Journal entries of the YouTube mom of 8 Passengers, Ruby Franke, who was sentenced to abusing her own children, are now being released. In the censored entries, Franke consistently asserted that her son was under the influence of a malevolent force.
In a journal entry dated July 11, 2023, she characterized it as a significant day for malevolence and recounted an incident where she propelled her son into the water and obstructed his airways with her hand.
She justified this action as a means to aid the boy. The released journal entries, made public by the Washington County Attorney's Office, predominantly focused on two of Franke's six children.
Journal Entries Released From YouTube Mom Ruby Franke
The identities of the children were concealed, with the daughter, aged 9, referred to as "E," and the son, aged 12, as "R."
"R was instructed to stand under the sun wearing his sun hat," Franke penned on July 11, 2023.
The mom influencer also wrote that "R" showed defiance, or what she interpreted as his malevolent presence, and favored staying in shaded areas. She urged 'R' into the sunlight. Despite her attempts, 'R' returned to the shade.
In reaction, she fetched a cactus poker. Despite prodding 'R' on the back to bring him into the light, 'R' remained unresponsive. She then poked 'R' on the neck. He stayed in a trance-like state, seemingly unaffected by the physical sensation. Jodi stepped in, tapping 'R's cheeks to awaken him.
Franke also recounted on the same day how her son was coerced into a pool, and she tightly sealed his airways with her hand.
In another entry dated July 12, 2023, Franke detailed an incident where she sheared off her daughter's hair and subjected her to a dousing with water in what she referred to as the "dog wash." Franke quoted her daughter as expressing a desire to escape, to which Jodi cautioned her about the unknown consequences awaiting her.
Footage of "R" Escaping and Asking for Help Released
Recently, prosecutors released footage of "R," Franke's 12-year-old child, shortly after escaping from Hildebrandt's property and seeking assistance at a neighbor's house.
In the video, "R" is seen ringing the doorbell of one house, waiting patiently for a response. However, he then proceeds to another house, where he seeks help from an elderly man.
A home security video dated Aug. 30, 2023, captures Franke's son asking a neighbor for assistance.
"What can I do for you?" the neighbor inquired.
"Could you take me to the nearest police station?" the boy requested. "Actually, just one favor is enough."
The neighbor instructed the boy to sit on the front porch and inquired about what had happened. A woman from the household examined the boy's injuries, offered him water and food, and expressed concern about his condition.
While calling the police, the man described the boy's injuries, mentioning duct tape and sores. The woman emphasized the immediate need for medical attention for "R," noting his thin appearance, lack of shoes, and walking only in socks.
Extreme Religious Beliefs of Jodi Hildebrandt and Ruby Franke
In February, Franke was sentenced to four prison terms ranging from one to 15 years each. Similarly, her partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, received identical sentences.
The arrests of both women occurred in August 2023 after they admitted guilt to four charges of second-degree aggravated child abuse. This came to light when authorities discovered one of Franke's sons severely malnourished, with visible wounds, and bound with duct tape, after escaping to a neighbor's residence.
Furthermore, one of Franke's daughters was found in a similarly neglected state at Hildebrandt's residence.
According to a case summary from the Washington County Attorney's Office, the women justified their abusive actions as necessary for the children to repent for supposed sins and expel malevolent spirits from their bodies.
The family gained prominence through their YouTube channel, "8 Passengers," known for its contentious content.
Franke, alongside her husband Kevin Franke and their six children, amassed over 2 million subscribers before the channel's termination. Kevin Franke later initiated divorce proceedings following her arrest.
During sentencing, Franke expressed regret to her children, acknowledging her misguided beliefs and the harm inflicted upon them.
"I was lost in confusion, mistaking darkness for light and wrong for right," she admitted. "I would go to any lengths for you. I robbed you of all that was gentle, secure, and pure."
Hildebrandt also shared her sentiments, expressing hope for the children's physical and emotional recovery.
"I chose not to proceed to trial to shield them from reliving the trauma, which would have been detrimental," she disclosed. "My fervent wish is for their healing and flourishing in the future."
