The internet is buzzing with the shocking story of Ruby Franke, the once-beloved “8 Passengers” YouTube mom. If you haven’t heard, Franke and her business partner, Jody Hildebrandt, face six felony counts of aggravated child abuse. This horrifying case involves allegations of emaciated children, duct tape restraints, and deep lacerations.
But how did this picture-perfect family on YouTube end up in such a horrifying situation? Join us as we delve into the unsettling timeline of the Ruby Franke case, unraveling the events that led to these deeply disturbing charges.
The Rise of “8 Passengers”: A Family Vlogging Empire
Ruby Griffiths and Kevin Franke embarked on their journey as parents in 2003, welcoming their first child into the world. Over the years, their family grew to include six children: Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve.
Fast forward to 2015, the Franke family, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, launched their YouTube channel, “8 Passengers.” Their videos, featuring their daily life, parenting style, and homeschooling adventures, quickly gained traction. The channel amassed a staggering 2 million subscribers, catapulting the Franke family into the world of YouTube stardom.
Cracks in the Facade: Controversial Parenting Techniques
While their channel showcased heartwarming moments of family life, a darker side to their parenting style began to emerge, sparking concern and outrage among viewers. Franke’s disciplinary tactics, often involving harsh punishments for seemingly minor infractions, became a point of contention.
One video depicted a jarring incident where Franke admitted to withholding lunch from her six-year-old daughter, Eve, as a consequence for forgetting to pack it. This “natural consequence” approach, as Franke described it, drew criticism for its perceived cruelty.
Further fueling the controversy was a video where Franke declared, “My kids are literally starving… I told the kids I’m not even gonna let you eat breakfast until you get your chores done.” These statements now carry a chilling weight in light of the current allegations.
Beyond food deprivation, the Franke’s disciplinary measures extended to withholding Christmas presents from their youngest children, deemed “selfish,” a decision that further alienated viewers.
Mounting Criticism and the Removal of “8 Passengers”
As the Franke’s controversial parenting techniques gained notoriety, a wave of criticism and calls for accountability swept across social media. Online communities dissected their videos, highlighting disturbing moments and questioning the well-being of the Franke children.
The mounting pressure and scrutiny ultimately led to the removal of the “8 Passengers” channel from YouTube earlier this year. While the exact reasons for the channel’s removal remain unclear, it coincided with a decline in content and growing public disapproval.
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A Troubled Teen and Whispers of Abuse
The year 2020 marked a turning point as Child Protective Services (CPS) launched an investigation into the Franke family following a Change.org petition alleging abuse.
The petition, spearheaded by concerned viewers, gained significant traction after an incident involving the Franke’s eldest son, Chad. Chad, who had been sent to Anasazi, a wilderness camp for troubled teens in Arizona, returned home and reportedly played pranks on his younger brother, Russell.
In a now-deleted video, Ruby Franke discussed Chad’s punishment, revealing that he lost his bedroom for seven months. This revelation, coupled with other concerning statements made by Franke regarding discipline, fueled suspicions of abuse.
Despite the investigation, the case was closed due to insufficient evidence. However, the seeds of doubt had been sown, and the Franke family found themselves under increased scrutiny.
A Cry for Help: A Son’s Desperate Escape
The events of August 30, 2023, sent shockwaves through the internet and exposed the horrifying reality behind the Franke family’s carefully curated online persona. Franke’s 12-year-old son, Russell, made a harrowing escape from Hildebrandt’s home, where he had been staying.
Emaciated, bearing deep lacerations, and with duct tape binding his limbs, Russell sought help from a neighbor, who immediately contacted the authorities. A chilling 911 call captured the neighbor’s account of Russell’s dire state, describing him as “emaciated,” “afraid,” and “covered in wounds.”
A Disturbing Discovery: A Daughter Found Malnourished
Responding to the neighbor’s frantic call, first responders discovered Russell’s 10-year-old sister, Eve, inside Hildebrandt’s residence. Like her brother, Eve exhibited signs of severe malnourishment and apparent abuse. Both children were immediately transported to a local hospital for medical treatment and evaluation.
The harrowing discovery of the Franke children’s condition led to the swift arrests of Ruby Franke and Jody Hildebrandt. The gravity of the situation was further underscored by police observations linking Franke to Hildebrandt’s home, including her presence in a YouTube video filmed at the residence just two days prior.
Unraveling the Connections: A Business Partner’s Role
Jody Hildebrandt, Franke’s business partner, ran her own YouTube channel, “Connections,” focused on mental health and parenting. Franke joined Hildebrandt in creating content for the channel, further intertwining their personal and professional lives.
Hildebrandt’s background as a licensed clinical mental health counselor adds another layer of complexity to the case. The fact that Franke, who had no formal training in mental health, was listed as a “certified mental fitness trainer” on the “Connections” website raises questions about their methods and qualifications.
The Aftermath: Facing the Consequences
The arrest of Ruby Franke and Jody Hildebrandt sent shockwaves through their online following and the broader public. The stark contrast between their carefully crafted online persona and the horrific allegations of abuse sparked outrage and disbelief.
As the legal process unfolds, the Franke children remain in the protective custody of Child Protective Services. The long-lasting impact of the alleged abuse on these children is immeasurable.
This disturbing case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking behind seemingly perfect online facades. It underscores the importance of critical thinking, questioning what we see online, and speaking up when something doesn’t feel right.