The shocking story of former “mom influencer” Ruby Franke and her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt has sent ripples of disbelief and anger across the internet. Accused of running what can only be described as a “house of horrors,” the pair face serious charges of child abuse, leaving many to wonder how such darkness could exist behind a carefully curated online persona.
A Harrowing Escape and a Cry for Help
The case unfolded when Franke’s 12-year-old son, identified as RF, bravely escaped from Hildebrandt’s home in Ivins, Utah. Emaciated, with duct tape binding his wrists and ankles, he sought help from a neighbor, his plea for rescue captured in a heart-wrenching 911 call.
“Can you take me to the police station?” RF, visibly frail and wearing only socks on his feet, asks the neighbor. He describes his harrowing escape, his words a testament to the abuse he endured.
Responding officers found RF with deep cuts from being bound and evidence of malnourishment. His escape exposed a disturbing truth: he wasn’t alone.
Uncovering the Truth: A House of Silent Suffering
RF’s escape led to the discovery of his younger sister, EF, inside Hildebrandt’s home. Found in a closet, her head shaved and exhibiting signs of extreme fear, EF’s silence spoke volumes. Hours passed before she responded to officers’ questions, accepting a small pizza, which she ate entirely – a heartbreaking indication of prolonged hunger.
The subsequent investigation revealed a house filled with chilling evidence of abuse. Rope, duct tape, and Saran wrap, tools of restraint, were found throughout the house. A mixture of honey and cayenne pepper, allegedly applied to RF’s wounds, added a cruel and unusual element to the abuse.
A Trail of Disturbing Discoveries
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Caption: Images released by authorities showcased the disturbing conditions inside the home, including evidence of restraints and a spartan room allegedly used as punishment.
A small trampoline, intended for children’s play, was allegedly used as a tool of punishment, forcing the children to jump for hours in the scorching Utah heat. A basement room, sparsely furnished and equipped with weights, suggested a disturbing regimen of physical torment.
Despite the presence of a fully stocked pantry, both RF and EF were severely malnourished, indicating a deliberate withholding of food. The stark contrast between the readily available food and the children’s emaciated conditions underscores the calculated cruelty they endured.
A Mother’s Silence and a Business Partner’s Chilling Demeanor
Franke, who had driven hundreds of miles to Hildebrandt’s home, reportedly never inquired about the wellbeing of her own children. In police interviews, both women remained largely silent, invoking their right to an attorney.
However, recorded jailhouse phone calls painted a disturbing picture. Franke, while expressing some remorse, seemed more concerned with her public image. Hildebrandt, on the other hand, seemed unfazed, expressing contentment with her potential prison sentence, viewing it as an opportunity to continue “teaching the gospel.”
Seeking Justice: The Long Road to Healing
RF and EF were placed in foster care, their father fighting to regain custody. The case sparked outrage and disbelief, leading many to question how such abuse could occur under the guise of parenting advice and self-improvement.
As the legal process unfolds, many are left grappling with the disturbing details of the case, hoping that justice will prevail and that RF and EF receive the support and care they need to heal from the trauma they endured.