Seeking Solace: Ruby Franke’s Children Face Long Road to Recovery

The heartbreaking case of Ruby Franke, the once-popular “8 Passengers” YouTuber who pled guilty to aggravated child abuse, continues to unfold. Franke, along with her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt, subjected two of her children to horrific abuse, leaving them with deep physical and emotional scars. As the sentencing date looms, a new development reveals the immense challenges these young survivors face on their road to healing.

Unfathomable Abuse, Unforgettable Trauma

Franke and Hildebrandt’s cruelty knew no bounds. Court documents and plea agreements paint a grim picture of forced labor under scorching heat, resulting in blisters and burns. One child endured the agonizing pain of being bound, while both suffered from severe malnourishment and dehydration. Franke admitted to unspeakable acts of violence, including kicking her 12-year-old son with boots and holding his head underwater. Hildebrandt, meanwhile, forced Franke’s 9-year-old daughter to endure the excruciating pain of jumping into a cactus.

But the abuse went far beyond the physical. Franke and Hildebrandt subjected these children to a twisted form of psychological manipulation, forcing them to “repent” and accept punishment as “good” for them. These deeply disturbing tactics have left invisible wounds that may take years to heal.

“The emotional and spiritual abuse… that’s what will take years to recover from,” shared Jesse Hildebrandt, Jodi’s niece, in an interview. A victim of Jodi’s abuse herself, Jesse’s words carry the weight of personal experience.

The High Cost of Healing

While the physical scars may fade, the psychological and emotional trauma inflicted on these children requires extensive professional care. Newly filed court documents reveal the children are currently receiving ongoing therapy and treatment, with costs covered by the state due to their current custody status. However, their father, Kevin Franke, who is actively seeking full custody, is acutely aware that the financial burden of their long-term care will soon fall upon him.

Kevin Franke’s attorney, in a compelling argument for restitution from Jodi Hildebrandt, states, “The children will require long-term Professional Care Moving Forward likely for many years…[and] once the juvenile court matter concludes the cost…will fall upon the children and their father.”

The Fight for Restitution

Citing Utah’s Crime Victims Restitution Act, Kevin Franke’s legal team argues that Jodi Hildebrandt should bear the financial responsibility for the extensive care his children require. The court filing highlights Hildebrandt’s significant assets, including a $5.1 million home, financial accounts, and other personal property.

However, the court must also consider Hildebrandt’s existing financial obligations and potential creditors. A delicate balance needs to be struck between ensuring the children receive the crucial care they need and fairly assessing Hildebrandt’s financial capacity.

:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1354338144-3c028e359bdc47258a7f173235bb3805.jpg)
Image Description: A luxurious home, symbolizing the assets potentially available for restitution in the Ruby Franke case.

To prevent the potential dissipation of assets, Kevin Franke is seeking an emergency order to restrict Hildebrandt from selling or transferring any property until the restitution matter is resolved.

Seeking Justice, Finding Hope

As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on securing the resources and support these children need to navigate the long and arduous journey of healing. While the road ahead is undeniably challenging, their resilience, coupled with access to appropriate care and the unwavering love of their father, offers a glimmer of hope for a brighter future.