserving unconditional love or privacy.
Legal and Ethical Violations
Jodi Hildebrandt’s past was already marred by controversy. She had been put on probation by the Utah Clinical Mental Health Counselor Licensing Board for discussing a patient’s case without permission. YouTube eventually took down the duo’s ConneXions platform following their arrests.
The Legal Battle
Denial of Bail and Custody Hearings
Both Ruby and Jodi were denied bail due to the severity of the injuries inflicted on the children. During a shelter hearing, Ruby attempted to shift blame onto her children, alleging that one of them was sexually abusive—a claim made without evidence.
Medical Issues in Custody
Shortly after their arrest, both women were placed under medical observation. While details remain unclear, Jodi’s attorney claimed she experienced a life-threatening medical issue requiring hospitalization. Ruby also faced medical problems but returned to the general population shortly after.
The Niece Speaks Out
A Family Member’s Horrifying Account
Jodi Hildebrandt’s niece, Jessi Hildebrandt, came forward with her allegations of severe emotional and psychological abuse. Jessi described being duct-taped, blindfolded, and isolated for up to 12 hours a day. She accused Jodi of labelling her a “sex/porn addict” and subjecting her to extreme measures under the guise of therapy.
Cultural Implications
Jessi also highlighted the role of the Mormon church in perpetuating a culture of disbelief towards children. Despite numerous complaints against Jodi, she continued to receive support from the church, further complicating the situation.
The Grim Confessions
Admissions of Abuse
In a plea agreement, Ruby Franke admitted to horrific acts of abuse, including smothering her son underwater and binding his feet with handcuffs. She claimed these actions were “acts of love” meant to rid her children of evil spirits. Ruby also admitted to forcing her 9-year-old daughter to run barefoot on dirt roads and perform manual labour without adequate food and water.
The Sentencing
Both Ruby and Jodi were sentenced to up to 30 years in prison. Ruby apologized to her children at her sentencing, attributing her actions to a “dark delusion.” Jodi expressed love for the children and hoped they would heal.
Conclusion: Ruby Franke Kids Wounds – Shocking Truth Revealed
The story of Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt is a tragic example of how extreme beliefs and unchecked authority can lead to devastating consequences. 8Passengers viewers have sensed something was wrong for years, but the full extent of the abuse only came to light through a series of harrowing events.
This case strongly reminds parents, educators and social workers about the need for vigilance and intervention. If you suspect that a child is being abused, do not hesitate to report it to the relevant authorities. Your actions can save a life.