Ruby Franke, the motherly figure behind the once-popular YouTube channel 8 Passengers, was arrested this week along with her business associate, Jodi Hildebrandt.
Both were taken into custody on charges of child abuse, casting a dark shadow over their respective online personas.
A “famous” parenting YouTuber has been arrested for child abuse.
— dara faye (@darafaye) August 31, 2023
She allegedly used rope&duct tape to tie up 2 of her daughters (10&12yrs), starved & abused them, leaving them emaciated. The older one escaped through a window & went to a neighbor for help.
Meet Ruby Franke. pic.twitter.com/gSztSHeq7j
A Harrowing Discovery Initiates Arrests
Based on a press release from the Santa Clara-Ivins Public Safety Department, as reported by Insider, the chain of events that led to the arrest of Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt began when a young individual managed to escape from a home in Ivins, Utah.
The residence where the child was found belonged to Jodi Hildebrandt, Ruby Franke's business associate.
The child sought refuge at a neighboring home, requesting hydration and asked for help. Upon noticing duct tape binding the child's wrists and ankles, the concerned neighbors promptly alerted law enforcement.
The juvenile was subsequently hospitalized and received medical attention for grave injuries and signs of starvation, as per the official statement.
Following this incident, another underfed juvenile was discovered in the same dwelling, exhibiting a state of physical neglect similar to that of the first child.
Authorities took this second minor to the hospital for essential medical care.
In their official communication, the Santa Clara-Ivins Public Safety Department stated that a search of the residence yielded material evidence corroborating the children's inflicted injuries.
Consequently, four minors were transferred into the custody of the Department of Child and Family Services.
Controversy Surrounding 8 Passengers and ConneXions
Ruby Franke used to be a recognizable figure on the 8 Passengers YouTube channel, chronicling the daily activities of herself, her spouse Kevin Franke, and their six kids: Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve. However, the family has been on a declining trajectory for the last three years.
Prior to being arrested, Ruby Franke enjoyed considerable fame through her YouTube channel, 8 Passengers, which had accumulated almost 2.3 million subscribers before its sudden removal from YouTube.
Jodi Hildebrandt, her business partner, operated ConneXions, a life counseling service that had faced its share of criticism for controversial parenting advice.
The service openly advocated for its "principles of truth," even if it meant overlooking the needs of one's children.
This isn't the first instance of public scrutiny for Ruby Franke or the 8 Passengers channel. In 2020, Franke faced backlash from YouTube viewers who reported her to child protective services after one of her children disclosed he had been sleeping on a beanbag for months.
Family and Legal Ramifications
Shari Franke, the eldest daughter, expressed her sentiments through her Instagram account, captioning a photo of law enforcement officers with the word "Finally."
In a subsequent Instagram Story update, Shari Franke stated, It's been a monumental day. My family and I are relieved that justice is finally taking its course.
She revealed that they have been attempting to alert law enforcement and Child Protective Services about this situation for years, and we're thankful they've at last taken action.
She went on to add that the children are now secure, although a challenging journey lies ahead. Kindly keep them in your thoughts and honor their need for privacy.
She has previously disclosed that she is not in contact with her immediate family but voiced relief that legal action is now in motion.
In the legal landscape of Utah, child abuse is a grave offense, subject to severe punishments.
The arrest of Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt signifies the gravity of the situation, especially since four minors have been placed under the protection of the Department of Child and Family Services.
Both 8 Passengers and ConneXions are now under intense public and legal scrutiny.
As the investigation into Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt's alleged child abuse unfolds, their once-celebrated platforms on YouTube and ConneXions are thrown into an uncertain future. The arrest of these two figures serves as a somber reminder of the power and responsibility that come with public life, particularly when the welfare of minors is at stake.
